Name: Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients: 4 green or slightly yellow plantains; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2–3 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Experience the bold flavors of Puerto Rico with this Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic! Crispy mashed plantains are paired with garlicky, succulent shrimp for a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Easy to make, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic and shrimp delivers a savory experience you’ll crave.
Comfort Food: Mofongo is a traditional dish that warms the heart and soul, making it ideal for gatherings.
Versatile Pairings: Serve it with sautéed vegetables or Puerto Rican rice and beans for a complete meal.
Easy Preparation: This recipe features straightforward steps that anyone can follow.
Customizable: Adjust the seasoning and toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Garlic Shrimp Mofongo, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and enhance your culinary experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

Mortar and pestle or pilón: Ideal for mashing plantains evenly while incorporating garlic and olive oil for rich flavor.
Skillet: Perfect for sautéing shrimp to achieve that golden-brown color while maximizing flavor from the garlic.

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

Optional Toppings

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 them in salted water until tender (about 10–15 minutes) or fry them if you prefer extra flavor.

Step 2: Mash Mofongo

In a mortar and pestle or pilón, mash the boiled plantains together with minced garlic, olive oil, and optional chicharrón.
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 30 seconds).
Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, then cook until they turn pink and opaque (approximately 3–4 minutes per side).

Step 4: Assemble Dish

Mold portions of mofongo into bowls or plates using your hands or a mold.
Top each serving with garlic shrimp and drizzle pan juices over them.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with paprika or fresh cilantro as desired.
Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for added zest! Enjoy your delicious Garlic Shrimp Mofongo!

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

Serving Garlic Shrimp Mofongo can elevate your dining experience, making it a delightful centerpiece for any meal. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this savory dish.

Garnish Ideas

Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant touch and enhances the dish’s flavor.
Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing zing.

Accompaniments

Sautéed Vegetables: Colorful sautéed vegetables provide added nutrition and texture.
Puerto Rican Rice and Beans: This classic pairing complements the mofongo beautifully, creating a hearty meal.

Serving Style

Molded Presentation: Shape the mofongo into bowls or use molds for an elegant presentation.
Family-Style Sharing: Serve everything on a large platter, allowing guests to serve themselves for a communal dining experience.

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

Perfecting Garlic Shrimp Mofongo takes practice, but these tips will help you achieve amazing results every time.

Bold Flavors: Use plenty of garlic in both the mofongo and shrimp for an intense flavor profile.
Texture Matters: Aim for a creamy yet slightly chunky consistency when mashing plantains to enhance mouthfeel.
Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh shrimp and ripe plantains for the best taste and texture in your dish.
Temperature Control: Ensure your oil is hot enough when frying plantains; this helps achieve that perfect crispy outer layer.

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

To create a well-rounded meal with Garlic Shrimp Mofongo, consider these delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with it.

Tostones: Twice-fried green plantain slices that are crispy and serve as an excellent crunchy side.
Avocado Salad: A refreshing salad with ripe avocados, tomatoes, and onions to balance the richness of the mofongo.
Black Bean Salad: A protein-packed salad featuring black beans, corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing for added zest.
Puerto Rican Rice Pilaf: This flavorful rice dish includes sofrito and spices that complement the garlic shrimp beautifully.
Fried Sweet Plantains (Maduros): Sweet plantains caramelized to perfection offer a delightful contrast to the savory mofongo.
Coleslaw: A light, tangy slaw provides crunch and freshness that pairs well with the richness of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Garlic Shrimp Mofongo can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes is essential for the best outcome.

Using Overripe Plantains: Choose firm, green or slightly yellow plantains to avoid mushy mofongo. Overripe plantains can lead to a different texture and flavor.
Not Seasoning Enough: It’s easy to underestimate seasoning. Be generous with salt and pepper, and taste as you go to ensure perfect flavor balance.
Skipping the Chicharrón: While optional, adding beef cracklings enhances the texture and flavor of mofongo. Don’t skip this step if you want that authentic crunch!
Overcooking Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly; overcooking makes it tough. Cook until pink and opaque for tender results.
Neglecting to Rest: Allowing the garlic shrimp to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps flavors meld and improves overall taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep the garlic shrimp separate from the mofongo to maintain texture.

Freezing Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic

Freeze the garlic shrimp and mofongo separately in freezer-safe containers.
Use within 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Garlic Shrimp Mofongo.

What is Garlic Shrimp Mofongo?

Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that combines mashed plantains with garlic shrimp for a hearty meal.

Can I customize my Garlic Shrimp Mofongo?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables or change the protein based on your preferences. Chicken or beef works well too!

How do I make it vegan-friendly?

To make a vegan version, substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or marinated tofu, and use olive oil instead of butter.

What should I serve with Garlic Shrimp Mofongo?

It pairs perfectly with sautéed vegetables or traditional Puerto Rican rice and beans for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is not only flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe invites customization to fit your taste. Give it a try and experience the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rico!