Fried Cocoyam Recipe

In Africa, Fried Cocoyam (fried Taro) is one of the most popular and fun to eat snacks or side dishes of all time because of how starchy and easy it is! 

If you want to try new food, then you should go for cocoyam. It may remind you of a potato, but it has unique qualities of its own. You can also trust that it will be a favorite in your home. 

The Fried Cocoyam recipe is a simple dish you can make anytime. It’s also crunchy on the outside yet soft and tender on the inside. I’m sure all of your special guests will enjoy this recipe. 

Now is the best time to make and taste Fried Cocoyam! I’ll tell you everything you need to know about cocoyam and how you can make it perfectly, even on your first try! 

How to Make Fried Cocoyam

I love how simple it is to make Fried Cocoyam. You only need three ingredients to make it. In fact, all it takes is a little bit of deep frying to give it the right texture and release its incredible flavor! 

Let’s start with talking about what cocoyam is. 

Ingredients

What goes into a classic Fried Cocoyam recipe?

Cocoyam

Nothing will make you say “yum” like the cocoyam! The term “cocoyam” was inspired by the old cocoyam or taro, which was planted in coconut groves yet looked like yams. 

Cocoyam is actually one of the main staple crops in Africa and Asia. It’s a tropical root vegetable that is known for its starchy quality. You may also taste a mildly sweet and nutty flavor. 

Compared to the smooth skin of potatoes, the cocoyam has brown skin that may look like tree bark. The cocoyam has cream-colored flesh that can turn slightly brown when cooked. 

For every 100 grams of cocoyam, you can get about 112 calories and four grams of fiber. It also has vitamins and minerals that support its many health benefits. 

• Since it is rich in fiber, the cocoyam is good for your digestion and metabolism. 
• According to Niyis, cocoyam has carbohydrates that can give you lots of energy for the day. 
• Cocoyam is low in fat, making it perfect for your diet without increasing your weight. 
• Inside Business shared that eating cocoyam can also boost your immunity. 
• It also has vitamin B1, which improves your brain function and reduces stress levels. 
• Healthy Day mentioned that cocoyam is high in potassium for your heart health. 
• The cocoyam is also one of the best vegetables to add to your gluten-free diet. 
• In Healthy Huemans, it was shown that cocoyam could relieve muscle cramps and strengthen your bones.

There are different ways to cook and enjoy cocoyam. For instance, you can steam, boil, fry, roast, or even bake it. Whenever you don’t have potatoes, cocoyam can be a great alternative. 

Salt

Season the cocoyam with salt to give it a better flavor. It will also make the fried cocoyam last longer in storage. Aside from salt, you can use other herbs and spices, too.

Oil

Use oil with a high smoke point to deep fry the cocoyam. It will soften the cocoyam inside while keeping it crispy and crunchy on the outside.

With this Fried Cocoyam recipe, you will surely love Cocoyam more! 

Directions

Here’s how I make Fried Cocoyam:

1. Use a knife to peel the cocoyam. 
2. Cut it to your preferred size and shape. 
3. Rinse the cocoyam in a bowl of water.
4. Then, season it with salt. 
5. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium fire. 
6. Fry the cocoyam. 
7. Add water to the oil for extra crispiness.
8. Cook until the cocoyam is ready. 
9. Transfer the cocoyam to a lined plate. 
10. Once warm, serve it for a crunchy yet soft dish! 

Bite into the Fried Cocoyam to experience how satisfying it is. You can serve it to your family to give everyone a good time! 

Tips

Buying cocoyam

• Choose a cocoyam that feels firm to the touch. 
• The cocoyam should also feel heavy for its size.
• Check if it has molds or holes. 

Storing cocoyam

• Keep the cocoyam in a dry area of your kitchen. 
• Wrap it in a paper towel and place it in a resealable bag to store in the fridge. 

Fried Cocoyam Variations

You can always make your Fried Yam recipe different and exciting with spices that you like. Instead of salt, you can use cumin, paprika, chili flakes, and more. 

To make it fun for kids, you can slice the cocoyam into creative shapes and sizes. Remember not to slice them too thick to make it easier and faster for them to cook through. 

Instead of deep frying, you can also bake or air fry the cocoyam, or especially if you don’t want to use too much oil. 

Baked Cocoyam

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C. 
2. Peel and slice the cocoyam.
3. Then, season the slices. 
4. Arrange them in one layer on the oven tray. 
5. Bake the cocoyam for up to 25 minutes or until done. 

Air Fried Cocoyam

1. Start by preheating the air fryer to 190°C.
2. Peel and chop the cocoyam. 
3. Then, air fry for up to 15 minutes. 
4. Give it a toss to cook evenly. 

Moreover, you can coat it with a breading mix for an extra crispy and golden brown color. These make excellent snacks on a weekend or during special occasions! 

Recommended Tools

• Knife: Peel and slice the cocoyam with a knife.
• Bowl: Rinse the slices in a bowl. 
• Deep frying pan: Cook the Fried Cocoyam in a deep frying pan. 
• Skimmer spoon: Remove it from the heat with a skimmer spoon. 
• Colander: Drain excess water in a colander. 

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How to Serve Fried Cocoyam

Whenever I make Fried Cocoyam, I usually serve it as a snack or a side dish. It also tastes fantastic with sweet, savory, spicy dip or sauce to complement its starchy flavor. 

As a side dish, it goes well with soups and stews like Fried Ppper Sauce, Fried Eggs, Fried Chicken Gizzard Stew, Ewa Agoyin Stew, Egusi Soup, and Smoked Mackerel Stew. The Fried Cocoyam can certainly take your meal to the next level. 

I suggest serving them while they are still warm to experience their crisp and crunchy texture. The longer you leave them at room temperature, the crispier they can get. 

Here are some drinks that you can make to pair with the cocoyam:

• Zobo Drink
• Beetroot Pomegranate Juice
• Pineapple Juice
• Anti-Inflammatory Juice
• Watermelon Juice
• Cherry Juice

Storage Tips

• At room temperature: Eat the Fried Cocoyam within one to two hours. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cocoyam food?

Cocoyam is a vegetable that resembles taro and potatoes. It has a brown bark-like texture with cream-colored flesh inside. You can also expect that it will be good for your immunity, bones, brain, heart, and energy. 

There are different ways to cook cocoyam. You can deep fry, air fry, bake, roast, steam, or boil it to release its sweet flavor. 

Is cocoyam a vegetable?

Yes, the cocoyam is a vegetable. It is actually a tropical root crop that belongs to the same family as taro. Just like other vegetables, the cocoyam is also best enjoyed cooked. 

How is cocoyam cooked?

There are many ways to cook cocoyam. Aside from deep frying them, you can also boil, steam, air fry, bake, or roast cocoyam. I love deep frying cocoyam because it becomes crunchy yet soft inside. 

What is cocoyam porridge made of?

The classic cocoyam porridge is made of cocoyam, pepper sauce, aromatics, crayfish, spinach, herbs, and spices. Just let the cocoyam cook in the seasoned pepper sauce until soft and tender.

This post may contain general information and does not constitute professional medical advice. Always seek information or advice from a qualified medical professional. Please read the full disclaimer for details.