Bacon & Garlic Infused Yuca is an upgrade to a common recipe I use when making several of my Latin dishes. The creaminess of Yuca also known as Cassava infused with Bacon, Garlic, Onions and spices pairs well with any of your favorite proteins. With so many options and flavor profiles you can create with this root vegetable, Garlic is always found somewhere in the mix.

Yuca, while a main source of Carbohydrates, is a good source of Vitamin C, low in sodium, cholesterol and saturated fats. It is a great alternative to your favorite Potato and holds up well in many recipes cooked all around the world. It is mild tasting with a little nutty and sweet flavor profile and when prepared right, the flesh will be tender and delicious.

While you can certainly purchase the root vegetable, peel and prepare them which is as fresh as you can go. Most grocery stores have a freezer section with a frozen selection of Yuca that taste just as good as the fresh version. It saves time and energy and can be kept in your freezer until you want to use it again.

Bacon & Garlic Infused Yuca just brings a world of creaminess, smokey Bacon, caramelized Onions and lots of Garlic to every bite. I mean how could you not want to experience those flavors? If you have a little time and looking for something simple and full of flavor, give this recipe a try and I promise it will not disappoint.

Bacon & Garlic Infused Yuca

Creamy tender Yuca infused with Bacon, Onion & Garlic
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Spanish
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven Pot with lid
  • Deep Pot with Lid
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 6 Slices of Bacon Sliced thinly

Produce

  • 1 1/2 pounds Yuca Fresh or frozen
  • 1 Large Yellow Onion Sliced thinly
  • 1/4 cup Scallions Sliced thinly for garnish
  • 2 Cloves of Garlic Finely chopped

Seasonings

  • 1 tbsp Garlic Herb Seasoning No salt
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Optional for spice
  • Salt
  • Black Pepper

Condiment

  • 1/4 cup White Vinegar

Oil

  • 1 cup Vegetable Oil May substitute for your choice of oil

Instructions
 

Yuca Preparation

  • Place Yuca sections into Deep Pot filled with water. Salt generously and bring to rapid boil on high. Cover with lid and let it boil for 45 minutes or until Yuca is creamy and fork tender. Cooking time will vary on the size of the root vegetable.

Bacon & Garlic Oil

  • Heat Dutch Oven Pot on medium/high and drizzle with Oil.
  • Add sliced Bacon and begin cooking it until fat renders and begins to brown.
  • Add sliced Onion & chopped Garlic and continue the cooking process until Onions begins to soften and garlic is fragrant.
  • Proceed to add Garlic Herb Seasoning, Onion Powder, Red Pepper Flakes (optional), a generous pinch of Salt & Pepper, Vinegar & Vegetable Oil. Stir to incorporate flavors together. Lower cooking temperature to medium and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes stirring occassionally.

Bacon & Garlic Infused Yuca

  • Using a Slotted Cooking Spoon, gently scoop the Yuca out of liquid and place directly into Oil mixture. Use this time to pull any straggler fiber cords initially not removed from the center of Yuca.
  • Gently stir the Yuca into the infused Oil to coat them thoroughly. You may taste at this time to see if additional seasonings are needed. Turn cooking temperature down to low, cover with lid and let the Yuca absorb the flavors. The longer it sits, the better the flavor.

Serving

  • Top off with some sliced Scallions. Pairs well with your favorite Chicken, Pork, Beef or Fish dish. You can also enjoy this on its own. Enjoy!!!
Keyword Bacon, Garlic, Onions, yuca