Fried Yucca with Huancaína Sauce
A classic Peruvian dish, Yucas Fritas con Salsa Huancaina combines crispy fried cassava sticks with a creamy, spicy cheese sauce. It's a popular appetizer or side dish full of rich flavors and vibrant colors. This dish perfectly balances the textures of crunchiness from the cassava and creaminess from the sauce.

Ingredients
Cassava
- large yuccas (cassava)2
- Salt, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Huancaina Sauce
- ricotta cheese300g
- fresh yellow peppers, seeded7
- small onion, chopped1
- milk2/3cup
- garlic clove, minced1
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
117.3kcal (5.86%)
Protein
8.8g (17.52%)
Carbs
4.7g (1.69%)
Sugars
4.5g (8.98%)
Healthy Fat
2.1g
Unhealthy Fat
5.1g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
How to make Fried Yucca with Huancaína Sauce
Prepare the Yucca
- Step 1
Wash and peel the yuccas.
- Step 2
Cut each yucca into 2 or 3 sections, depending on size.
- Step 3
Cook in salted water until tender, then drain and let cool completely
- Step 4
Once cool, cut the yucca into sticks. These can be fried immediately or frozen for later use.
Fry the Yucca
- Step 1
Heat oil in a frying pan.
- Step 2
Fry the cassava sticks in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
- Step 3
Remove and drain on paper towels. Season with salt.
Make the Huancaina Sauce
- Step 1
Blend the seeded yellow peppers and milk until smooth.
- Step 2
In a pan, sauté the onion in a tablespoon of oil until translucent.
- Step 3
Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute.
- Step 4
Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the pepper mixture in the blender.
- Step 5
Add the ricotta cheese and blend again until very creamy.
- Step 6
Add a little more oil if needed for consistency.
Serve
- Step 1
Serve the fried yucca hot, accompanied by the creamy Huancaína sauce
- Step 2
It can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish with your favorite meat.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
117.3kcal (5.86%)
Protein
8.8g (17.52%)
Carbs
4.7g (1.69%)
Sugars
4.5g (8.98%)
Healthy Fat
2.1g
Unhealthy Fat
5.1g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Tips & Tricks
If fresh yellow chili peppers are unavailable, use a paste or canned version, adjusting the amount to control spiciness.
Ensure the cassava is thoroughly dried before frying to achieve maximum crispiness.
FAQS
Can I use a different type of cheese for the sauce?
Yes, you can substitute ricotta cheese if queso fresco is unavailable.
Can I use frozen yucca for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought frozen yucca. Just boil and cool before frying.
How should I store leftovers?
The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently. Fried cassava should be consumed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day and re-crisped in the oven.
What can I serve with this dish?
Pair with grilled meats or serve as a standalone appetizer. Garnish with chopped parsley for added color.
Can I prepare the cassava in advance?
Yes, you can boil the cassava in advance and fry it just before serving.
Loading reviews...
Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia