Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic

Name: Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients: 4 green or slightly yellow plantains; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2–3 tbsp olive oil or butter; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: January 15, 2026

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic and shrimp creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress.
Comfort Food: Crispy mashed plantains provide a hearty base that is both comforting and filling.
Versatile Meal: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering.
Quick Preparation: With just a few steps, you can have this delicious meal ready in under an hour.
Easy to Customize: Add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own!

Tools and Preparation

To make Garlic Shrimp Mofongo successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mortar and pestle (or pilón)
Skillet
Pot for boiling
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Mortar and pestle: Essential for mashing the plantains and garlic to achieve the perfect texture.
Skillet: Ideal for cooking the garlic shrimp quickly and evenly.
Pot for boiling: Necessary for softening plantains before mashing them.

Ingredients

For the Mofongo

4 green or slightly yellow plantains
4 cloves garlic, minced
2–3 tbsp olive oil or butter
1/4 cup beef cracklings (chicharrón), optional
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Shrimp

1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving

Optional: paprika or fresh cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges
Sautéed vegetables or Puerto Rican rice and beans

How to Make Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic

Step 1: Prepare Plantains

Peel the plantains and cut them into 1–2 inch pieces.
Boil in salted water until tender (about 10–15 minutes) or fry for added flavor.

Step 2: Mash Mofongo

In a mortar and pestle (or pilón), mash the cooked plantains with minced garlic.
Add olive oil (or butter) and optional chicharrón while mashing.
Season with salt and pepper to taste until well combined.

Step 3: Cook Garlic Shrimp

Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add shrimp to the skillet; season with salt and pepper.
Cook shrimp until pink and opaque, approximately 3–4 minutes per side.

Step 4: Assemble Dish

Mold the mofongo into bowls or plates using your hands or a mold.
Top each serving with the cooked garlic shrimp.
Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the top.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with cilantro or paprika if desired.
Serve immediately alongside lime wedges and optional sautéed vegetables or rice and beans for a complete meal!

How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic

Serving Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is all about enhancing the rich flavors and textures of this comforting dish. Pair it with vibrant sides and garnishes to create a well-rounded meal that delights the senses.

Fresh Lime Wedges

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mofongo to add a zesty brightness that complements the garlic shrimp beautifully.

Sautéed Vegetables

A mix of bell peppers, onions, and zucchini sautéed in olive oil adds color and nutrition to your plate while balancing the dish’s richness.

Puerto Rican Rice and Beans

Serve alongside classic Puerto Rican rice and beans for a hearty, flavorful combination that makes each bite satisfying.

Cilantro Garnish

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for an aromatic touch that enhances presentation and flavor.

Avocado Slices

Creamy avocado slices provide a cool contrast to the warm, garlicky shrimp, adding healthy fats to your meal.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn brushed with lime and spices offers a sweet crunch that pairs well with the savory mofongo.

How to Perfect Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic

Perfecting Garlic Shrimp Mofongo requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results.

Choose Ripe Plantains: Select plantains that are green or slightly yellow for optimal sweetness and texture when mashing.
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses more flavor into both the mofongo and shrimp than pre-minced alternatives.
Adjust Consistency: If your mofongo is too thick, add a little more olive oil or broth to achieve your desired creaminess.
Cook Shrimp Just Right: Avoid overcooking shrimp; they should be pink and opaque in color but still juicy when finished cooking.
Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper; proper seasoning enhances all flavors in this dish.
Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor experience, serve Garlic Shrimp Mofongo hot right after assembling.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic

Pairing side dishes with Garlic Shrimp Mofongo can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delicious ideas:

Tostones: Twice-fried green plantains add a crispy element that contrasts nicely with the soft mofongo.
Moro Rice: A blend of rice cooked with beans offers a savory depth that complements the shrimp perfectly.
Arroz con Gandules: This classic dish features rice with pigeon peas, seasoned with spices, enriching your meal’s flavor profile.
Fried Sweet Plantains (Maduros): Sweet, caramelized plantains provide a delightful sweetness that balances the savory aspects of mofongo.
Cabbage Slaw: A fresh slaw with lime dressing adds crunch and acidity, brightening up each bite.
Black Bean Salad: High in protein, this salad includes diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for added freshness.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection offer smoky flavors that pair well with the garlic shrimp.
Corn Fritters: Crispy corn fritters make for a fun side that adds texture and sweetness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Garlic Shrimp Mofongo, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few tips to ensure your mofongo turns out perfectly every time.

Overcooking Plantains: Cooking plantains for too long can make them mushy. Boil or fry until tender but firm, about 10–15 minutes, to maintain the ideal texture.
Neglecting Seasoning: Failing to season each component can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as you prepare both the plantains and shrimp.
Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold ingredients can affect cooking times. Ensure your shrimp are at room temperature before cooking for even heat distribution.
Skipping the Garlic: Garlic is key to flavor in this dish. Don’t skimp on the amount; use fresh garlic for maximum impact.
Improper Storage: Not storing leftovers correctly can spoil flavors and textures. Store in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Garlic Shrimp Mofongo in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Make sure it cools down completely before sealing.

Freezing Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic

Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
For best results, separate shrimp from mofongo before freezing.

Reheating Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil for about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Stovetop: Sauté in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Garlic Shrimp Mofongo that might help enhance your cooking experience.

What is Garlic Shrimp Mofongo?

Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is a traditional Puerto Rican dish featuring crispy mashed plantains topped with flavorful garlic shrimp. It’s known for its hearty and savory profile.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic Shrimp Mofongo?

Yes! You can use different proteins like chicken or turkey instead of shrimp, or add vegetables for a vegetarian option while keeping the mofongo base intact.

How do I choose ripe plantains for Garlic Shrimp Mofongo?

Select green or slightly yellow plantains; they should be firm without dark spots. Ripe ones will yield a sweeter flavor when cooked.

Can I make Garlic Shrimp Mofongo ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mofongo base and shrimp separately ahead of time and reheat them together just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with vibrant flavors and comforting textures. This versatile dish allows room for customization, so feel free to experiment with various proteins or garnishes. Try it today, and indulge in a delightful taste of Puerto Rico!

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