My jicama fries recipe is a healthy alternative to regular french fries. These fries are gluten, dairy, and soy-free and make a delicious side dish. I use a deep fryer in this recipe, but you can also bake or air fry. Using this recipe you will get perfectly crisp fries every time. Go ahead and give them a try.
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What is jicama?
Jicama is a root vegetable. It looks similar to a white potato or turnip with darker, tougher skin, and a white fleshy inside.
Does Jicama Taste Like Potatoes?
Many describe jicama as a sweeter version of a white potato because it has mild, lightly sweet, and nutty flavors.
Is Jicama Healthier Than Potato?
Jicama is low in calories, sugars, and fats. It is also low in carbohydrates. A regular white potato has approximately 31 grams of carbohydrates, while jicama has approximately 5 grams. Jicama is an excellent source of fiber and contains essential vitamins and minerals including, Vitamin C, Potassium, and Calcium.
Can I Eat Jicama Raw?
Yes. Jicama may be eaten raw. Simply remove the skin with a sturdy Y-Peeler (paid Amazon Link) and then cut it into slices or cubes.
Best Ways to Eat Jicama
The most common way to serve jicama is raw, sprinkled with salt, pepper, and spices. It pairs well with many creamy dips. Many enjoy raw jicama on salads for an extra crunch. Baked jicama or fried jicama are also great ways to enjoy it. When frying jicama use an air fryer or deep fryer. Jicama is also great sauteed, steamed, or boiled.
For more ways to prepare and eat jicama I recommend the book, The Flavor Bible (paid Amazon link). This is a must-have book for anyone looking to expand their culinary knowledge. I use it all the time. It will not only help you with jicama, but it will help you spice up any meal.
Does Jicama Soften When Cooked?
The texture of jicama is crunchy. It will soften up some when cooked. This jicama fries recipe uses a technique called parboiling. You can find more information about parboiling here.
I parboil the jicama to soften them up just a bit before frying. This reduces the cooking time and ensures that the fries will be crispy, not mushy.
How To Prepare Jicama Fries
- Peel skin, then cut into similar size strips.
- Place the jicama in a large pot, cover with cold water, and put a lid on top.
- Bring the jicama to a boil and boil on medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes. Drain.
- Fill deep fryer with oil of choice about 1/2 to 3/4 full. Set it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to heat.
- Add jicama to the fryer basket and place carefully into the hot oil.
- Fry jicama for 20 minutes or until the desired crispiness. Use a slotted metal spoon to occasionally move the jicama so they don’t stick.
- Remove and let stand on a plate and pat with a paper towel to remove excess oil.
- Season as desired.
Jicama Fries Recipe
Equipment
- Deep Fryer with a basket
- Cutting board
- Large knife
- Vegetable peeler
- Large Pot with a lid
- Colander
- Slotted Spoon (metal)
- Paper towels to soak up excess oil
- Plastic storage bag for seasoning if desired
Ingredients
- 1 medium Jicama peeled and cut into strips
- Cooking oil (I use avocado oil) enough to fill fryer 1/2 to 3/4 full
- 2 tablespoons Sesoning see notes below
Instructions
- Peel the skin, then cut into similar size strips.
- Place the jicama in a large pot, cover with cold water, and put a lid on top.
- Bring the jicama to a boil and boil on medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes. Drain.
- Fill a deep fryer with oil of choice about 1/2 to 3/4 full.
- Set fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and allow the oil to heat.
- Add jicama to the fryer basket and place carefully into the hot oil.
- Fry jicama for 20 minutes or until the desired crispiness. Use a slotted metal spoon to occasionally move the jicama so they don't stick.
- Remove and let stand on a plate and pat with a paper towel to remove excess oil.
- Season as desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
How to Season Jicama Fries
I use my Gluten-Free Barbecue Spice Mix for this recipe for more spicy fries.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the spice mix to a large plastic storage bag.
- Place slightly cooled fries into the bag then shake to coat.
- Remove fries and serve immediately.
For a milder version of my jicama fries recipe, sprinkle a little salt, pepper, and a combination of other spices over the hot fries and serve immediately. I recommend using garlic powder, paprika, or parsley.
I hope you consider trying jicama. Check your local grocery store, Walmart, or Whole Foods. This jicama fries recipe is the perfect side to my Simple Grilled Salmon Recipe. Why not give it a try tonight?
LEAVE ME A COMMENT and let me know how you like to prepare and eat jicama.
Blessings, Laura xo
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