Go Back
Malanga Fritters Recipe

Malanga Fritters Recipe: Crispy & Delicious

Malanga fritters are a crispy and flavorful snack made from grated malanga, a starchy root vegetable commonly used in Caribbean and Latin American cuisines. These fritters are light on the inside and crunchy on the outside, making them the perfect appetizer, side dish, or snack. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, malanga fritters can be enjoyed by everyone, including those with dietary restrictions.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Caribbean
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium-sized malanga peeled and grated
  • 1 cup flour substitute with rice flour or cornstarch for gluten-free options
  • 1 egg or flax egg for vegan version
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes or hot sauce optional, for extra spice
  • Oil for frying vegetable or coconut oil

Equipment

  • Grater or food processor
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Frying pan or deep skillet
  • Slotted spoon or tongs
  • Paper towels (for draining)
  • Serving plate

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Malanga: Peel and grate the malanga using a box grater or food processor. If using frozen malanga, allow it to thaw completely before grating.
  2. Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated malanga, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, minced garlic, cumin, and cilantro (if using). Add the egg or flax egg, and stir everything together until well combined. If the batter is too thick, add a splash of water to adjust the consistency.
  3. Heat the Oil: Heat about 1-2 inches of oil in a frying pan or deep skillet over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter into the oil—if it sizzles, it’s ready.
  4. Fry the Fritters: Use a spoon or your hands to drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Flatten each spoonful slightly to form fritter shapes. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Drain and Serve: Once fried, remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish.

Notes

  • Storage: Leftover fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze fritters by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag once frozen.
  • Vegan Option: To make these fritters vegan, simply replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken).
  • Crispiness: For extra crispy fritters, ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying. If the oil is too cool, the fritters will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
  • Flavor Variations: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the batter, like paprika, thyme, or even some grated cheese for a non-vegan version. You can also try adding finely chopped veggies for added texture and flavor.
Malanga Fritters Recipe