Description
Golden mashed plantains and juicy shrimp unite in this classic Puerto Rican Garlic Shrimp Mofongo. Fried green plantains are mashed with bacon and garlic, formed into hearty domes, and topped with sizzling shrimp in a bold garlic-cilantro sauce. It’s a perfect fit for dinner ideas, quick comfort food, or Latin-inspired easy recipes that deliver restaurant-level flavor at home.
Ingredients
3 green plantains
1/2 cup cooked bacon or pork cracklings (chicharrón)
1/4 cup olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Peel the green plantains and slice into 1-inch chunks. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium and fry plantains for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
2. In a mortar and pestle (or bowl), mash fried plantains with bacon (or chicharrón), 2 minced garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt. Form into dome-shaped portions using a bowl or ramekin.
3. In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and sauté remaining 4 garlic cloves for 30 seconds. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Stir in chicken broth and cilantro, simmer for 1 minute.
4. Place each mofongo dome on a plate. Spoon garlic shrimp and sauce on top. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
Notes
Use green plantains only — ripe ones will not hold the mash.
Don’t overcook shrimp, or they’ll become rubbery.
Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth to restore moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mofongo with shrimp
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: garlic shrimp mofongo, mofongo recipe, Puerto Rican dinner, plantain shrimp recipe