Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic Recipe
Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is a flavorful Puerto Rican classic combining mashed plantains with garlic, olive oil, and optional pork cracklings, topped with succulent sautéed garlic shrimp. This dish offers a perfect blend of savory and aromatic tastes, ideal for a comforting and authentic Caribbean meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mofongo
- 4 green or slightly yellow plantains
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1/4 cup pork cracklings (chicharrón), optional
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Shrimp
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Optional: paprika or fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges
- Sautéed vegetables or Puerto Rican rice and beans
Instructions
- Prepare Plantains: Peel the plantains and cut them into 1–2 inch pieces. Boil these pieces in water until tender, which usually takes about 10–15 minutes. For extra flavor, you may also choose to fry the plantains after boiling.
- Mash Mofongo: Using a mortar and pestle or pilón, mash the cooked plantains together with minced garlic and olive oil or butter. If using, add in the pork cracklings (chicharrón) to the mash. Season the mixture well with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook Garlic Shrimp: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Season with salt and pepper and cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Assemble Dish: Mold the mashed plantain mixture into bowls or onto plates shaping it as desired. Top the mofongo with the sautéed garlic shrimp. Drizzle any flavorful pan juices from the shrimp over the top for added richness.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of paprika if desired, and serve with lime wedges on the side. Accompany the dish with sautéed vegetables or traditional Puerto Rican rice and beans for a full meal. Serve immediately to enjoy the mofongo at its best texture.
Notes
- Using green or slightly yellow plantains provides the best texture and flavor for mofongo.
- Optional pork cracklings add a crunchy texture and a depth of flavor but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- Boiling plantains before mashing ensures a creamy consistency; frying after boiling gives an added crispiness.
- Fresh garlic is key for the authentic aroma and taste of the shrimp and mofongo.
- Serve immediately as mofongo can harden and lose texture if left to sit.
- Pairs well with traditional Puerto Rican sides like rice and beans or sautéed greens.
Keywords: Garlic Shrimp Mofongo, Puerto Rican Mofongo, Plantain Recipe, Caribbean Shrimp, Traditional Puerto Rican Food
