Ingredients
Fries
- 1 1/2 lb frozen peeled yuca (cassava) packaged for cooking; not ready-to-heat fries
- 6 cups water for boiling; discard after cooking
- 1 tsp salt divided
- 4 cups canola oil for frying in a deep heavy pot; adjust pot size to provide 1 1/2 inches depth without filling more than halfway
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Deep heavy Dutch oven
- 1 Frying thermometer
- 1 Colander
- 1 Wire rack over a rimmed sheet pan
- 1 Knife and cutting board
- 1 Long-handled slotted spoon
- Measuring jug and spoons
Instructions
Boil, dry, and fry
- Pour 6 cups of water into a large pot, add 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and bring to a boil.
- Carefully add the frozen yuca. Return to a boil, reduce to a steady simmer, and cook until fully fork-tender, about 20–30 minutes, or longer if the package directs. Never eat raw or undercooked cassava. Drain and discard the cooking water.
- Cool until safe to handle. Remove and discard any woody central strands. Cut into wedges about 1/2–3/4 inch thick. Spread on a rack and let dry for about 15 minutes; pat away all surface moisture.
- Heat the oil to 350°F in a deep heavy Dutch oven, leaving generous headroom and never filling it more than halfway. Lower dry wedges carefully into the oil in small batches. Fry for 3–5 minutes until lightly golden, turning as needed. Return oil to 350°F between batches.
- Lift with a slotted spoon and drain on the rack. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and serve promptly. Let the oil cool completely before handling or disposing of it.
Video
Notes
Estimated cost: USD $6.50 for the whole recipe, about $1.63 per side serving. Estimate includes 1 1/2 lb packaged yuca ($4.00), the 4-cup frying-oil pool ($2.45), and salt ($0.05); actual absorbed oil is lower and variable. Prices vary. Follow your cassava package’s full cooking directions; this recipe is not for unknown or bitter cassava. Refrigerate leftovers promptly for up to 3–4 days and reheat until steaming hot; texture softens.
Video: Chef Zee Cooks, originally uploaded 2024-09-19T14:41:04-07:00. The video shows peeling fresh yuca; this card starts with packaged frozen peeled yuca and retains the boil, dry, and fry method.
