Grilled Yuca with Garlic Mojo Sauce

Grilled Yuca with Garlic Mojo Sauce is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and drenched in garlicky goodness. In other words, potatoes might need to watch their back.

Grilled Yuca with Garlic Mojo Sauce

Move over potatoes, there’s a new sheriff in town, and her name is yuca. If you’ve never tried yuca before, get ready for a crispy, golden, flavor-packed side dish that deserves way more attention.

These grilled yuca sticks are brushed with a bold garlic mojo sauce and cooked until beautifully crisp around the edges. They’re smoky, garlicky, slightly tangy, and honestly hard to stop eating. Fair warning, regular fries may start feeling a little insecure.

The mojo sauce is the real star here. It’s similar to chimichurri, but with garlic, herbs, onion, and just enough heat to keep things interesting. However, it won’t set your mouth on fire unless you want it to. So if you like things mild, you’re safe. If you like things spicy, go ahead and get dramatic with the hot sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Yuca

• Crispy outside, tender inside
• A delicious alternative to fries
• Perfect for summer grilling
• Pairs beautifully with meats and BBQ
• The garlic mojo sauce is ridiculously good

Why Grill Yuca Instead of Frying It?

The main reason I grill yuca is simple: when I’m already outside grilling meats, I refuse to run back into the kitchen and start frying things like a maniac. The whole point is to enjoy the company, not disappear indoors while everyone else is having fun.

Besides, grilling gives the yuca an amazing texture. You still get that crispy exterior, but without hovering over a pot of oil. So yes, it’s easier, less messy, and still completely delicious.

How to Make Grilled Yuca

To make this grilled yuca with garlic mojo sauce, start by peeling the yuca and boiling it until fork-tender. Then cut it into long sticks and coat each piece with that glorious mojo sauce. You can even do this part ahead of time and grill when needed, which is always a beautiful thing.

At this point, they already look amazing. But trust me, resist the urge to eat them straight from the pan. The grill is where the magic happens.

My gas grill has a second rack up top that works perfectly for yuca. If yours doesn’t, just place them away from direct flames on a cooler part of the grill. That way, they crisp up without burning.

Close the lid, give them a few minutes, and boom, crispy grilled yuca that might just ruin regular fries for you forever. Also, do not forget to save extra mojo sauce for dipping because that would be a tragedy.

What Makes the Garlic Mojo Sauce So Good?

Because the yuca sits in that mojo before grilling, every bite gets loaded with flavor. The sauce seeps in, the edges crisp up, and suddenly this humble root vegetable is out here behaving like the star of the meal.

So yes, the sauce is technically a dipping sauce. But it also doubles as the reason people will keep reaching for one more piece. And then another. And maybe a few more after that.

Serving Ideas

Serve this grilled yuca as a summer side dish with grilled chicken, steak, burgers, or sausages. It also works beautifully as an appetizer with extra mojo on the side.

Basically, if there is a grill involved, this yuca belongs there, too.

I hope you can give this delicious grilled yuca with garlic mojo sauce a try. If you do, please upload a pic on Instagram and tag me @Livingsweetmoments or use the hashtag #LivingSweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does yuca taste like?
Yuca is mild and slightly nutty, with a texture that is firmer and starchier than potatoes.

Do you have to boil yuca before grilling?
Yes. Boiling the yuca first makes it tender inside, then the grill crisps up the outside.

Can I make grilled yuca ahead of time?
Yes. Boil and coat the yuca with mojo in advance, then grill just before serving.

Is yuca the same as cassava?
Yes. Yuca and cassava are two names for the same root vegetable.

Print Recipe

5 from 7 votes

Grilled Yuca with Garlic Mojo Sauce (Crispy Cassava Recipe)

Grilled yuca with garlic mojo sauce that is crispy on the outside and tender inside. A flavorful cassava side dish perfect for grilling and BBQs.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time35 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Latin

Keyword: bbq side dishes, bbqs, garlic mojo sauce, grilled yuca, side dishes, yuca recipes

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 384kcal

Author: Tiffany Bendayan

Ingredients

For Grilled Yuca

• 5 lbs Yuca peeled and cut into strips
• Water
• Salt

For Garlic Mojo Sauce

• 3 Tablespoons Minced Onion
• 3 Cloves Garlic crushed
• 3 Tablespoons Parsley minced
• 3 Tablespoons Cilantro minced
• 2 Tablespoons Hot Sauce
• 1/4 Cup + 2 Tablespoons of Red Wine Vinegar
• 1/2 Cup + 1 Tablespoon of Vegetable Oil
• Salt And Pepper to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

FOR YUCA

• Boil yuca in salted water until fork tender, about 15–20 minutes. Do not overcook
• Drain and cut into thick sticks
• Remove the fibrous center from each piece
• Let the yuca cool slightly

FOR MOJO SAUCE

• In a bowl, combine onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, hot sauce, vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well

FOR GRILLED YUCA

• Brush each piece of yuca generously with mojo sauce
• Place on grill over indirect heat and close the lid
• Grill for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy and golden
• Serve with extra mojo sauce for dipping

Notes

- Remove the fibrous center for the best texture
- Do not overcook the yuca, or it will fall apart
- Use indirect heat to prevent burning
- You can bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes if you do not have a grill
- Adjust hot sauce to taste*If you prefer it mild. Use less hot sauce

Nutrition

Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 84mg | Potassium: 527mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 115IU | Vitamin C: 42.3mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 0.6mg

You May Also Like

Cheese Stuffed Yuca Balls With Cilantro Aioli

The Best Tequeños Recipe

Spicy Guacamole Plantain Cups