Are you looking for a gluten-free and nutrient-dense alternative to traditional flour for your frying recipes?
Look no further than cassava flour! Made from the root of the cassava plant, this neutral-tasting flour is a common ingredient in gluten-free cooking and baking.
But how can you use it specifically for frying? In this article, we’ll explore different ways to incorporate cassava flour into your frying recipes, from appetizers to main dishes.
Get ready to expand your culinary horizons and impress your taste buds with the versatility of cassava flour!
How To Use Cassava Flour In Frying?
1. Baked Cassava Fries
One of the most popular appetizers in Brazil is fried cassava, but for a healthier version, try baking them instead. Start by peeling the cassava and cutting it into medium-sized pieces. Cook the cassava in plenty of water until firm to the bite, then let it cool and remove the central fibers. Cut the cassava into potato-like shapes and place them in a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle with salt and spices as desired, add a little butter or olive oil, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until crispy.
2. Cassava Mashed Potatoes
Make cassava mashed potatoes just like you would with regular potatoes, including adding milk or sour cream. The consistency may be slightly different, but the taste and nutritional value are worth it. Season to taste with a little lemon juice.
3. Grilled Cassava
Season some cooked cassava with olive oil, salt, and pepper and place it on the grill for a few minutes. Serve as a side dish to your favorite barbecue.
4. Cassava Salad
Cut cooked cassava into small cubes and season with your favorite mayonnaise, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Chill before serving.
What Is Cassava Flour?
Cassava flour is a gluten-free flour that is made from the root of the cassava plant. The cassava root is peeled, dried, and then ground into a fine powder to create the flour. This flour has a neutral taste and a mild flavor that doesn’t significantly affect the taste of your food. It is also soft and powdery, unlike some other grain-free flours. Cassava flour is a great alternative to regular flour when baking or cooking, especially for those who are gluten intolerant or have certain allergies. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, including bread, cookies, cakes, and even as breading for fried chicken or seafood. Cassava flour is also known for its thickening properties, making it a great addition to soups, broths, and gravies. Overall, cassava flour is an excellent substitute for regular flour and can be used in many different ways in the kitchen.
Benefits Of Using Cassava Flour In Frying
Cassava flour is a great alternative to traditional wheat flour when it comes to frying. Here are some benefits of using cassava flour in frying:
1. Gluten-free and Paleo-friendly: Cassava flour is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or following a Paleo diet. It can be used to make fried foods that are both delicious and healthy.
2. High resistant starch content: Cassava flour contains high levels of resistant starch, which can help improve gut health and aid in weight loss efforts. Resistant starch also helps maintain blood sugar levels and can benefit metabolic markers such as cholesterol levels.
3. Nutrient-rich: Cassava flour is packed with nutrients such as fiber, vitamin C, and several B vitamins, including niacin, riboflavin, and thiamine. It also contains antioxidants that promote healthy skin and organ function.
4. Versatile: Cassava flour can be used in a variety of fried foods, from crispy fried chicken to tempura vegetables. It can also be used as a coating for fish or shrimp.
5. Easy to use: Cassava flour is easy to work with and can be used in the same way as traditional wheat flour when it comes to frying. Simply coat your food in cassava flour before frying it up for a crispy, delicious result.
Tips For Frying With Cassava Flour
Cassava flour is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many recipes, including as a breading for fried foods. Here are some tips for frying with cassava flour:
1. Bring the meat to room temperature before frying. This will help it cook more evenly.
2. Use a combination of palm shortening and coconut oil for frying. Heat the fats over medium-high heat until they reach 350°.
3. Combine the cassava flour with salt and pepper in a large bowl. Use tongs to lift the chicken out of the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Toss the chicken pieces with the flour, making sure they get evenly covered.
4. Cook the chicken pieces as follows, flipping each piece once halfway through with metal tongs. Cook white meat to 160° and dark meat to 170° on an instant read thermometer (make sure the thermometer is not touching the bone).
5. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels for a few minutes before serving. If you leave them on the paper towels they’ll get soggy.
6. Cassava flour can be substituted for all-purpose flour in many recipes, but some experimentation may be necessary to get the recipe just right.
7. When substituting cassava flour for other flours, consider adjusting the liquid ratio as different flours have different water-soluble properties.
By following these tips, you can achieve crispy and delicious fried foods using cassava flour as a breading.
Cassava Flour Recipes For Frying
Cassava flour is a great alternative to wheat flour and can be used in many recipes for frying. Here are a few ideas to get started:
1. Cassava Flour Fried Chicken
Start by bringing the chicken to room temperature and heating the oven to 200-250°. Line a baking sheet with a rack and cover half the rack with paper towels. Combine palm shortening and coconut oil in a large, wide pot and heat over medium-high heat until both fats are melted. Attach a thermometer to the side of the pan and heat the fats until they reach 350°. Meanwhile, combine cassava flour, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use tongs to lift the chicken out of the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Toss half the chicken pieces with the flour, making sure they get evenly covered. Once the fats have reached 350°, add 3-4 pieces of chicken or however much fits in your pot without touching each other or the thermometer. Cook the pieces as follows, flipping each piece once halfway through with metal tongs. Cook white meat to 160° and dark meat to 170° on an instant read thermometer (make sure the thermometer is not touching the bone). Drain for a few minutes and serve warm or at room temperature.
2. Cassava Flour Onion Rings
Slice onions into rings and separate them. Combine cassava flour, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Dip each onion ring into beaten eggs and then coat with cassava flour mixture. Heat oil in a deep fryer or frying pan until hot. Fry onion rings until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
3. Cassava Flour Fish Fry
Combine cassava flour, salt, pepper, and your favorite spices in a large bowl. Dip fish fillets into beaten eggs and then coat with cassava flour mixture. Heat oil in a deep fryer or frying pan until hot. Fry fish fillets until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Drain on paper towels.
4. Cassava Flour Plantain Chips
Slice plantains into thin rounds and toss them with cassava flour, salt, pepper, and your favorite spices in a large bowl. Heat oil in a deep fryer or frying pan until hot. Fry plantain chips until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
With these cassava flour recipes for frying, you can enjoy your favorite fried foods without sacrificing taste or texture!
