Fried Yams Recipe

You will surely say “yum” when you taste the delicious, filling, and satisfying Fried Yams!

Frying yams is one of the best ways to enjoy yams because it turns the yams into a smooth, starchy, and soft dish. In less than ten minutes, you can turn fresh yam into an incredible side dish, appetizer, or snack.

Deep frying the yam unleashes its sweet quality while keeping it soft and moist. If you want to try other ways to cook yams, then try this recipe for a change.

Indeed, Fried Yams are perfect for your vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian diet to keep you fit and healthy. It’s easy, effortless, and certainly crowd-pleasing!

How to Make Fried Yams

Whenever I have yams at home, I always cook Fried Yams for the entire family. It’s easy and quick to cook, yet it has so much value and quality to offer.

Everyone loves how they taste, especially once deep-fried to perfection!

I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Fried Yams, right here, right now!

Ingredients

In this Fried Yams recipe, you only need about three key ingredients:

Yams

There is so much to love about yams.

Yams are edible tuber vegetables known for their barklike skin yet light-colored flesh inside. They’re starchy with mildly sweet and nutty flavors with a touch of earthy undertones.

When it comes to texture, they can be moist-fleshed. But when cooked, they become tender and similar to the texture of boiled sweet potatoes. 

Aside from frying, you can also boil, steam, bake, or sautee them for a creamy and distinct quality. These are perfect for vegan and vegetarian dishes.

I also have a nifty yam storage hack that helps me save money and achieve the best dishes like Yam and Eggs Frittata, Fresh Pounded Yam, Sweet Yam Porridge, and more!

Salt

Don’t forget to season the Fried Yams with some salt. Aside from salt, you can also go for cinnamon, sugar, garlic powder, ginger powder, honey, or even black pepper.

While they are tasty, adding more herbs and spices would be good to intensify the flavors. 

Sunflower oil

When it comes to deep frying, you need to use oil with a high smoke point. It retains the food’s flavor without making it soggy and too oily.

The ingredients may be simple, but I can assure you that the quality of these fried treats is superb!

Directions

Here’s how I make Fried Yams at home:

1. Use a knife to peel the yam on a cutting board.
2. Slice the yam to your preferred shape and size.
3. Then, place them in a bowl of water to rinse and drain.
4. Then, season it with salt. 
5. Place a pot or pan on medium heat.
6. Pour about two cups of oil.
7. Lower the slices into the hot oil.
8. After about five minutes, turn them to the other side with a slotted turner. 
9. Once slightly brown, remove them from heat.
10. Allow to cool and savor the goodness!

Sometimes an easy Fried Yams recipe is all you need to feel better. Include this fried dish in your diet, and you will surely realize how satisfying it can be!

Tips

Yams

Buying yams

• Medium suggests buying yams that feel firm to the touch.
• They should also have little to no cracks.
• The skin should be textured, but it should not feel tender. 

Storing yams

• Yams can last up to three weeks at room temperature in a dry and ventilated area.
• Freezing or refrigerating unpeeled yam is not suggested. 

Preparing yams

1. Slice it into two and mount it on the cutting board.
2. Then, peel it from top to bottom.
3. Continue chopping it according to your preferred size and shape.
4. Rinse it in a bowl of water to retain freshness.

These will surely make delicious fried yams!

Fried Yams Variations

Do you want to add a twist to your yams?

There are plenty of types of yams that you can try, such as American, tropical, purple, Chinese, Cocoyam, etc. You can also boil, steam, bake, grill, or air fry the yams.

Ensure they are soft and tender before removing them from heat and serving. Season it with your favorite herbs and spices for a touch of flavor. 

Aside from the classic Fried Yams, you can make them spicy with chili flakes or paprika. I also suggest coating the yams with herbs to make them extra savory.

To infuse it with a buttery garlic flavor, add some mixed garlic when you fry it. If you want a crispy and crunchy treat, then coat the yams in a breading mix first.

Alternative Ways to Cook Yam

Stovetop

1. Boil three cups of water in a pot.
2. Then, add the yam slices.
3. Cook for about 15 minutes or until soft and tender.
4. Drain the water and set it aside. 

You can also fry the slices in a skillet until tender. 

Steamer 

1. Bring water to a boil in a pot.
2. Place the steaming basket inside.
3. Then, put the yam slices in the basket.
4. Let them steam for 20 minutes or until cooked.

These are great for mashed baby food with yam. 

Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C.
2. Then, line the baking tray with foil.
3. Arrange the slices on the tray.
4. Bake them for up to 50 minutes before seasoning and serving. 

Grill

1. Preheat the griller on high heat.
2. Then, lightly grease it with oil.
3. Cook it on the grill for up to 12 minutes on each side or until tender. 

Air fryer 

1. Season the slices with oil and salt.
2. Then, place the slices and the air fryer.
3. Cook at 200°C for up to 50 minutes.
4. Halfway through the cooking, flip them over for even doneness. 

More Yam Recipes

• Taro Chips – make your own snacks from cocoyams or taro.
• Pounded Yam – serve this as a side dish to your soups and stews.
• Fried Cocoyam – here’s another yam variety that you might like to fry.
• Yam Fritters – you will surely love fritters from yams.
• Yam Porridge – transform yams into smooth and thick porridge.
• Yam and Egg Frittata – make a frittata to enjoy yams for breakfast.

Recommended Tools

• Pot or pan: Cook the Fried Yams in a pot or pan.
• Slotted turner: Toss them in the oil using a slotted turner.
• Knife: Slice and peel the ingredients with a knife.
• Chopping board: Prepare the yam on a chopping board.
• Fork: Check for doneness using a fork. 

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How to Serve Fried Yams

There are so many ways to enjoy Fried yams!

One of the best ways to serve them is as a side dish, especially with grilled or roasted goods. Sometimes, they also make good appetizers with dips and sauces of your choice.

Fried Yams also make a healthy snack, even for kids during recess. They will also be a good alternative to hashbrowns. Slice the yams into smaller pieces and you’ve got yourself a salad topping.

Additionally, you can serve it with these:

• Roast Chicken – serve something starchy on the side of savory chicken.
• Grilled Salmon – you will surely enjoy fish more when you have fried yams as a side dish.
• Salad – add something soft and chewy to your salad.
• Chicken Fried Bulgur – yams also taste fantastic with grains.
• Iced Tea – drink a cold tea and savor the sweet yams.

Storage Tips

At room temperature: Eat the Fried Yams within two hours of cooking to enjoy the texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you fry yam?

Yes, you can! Frying yam is actually one of the easiest ways to cook it. Just deep fry the yams to give them a tender and chewy texture. It also unleashes how delicious yams can be.

Are fried yams healthy?

Yes, fried yam is healthy. They are excellent sources of potassium, fiber, and antioxidants to keep you nourished for the day. It also doesn’t use preservatives for flavor.

Are yams and sweet potatoes the same?

No, yams and sweet potatoes are different. Yams have barklike and dark brown skin with flesh that feels try. Meanwhile, sweet potatoes have the smooth and soft quality of a regular potato.

Which is healthier sweet potato or yam?

Due to their nutrient content, sweet potatoes are generally healthier than yams. Sweet potatoes also have a low glycemic index to keep your blood sugar in check.