Easy Alcapurria de Yuca

Alcapurria de Yuca is one of the most popular street foods in Puerto Rico. You can find them almost at any roadside stand. If you ever had alcapurrias de yuca before, this recipe will transport you to Puerto Rico. If not, you’re about to get a taste of one of the most delicious fritters you can have.

The best part of this recipe is that no matter where you live, the ingredients are pretty easy to get. This is also a very versatile recipe because it can be stuffed with ground beef, chicken, or even vegetables to make them vegetarian-friendly.

What is Alcapurria de Yuca?

Alcapurrias de Yuca are stuffed yuca fritters made from grated yuca or cassava. This forms a dough that is then seasoned with salt and adobo. Then we add achiote oil to give it that beautiful golden yellow color. Then they are stuffed usually with some type of protein. The most popular stuffings are picadillo and stewed crab meat. I have even had an alcapurria loaded with pork chunks. Nowadays they are also made of vegetables for vegetarians and vegans. 

After you add the stuffing, the alcapurrias are shaped into small long cylinders. Traditionally they are fried over a wood open fire where they get this incredible taste. But at home, we just take a large pan with enough oil to cover half of the alcapurria and fry them until nice and crispy.

Alcapurrias are one of those recipes that are a fun tradition to make together as a family just like when making pasteles. Alcapurrias can be a quick delicious lunch or a tasty snack. But be careful, you might want to eat more than one alcapurria. I must confess that I have never eaten only one. I always have 2 of them. That’s how good they are.

The alcapurrias can be made in all types of sizes. You can even make mini alcapurrias de yuca as a party food. There are also alcapurrias made from masa. The masa is a dough made from grated green bananas and yautia. Both of these alcapurrias are delicious.

Where to buy Grated Yuca?

You can find grated yuca in the frozen section in your local supermarket. Big chain supermarkets like Walmart and Stop and Shop usually carry them. Another place to find grated yuca is in Latin or Asian markets. You will usually find it by the name brand Goya.

I use store-bought grated yuca because it’s more convenient. But you can make the grated yuca yourself. First, peel the yuca and cut it into small chunks so it can be easier for your blender to break apart. You can use a food processor or a small blender like the Nutri Bullet or the Ninja brand. You may have to do it in batches depending on how much you are making.

Ingredients and Substitution

1. Grated Yuca- For this recipe, you can use fresh or frozen grated yuca. There is no noticeable difference between the two.

2. Seasonings- To season the alcapurrias we use salt and adobo. Some people season the alcapurrias differently by adding garlic powder and even sofrito. I like to keep it simple so you can get a real taste of the yuca.

3. Achiote Oil- The oil is added to give the dough a smokey flavor and the beautiful color that alcapurrias de yuca have.

Substitution- If you don’t have achiote oil you can substitute it with 1 packet of sazon. If you use sazon, you must add it first then your salt. Then add the salt little by little, mix the dough, and taste it to make sure is not too salty. 

4. Picadillo- I used cooked ground beef as a filling.

Substitution- You can use any meat you like or a vegetable mix.

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How to Make Alcapurria de Yuca

1. First, we need to prepare the yuca dough by seasoning it and adding the achiote oil. Mix it all until it has an even color.

2. Take parchment paper and cut it into large squares. Add achiote oil to the parchment. This is to avoid the alcapurria sticking from the paper.

3. Add the yuca dough. Form an even tortilla shape.

4. Add your preferred filling on top of the dough.

5. Close up the alcapurria and finish shaping with a spoon.

6. Fry the alcapurrias for 6 minutes and drain on a paper towel.

Useful Tips

If you are having trouble shaping the alcapurria, you can make it a boxed square shape. While this shape is not traditional at all, it will be easier if you are having trouble making the traditional shape.

When you bite into the alcapurria and you see the dough a light yellow, it means it’s still raw. You can put it again to fry for 2 minutes.

How to Store?

If you store your alcapurrias de yuca raw in the fridge, keep no more than 3 days in an airtight container or freezer bag. If you are storing it in the freezer, you can keep it for up to 3 months to avoid freezer burn. Ensure they are wrapped in plastic, a freezer bag, or an airtight container before freezing. 

How to Reheat?

I always recommend eating alcapurrias right after frying them because that’s how they taste best. If you want to reheat you can re-fry for 1 minute but it tends to get crunchier on the outside. You can also use the microwave and heat 20 seconds at a time. They won’t taste the same as freshly fried but they still are good.

What to Serve with An Alcapurria de Yuca?

Alcapurrias de Yuca is usually eaten by itself unless you treat yourself to another fritter. You can have an alcapurria with a Puerto Rican piña colada or a mojito with passion fruit.

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Did you like this Alcapurria de Yuca Recipe? Looking for more finger foods?

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