Grilled Yuca Sticks with Mojo Garlic Lime Sauce

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

Crisp grilled yuca sticks served with a zesty garlic and lime mojo sauce, a popular Salvadoran street snack. This latin american-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes blends divided salt, water, divided olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 230 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 230 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lb peeled and cut yuca sticks in a large pot; cover with 6 cups water and 1/2 tbsp salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes until yuca is just tender but not falling apart; drain and pat dry.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Toss cooked yuca sticks with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1/2 tbsp salt evenly.
  3. Step 3: Grill yuca sticks for 3-4 minutes per side until grill marks appear and edges are slightly crispy.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro to make the mojo sauce.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled yuca sticks hot with mojo garlic lime sauce drizzled on top or for dipping, offering a bright contrast to the starchy yuca.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Yuca Sticks with Mojo Garlic Lime Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Yuca Sticks with Mojo Garlic Lime Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Yuca Sticks with Mojo Garlic Lime Sauce?

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 Grilled Yuca Sticks with Mojo Garlic Lime Sauce 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 Grilled Yuca Sticks with Mojo Garlic Lime Sauce 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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