Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic Recipe
Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is a flavorful Puerto Rican classic featuring mashed plantains blended with garlic and pork cracklings, topped with savory sautéed garlic shrimp. This dish is a vibrant combination of textures and bold Caribbean flavors, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner served with lime wedges and traditional sides like sautéed vegetables or rice and beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients
Scale
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
To Serve
- 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 into 1–2 inch pieces. Boil them in water until tender, about 10–15 minutes. For additional flavor and texture, you may also fry the boiled plantains lightly after boiling.
- Mash Mofongo: Using a mortar and pestle or pilón, mash the cooked plantains with minced garlic, olive oil or butter, and the optional pork cracklings (chicharrón). Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste until you achieve a smooth yet textured mash.
- Cook Garlic Shrimp: Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, ensuring they are cooked through but still tender.
- Assemble Dish: Mold the mashed plantain mixture into bowls or plates. Top the mofongo with the garlic shrimp and drizzle the flavorful pan juices over the top for added taste.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of paprika if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges and accompany with sautéed vegetables or traditional Puerto Rican rice and beans for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a richer mofongo, use butter instead of olive oil.
- The optional pork cracklings add a traditional smoky crunch but can be omitted for a vegetarian adaptation.
- Boiling plantains before frying improves tenderness and speeds up cooking.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to maintain their juicy texture.
- Use fresh lime wedges to add a bright, acidic finish to the dish.
Keywords: Garlic Shrimp, Mofongo, Puerto Rican, Plantains, Caribbean, Seafood, Traditional, Latin American, Dinner, Savory
