Instant Pot Yuca en Escabeche (Pickled Yuca Salad)

Yuca is one of my favorites among the root crops. It is so versatile and can be made in many kinds of dishes. And when you have the Instant Pot in your kitchen, cooking means a lot easier.

Just like when I made this Instant Pot Yuca en Escabeche… Or you can also call it Pickled Yuca Salad. It’s all Puerto Rican of course!

What is Yuca?

Yuca is a tuber crop like potatoes and yams. If you heard of cassava, they are one and the same. The shape is somewhat similar to sweet potatoes.

This root vegetable has a nutty flavor and can be boiled, baked, and fried. It is popular and native in South America, but it can also be found in some parts of Africa and Asia.

One thing that makes it a popular crop is being a drought-tolerant root vegetable.  It is also considered the main staple food for many people. I guess this is because of its richness in carbohydrates. Having a good source of fiber and resistant starch, it is also good for digestion.

If you know the trendy boba or bubble or pearl milk teas, the pearl or tapioca balls are made of tapioca flour, the powdery substance made from dried Yuca.

However, be warned that yuca, when not prepared and cooked properly can be dangerous for consumption. Don’t make this scare you. When prepared the correct way, yuca can be an excellent source of many nutrients and health benefits. All you need is to cook them properly. They are also sold in groceries and supermarkets that are already properly washed before freezing.

Try these yuca snacks, too.

• Pan de Yuca (Cassava Bread)
• Yuca Fries

What is Instant Pot by the way?

Firstly, Instant Pot is a brand name from Canada. The first model was made to operate like a pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, saute pan, steamer, and food warmer all in one pot. As time went on, more varieties were made.

Each of them has its unique features. Some of the latest features are air frying and having Bluetooth. Of course, the more features one pot has, the more expensive it is. But I’m sure they are all worth it.

As you can see, the main purpose of having an Instant Pot is it does save time and space in the kitchen. They also take the place of some appliances in your kitchen like the rice cooker, steamer, pressure cooker, slow cooker, and more.

Well, I am enjoying having one in my kitchen.

Let's make Yuca en Escabeche using Instant Pot

This dish is very easy. Gather all the ingredients needed. If you prefer the fresh yuca (with peel), make sure you know how to prepare it. I suggest buying the frozen one. They are already cleaned and peeled. Have your instant pot ready and bring out the yuca.

Ingredients

• 1.5 frozen yuca (1 bag of yuca)
• 1 cup of water

For the sauce

• 1 cup of olive oil
• 1 cup of vinegar
• 2 Tablespoon of minced garlic (or 6 garlic cloves, minced)
• 1 large onion, sliced thinly
• 2 bay leafs
• 5 Tablespoons of olive stuffed with pimento
• 1 teaspoon of peppercorn
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Using an Instant Pot, add the water to the pot liner. Place a basket or trivet and place the yuca there. Close the Instant Pot and then press the Pressure Cook button. Set for 12 minutes. 

2. Allow the Instant Pot to Natural Release for about 10 minutes. The longer you leave it, the more tender the yuca gets. 

3. While the yuca is cooking, it is time to cook the garlic and onion sauce.

4. Using a medium-size pot, add the ingredients and then heat on medium-high heat until it starts boiling.

5. Once the sauce is boiling, bring it down to medium heat and then stir the sauce occasionally until the onions are tender. About 10 minutes.

6. Again, you can taste the sauce, add more vinegar or salt when needed.

7. Next, remove the yuca from the instant pot and remove the hard middle part of it. Place them in a bowl or pan and then pour the liquid sauce on top of the yuca. 

8. Allow the yuca to cool, cover and place in the refrigerator for as long as possible to have the yuca absorb the sauce and the flavor.

How do you like your instant pot yuca en escabeche? Also called pickled yuca salad, is also best served with roast, fried, and grilled meats.

Try it with these:

• Instant Pot Puerto Rican Beef Barbacoa
• Puerto Rican Pork Fried Chops
• Cuban Mojo Chicken