The Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic Recipe is a vibrant celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures that will sweep you off your feet. Combining crispy, garlicky shrimp with the rich, savory mashed plantains known as mofongo, this dish offers a perfect balance of garlicky warmth and Puerto Rican soul. Every bite tells a story of tradition, spice, and love, making it an unforgettable meal you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together in this recipe to create a dish bursting with authentic Puerto Rican flavors. Each component plays its part, from the earthy sweetness of plantains to the garlicky punch in both the shrimp and mofongo.
- Green or slightly yellow plantains: The base of mofongo, providing a starchy and slightly sweet foundation.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds a deep, aromatic flavor essential to both the shrimp and mofongo.
- Olive oil or butter: For richness and to help blend flavors smoothly throughout.
- Pork cracklings (chicharrón), optional: Introduces a crunchy, salty contrast to the soft mofongo.
- Salt and pepper: To perfectly season every element of the dish.
- Medium shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein, tender and infused with garlic.
- Optional paprika or fresh cilantro: For a bright, colorful garnish that elevates presentation.
- Lime wedges: To add a zesty finish that brightens the entire plate.
- Sautéed vegetables or Puerto Rican rice and beans: Perfect companions to complete your meal with authentic sides.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Plantains
Start by peeling the plantains and chopping them into 1 to 2 inch pieces. You can boil them for about 10 to 15 minutes until tender, or if you want to deepen the flavor, give them a quick fry beforehand. Cooking the plantains just right is crucial because it affects how smooth and flavorful your mofongo will be.
Step 2: Mash Mofongo
Using a mortar and pestle or pilón, mash the cooked plantains together with minced garlic and olive oil. For an extra texture kick, fold in pork cracklings if you like. Season the mash generously with salt and pepper to bring out every nuance of flavor. This is where the mofongo starts taking shape as a richly seasoned, slightly chunky side that’s both hearty and aromatic.
Step 3: Cook Garlic Shrimp
In a hot skillet, melt butter or warm olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant but not burnt—this quick step unleashes the essential garlic aroma. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. The garlic shrimp should be tender, juicy, and dripping with buttery garlicky goodness.
Step 4: Assemble Dish
Mold the mofongo either into bowls or on plates, creating a sturdy bed for your shrimp. Top it generously with the garlicky shrimp and don’t forget to drizzle some of those leftover pan juices from the skillet over the top—it’s pure flavor magic that ties everything together beautifully.
Step 5: Serve Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic Recipe
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime wedges to add that burst of freshness that cuts through the richness. Serve your dish immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of textures—the crispy edges of the mofongo and the tender, succulent shrimp.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up this flavorful dish with a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of paprika for color and an extra hint of earthiness. Lime wedges are a must-have for that citrus punch that wakes up your taste buds and complements the garlic beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Shrimp Mofongo pairs incredibly well with sautéed vegetables or traditional Puerto Rican rice and beans. These sides keep the meal balanced and add extra layers of color, nutrition, and authenticity to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the mofongo shaped into small balls or scooped into mini bowls. You can also place the shrimp artfully on top with a drizzle of pan juices pooled around the base like a savory sauce. A sprinkle of toasted pork cracklings on top adds texture and visual appeal, making it a dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover mofongo and garlic shrimp in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The mofongo may firm up after chilling, but you can easily soften it when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the mofongo by itself in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Shrimp freezes less well in this dish, so it’s best to keep them separate if possible for the freshest taste.
Reheating
Warm mofongo gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen its texture. Reheat the shrimp quickly in a skillet to avoid overcooking and losing their tender, garlicky charm.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or seasoned tofu to keep the garlicky flavor while adapting it to a vegetarian diet. The mofongo remains just as delicious and satisfying.
What if I can’t find pork cracklings?
The pork cracklings are optional but add a great crunch. If unavailable, you can use toasted breadcrumbs or chopped roasted nuts for texture, or simply omit them without sacrificing the essence of the dish.
Are green plantains necessary?
Green or slightly yellow plantains work best as they’re firm and starchy, perfect for making mofongo. Riper plantains will be too soft and sweet, changing the classic texture and flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the shrimp to give it a subtle kick if you prefer more heat.
Can I prepare parts of this dish in advance?
You can boil and mash the plantains ahead of time and store the mofongo base in the fridge. Cook the shrimp fresh right before serving for the best garlic aroma and texture.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic Recipe is a must-try if you want to add some authentic Caribbean flair to your dinner table. It’s a warm hug of a meal, rich with tradition and bold flavors that will quickly become a beloved favorite. So grab your pilón, peel those plantains, and dive into a taste experience you’ll crave again and again.
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Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Description
Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is a flavorful Puerto Rican classic featuring mashed plantains combined with garlic and olive oil, topped with succulent garlic sautéed shrimp. This dish blends savory notes with a hint of zest from optional lime and cilantro garnishes, creating a satisfying and authentic Caribbean meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
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
Garnish & Serving
- Optional: paprika or fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges
- Sautéed vegetables or Puerto Rican rice and beans (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Plantains: Peel the plantains and cut them into 1–2 inch pieces. Boil the pieces in water until tender, about 10–15 minutes. For extra flavor, you may choose to fry them instead.
- Mash Mofongo: Using a mortar and pestle or a pilón, mash the boiled plantains together with the minced garlic, olive oil or butter, and optional pork cracklings. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste until you achieve a cohesive, slightly chunky mash.
- Cook Garlic Shrimp: In a skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, approximately 1 minute. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook each side for 3–4 minutes until shrimp become pink and opaque.
- Assemble Dish: Mold the mashed mofongo into serving bowls or plates. Top each serving with the cooked garlic shrimp and drizzle the flavorful pan juices over the top to add extra moisture and taste.
- Serve: Garnish your mofongo with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of paprika, and serve with lime wedges on the side. Pair it with sautéed vegetables or traditional Puerto Rican rice and beans for a complete meal. Enjoy immediately to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using slightly yellow plantains can add a touch of sweetness to the mofongo.
- Frying plantains before mashing adds a deeper flavor if time allows.
- Adjust garlic amounts according to your taste preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Chicharrón is optional but adds authentic texture and richness.
- Serve mofongo immediately after assembling for the best texture.
