Fried Cassava Sticks with Spicy Garlic Aioli

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden fried cassava sticks served with a creamy, spicy garlic aioli, a popular Brazilian street food snack perfect for sharing. This brazilian-inspired street food (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs cassava (yuca) root, vegetable oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 330 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 330 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel 2 lbs cassava root and cut into 1/2-inch thick sticks. Place in a large pot of water and boil over medium-high heat for 15 minutes until just tender but not falling apart, then drain thoroughly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F. Carefully add the cassava sticks in batches and fry for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy on the outside, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle 1 tsp salt evenly over the hot sticks.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp hot sauce, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix well to create a spicy garlic aioli.
  4. Step 4: Serve the hot cassava sticks alongside the aioli for dipping, enjoying immediately while crispy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Fried Cassava Sticks with Spicy Garlic Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Fried Cassava Sticks with Spicy Garlic Aioli?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cassava (yuca) root from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fried Cassava Sticks with Spicy Garlic Aioli?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Fried Cassava Sticks with Spicy Garlic Aioli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Fried Cassava Sticks with Spicy Garlic Aioli vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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