What is Jicama + 12 Jicama Recipes
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Published Aug 08, 2018, Updated Jan 13, 2022
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Jicama is a low-carb, low-calorie root vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked! Below you’ll find over a dozen jicama recipes to try.
Lately I’ve been on a mission to eat more veggies, and I’ve been on such a jicama kick! I’m always craving crunchy foods, so I love that jicama is extra crisp and refreshing at the same time. Such a perfect veggie for summer!
If you’re unfamiliar with jicama, I’ve got you covered. In this post, I’ll share a few quick facts as well as 12 recipes to inspire you to experiment with jicama this summer.
What is Jicama?
Jicama is a root vegetable that shares the same color and shape as a turnip, but is about 2-3 times the size. It has weathered brown skin (to be peeled before eating) that covers a white flesh, with a texture similar to that of a water chestnut or crisp pear.
What Does Jicama Taste Like?
Some people describe the taste of jicama similar to that of an apple, but more neutral and certainly less sugary. Nutritionally speaking, jicama is much lower in carbohydrates than a potato. A 1/2 cup of raw jicama is 25 calories with less than 6 grams of total carbohydrates. It is also rich in fiber (with 3 grams per serving) and vitamin C (20 percent of the recommended daily intake!).
Can You Eat Jicama Raw?
You sure can – raw jicama is amazing. I read somewhere that it’s like a savory apple, and I’d say that’s pretty spot on! Just be sure to peel the skin off first before consuming. I personally love it raw and have been reaching for it often lately instead of carrot sticks as an afternoon snack – I love dipping it in hummus or chopping it up for salads.
Pro tip: you can find pre-chopped jicama sticks at Trader Joe’s and Kroger. A little more expensive, but so convenient.
Can You Cook with Jicama?
Yes! I’m obsessed with jicama fries, but you can also bake it whole like a potato, slice it into chips and bake it, or chop it into cubes for stir-fry, stews and soups.
Are you convinced to try it yet? I hope so — now it’s time for those 12 jicama recipes!
Baked Jicama Fries
Mango Jicama Slaw
Chorizo and Chickpea Harissa Stew with Spiralized Jicama
Cilantro-Jalapeño Jicama Slaw
Citrus Herb Jicama Chips
Bacon Wrapped Jicama with Cajun Spices
Jicama, Apple, and Pomegranate Salad with Raspberry Dijon Vinaigrette
Black Bean Tacos with Spiralized Jicama and Avocado Mash
Mango Avocado Jicama Salad with Lime Dressing
Avocado, Jicama and Cucumber Salad
Jicama Apple Slaw
Chili-Lime Jicama and Corn Shrimp Salad
Do you love jicama? How do you like to eat it? Please share any of your favorite recipes below.
Yum! I made your jicama fries last year and I loved them! Can’t wait to try some of these other recipes!
Great ideas! Thanks so much for sharing; it’s been so informative, because I’ve always had an interest in jicama after briefly hearing about it before, but haven’t yet tried it. After seeing these recipes, there is definitely more of an incentive to try it!
One of my favorite snacks is strips of mango, jicama and cucumber that are sprinkled with Trader Joe’s Chile Lime seasoning blend. It is THE perfect sweet / salty / savory snack that hits the spot.
Oh yes!! This combo sound so good. I love anything sweet and salty. 🙂
I was needing a new veggie in my rotation. Sounds like a winner; I’ll give it a try. Thanks!
And for those who don’t have a Trader Joes close by, squeeze lime or orange juice over sliced jicama and then sprinkle with chili powder and salt. That is my salad on an almost weekly basis in the summer.
Yes!!! Great tip, Wendy! 🙂
I live in Mexico , and had never had jicama in Calif. I’m going to try some of your meatless recipes. Here they are cut into raw slices like carrots and covered with lemon juice, sprinkled with salt and dried chile powder is optional.
You had me at ‘bacon-wrapped’.
Love everything you have on your website
Thank you so much for the recipes on jicama, looking forward to explore them. I only knew an Asian staple jicama recipe and now I’m spoilt for choice 🙂
I’m so glad you’re enjoying these recipes, Sabrina. Definitely let me know what you think of any that you try. 🙂
Just trying jicama for 1st time. It was lovely in a salad with different greens, pea sprouts,
Kale, arugala, spinach, Chinese cabbage, baby romaine, spring mix lettuce raddichio, and orange & yellow tomatoes and shaved asiago, black beans and also made dressing avocado vinegar, mustard, garlic dressing with 2’dates to add sweet. Since I enjoyed the mild taste and crispy texture of this new veggie your recipes have opened my thoughts on other ways to prepare jicama. Thank you.
Ahh that makes me so happy to hear, Stella. I’m so glad you found this post useful. 🙂