Garlic Shrimp Mofongo Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is a flavorful Puerto Rican dish featuring mashed plantains combined with garlic and pork cracklings, topped with succulent garlic sautéed shrimp. It’s a comforting and vibrant meal perfect for sharing with family or friends.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: paprika or fresh cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges
• Sautéed vegetables or Puerto Rican rice and beans, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel and cut the plantains into 1–2 inch pieces. Boil them in water until tender, about 10–15 minutes. For extra flavor, you can fry them instead.
2. Step 2: Using a mortar and pestle or pilón, mash the cooked plantains with minced garlic, olive oil or butter, and the optional pork cracklings. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Step 3: Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 3–4 minutes per side.
4. Step 4: Mold the mashed plantain mixture into bowls or onto plates. Top with the garlic shrimp and drizzle any pan juices over the dish.
5. Step 5: Garnish with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of paprika if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges and your choice of sautéed vegetables or Puerto Rican rice and beans.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoky flavor, lightly fry the plantains before mashing instead of boiling them.
• If you don’t have pork cracklings, toasted breadcrumbs or crushed fried pork rinds can add a similar texture.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp for a subtle kick.
• Use fresh lime juice squeezed over the finished dish to brighten the flavors.

Storage

Store leftover mofongo and shrimp separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the mofongo gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying. Reheat shrimp quickly in a skillet to avoid overcooking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make mofongo without pork cracklings?

Yes, omitting pork cracklings is perfectly fine. You can substitute with toasted breadcrumbs or simply enjoy the mofongo with garlic and oil for a lighter version.

What type of plantains should I use?

Green or slightly yellow (just ripening) plantains work best for mofongo, as they have a firm texture and mild flavor that creates the perfect mash.

Garlic Shrimp Mofongo Recipe

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Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is a traditional Puerto Rican dish featuring mashed fried plantains blended with garlic, olive oil, and optional pork cracklings, topped with savory sautéed garlic shrimp. This hearty and flavorful recipe offers a delightful combination of crispy, garlicky, and tender textures, ideal for a satisfying Caribbean-inspired meal.

• Author: Amy
• 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 1x2x3x

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

Garlic Shrimp

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: paprika or fresh cilantro for garnish

To Serve

• Lime wedges
• Sautéed vegetables or Puerto Rican rice and beans

Instructions

1. Prepare Plantains: Peel and cut the plantains into 1–2 inch pieces. Boil them in water until tender, which usually takes between 10 to 15 minutes. For added flavor, you can also fry them instead of boiling.
2. Mash Mofongo: Using a mortar and pestle (pilón), mash the cooked plantains together with the minced garlic, olive oil or butter, and optional pork cracklings (chicharrón). Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste until well combined and smooth.
3. Cook Garlic Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
4. Assemble Dish: Mold the mashed mofongo into bowls or plates to form a base. Top generously with the sautéed garlic shrimp. Drizzle any pan juices over the dish to enhance flavor.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of paprika if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges and a side of sautéed vegetables or traditional Puerto Rican rice and beans for a complete meal experience.

Notes

• For an authentic texture, use a pilón (wooden mortar and pestle) to mash the plantains.
• Frying the plantains instead of boiling will give the mofongo a richer and more robust flavor.
• Adjust garlic quantity based on your taste preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
• Pork cracklings add crunch and traditional flavor but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture of the mofongo and shrimp.

Keywords: Mofongo, Garlic Shrimp, Puerto Rican Dish, Plantains, Caribbean Cuisine, Seafood, Traditional Puerto Rican Recipe