Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic Recipe
Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is a flavorful Puerto Rican classic featuring mashed plantains seasoned with garlic and pork cracklings, topped with succulent sautéed garlic shrimp. This hearty dish combines the creamy texture of mofongo with the zesty, garlicky shrimp for an unforgettable Caribbean meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 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
Optional Garnishes & Sides
- 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 the pieces in water until they are tender, which takes about 10–15 minutes. For additional flavor and a crispier texture, you may choose to fry them instead after boiling.
- Mash Mofongo: Using a mortar and pestle or a pilón, mash the cooked plantains together with the minced garlic, olive oil or butter, and optional pork cracklings. Season the mixture well with salt and pepper to taste. The goal is to create a slightly chunky, flavorful mashed plantain base.
- Cook Garlic Shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the butter or olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 3–4 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Assemble Dish: Mold the mashed plantain mofongo into bowls or onto plates, forming a firm mound. Top each serving with the sautéed garlic shrimp and drizzle the flavorful pan juices over everything to enhance the taste.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of paprika if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of citrus, accompanied by sautéed vegetables or authentic Puerto Rican rice and beans for a complete meal.
Notes
- If pork cracklings are unavailable, you can omit them or substitute with crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Frying the plantains after boiling adds a crispy outer texture while keeping the inside soft.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture; cook just until pink and opaque.
- This dish is best served fresh to maintain the texture of the mofongo and the juiciness of the shrimp.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the shrimp while cooking.
Keywords: mofongo, garlic shrimp, Puerto Rican recipes, plantains, Caribbean cuisine, seafood, traditional mofongo, easy dinner, weeknight meal
