If you have never tried mofongo before, the Garlic Shrimp Mofongo Recipe is about to become your new favorite dish. This vibrant Puerto Rican classic combines golden fried green plantains mashed with crunchy pork rinds and infused with garlic, topped off with tender, garlicky sautéed shrimp bursting with bright herbs and citrus notes. It’s a fantastic celebration of textures and flavors that’s surprisingly simple to prepare yet impressive enough to serve at any occasion. Once you master this Garlic Shrimp Mofongo Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved comfort food with a bold personality and heartwarming soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Garlic Shrimp Mofongo Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to build layers of taste, texture, and color. You don’t need a long list to achieve dazzling results; every component plays an essential role in bringing this dish to life.
- Green Plantains: The starchy base that, when fried and mashed, creates the iconic mofongo texture.
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined): Adds a tender, savory protein element that perfectly balances the richness.
- Garlic: The fragrant star that infuses both the mofongo and the shrimp with bold flavor.
- Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing and mashing, contributing richness and silkiness.
- Pork Rinds or Cooked Bacon: Crispy goodness that adds crunch and smoky depth.
- Fresh Cilantro or Parsley: Bright herbs that lighten and freshen the dish’s profile.
- Chicken Broth (warm): Helps moisten the mash and tie all ingredients together.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that elevates every bite.
- Lime or Lemon Juice: A splash of acidity to brighten the garlic shrimp.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying the plantains crisp and golden.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Mofongo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Fry the Plantains
Start by peeling the green plantains and cutting them into 1-inch thick rounds. Soaking them in salted water for 15 minutes helps to remove excess starch and adds a subtle seasoning. Then, fry the plantain slices in hot vegetable oil over medium heat until they turn golden and soft, about 4-5 minutes on each side. This frying step is crucial because it transforms the plantains into the foundation of the mofongo’s signature crispy-yet-tender texture.
Step 2: Mash the Plantains with Flavorful Add-ins
Drain the fried plantains and place them in a large bowl or a traditional pilón if you have one. Add three cloves of minced garlic, your choice of pork rinds or chopped bacon for crunch, a splash of warm chicken broth for moisture, and one tablespoon of olive oil or butter for richness. Mash this mixture until it’s chunky but still moldable, achieving that perfect balance where every bite is bursting with garlicky, savory goodness.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic Shrimp
In a separate skillet, heat the remaining olive oil or butter. Sauté the rest of the minced garlic until fragrant—it should fill your kitchen with irresistible aroma. Add the cleaned shrimp, seasoning them with salt and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn a lovely pink, signaling they are perfectly done. Just before finishing, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro or parsley and a splash of lime or lemon juice to elevate and brighten the flavors.
Step 4: Assemble the Mofongo
Shape the mashed plantain mixture into domes or press it firmly into ramekins for a neat presentation. Plate your mofongo domes and crown them generously with the sizzling garlic shrimp and their delectable pan sauce. This final assembly creates a stunning and flavorful dish that looks as incredible as it tastes.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Mofongo Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Garlic Shrimp Mofongo Recipe even more irresistible, sprinkle extra chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley on top for vibrant color and a fresh pop. A few thin slices of fresh chili peppers or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil can add an extra zing if you love a touch of heat. The garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also add layers of complementary flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with simple and fresh sides. A crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Alternatively, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a light tomato-based salsa to echo the dish’s bright citrus and herb notes. Whatever you choose, side dishes should complement the hearty nature of the mofongo while adding some balance to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Garlic Shrimp Mofongo Recipe in individual plantain bowls by hollowing out fried plantains and filling them with the mashed mofongo and shrimp. Another creative idea is plating the shrimp over a generous mound of mofongo, artistically drizzling the garlic pan sauce around it. This not only makes the dish more visually captivating but also lets guests enjoy the full flavor-packed experience in each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Garlic Shrimp Mofongo Recipe, store the mofongo and shrimp separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the textures intact and prevents the shrimp from overcooking when reheated. Properly stored, leftovers will stay fresh for up to 2 days, ensuring you can enjoy this fabulous dish again with minimal effort.
Freezing
You can freeze the mashed plantain mixture alone if you want to prepare in advance. Spoon the mofongo into freezer-safe containers and thaw it overnight in the fridge when ready to use. However, freezing cooked shrimp is not recommended as it tends to become rubbery after thawing and reheating. For best flavor and texture, cook the shrimp fresh to top your mofongo just before serving.
Reheating
When reheating the mofongo, do so gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or olive oil to restore moisture and softness. The shrimp should be reheated briefly just to warm through, preferably in a pan or under a broiler for a minute or two, to avoid toughness. This way, you preserve the delicious garlicky flavors and pleasing textures of the original Garlic Shrimp Mofongo Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use ripe plantains for mofongo?
Traditional mofongo calls for green plantains because they are starchy and firm, which creates the right texture when fried and mashed. Ripe plantains are sweeter and softer, leading to a different, sweeter dish more like a dessert. For the authentic Garlic Shrimp Mofongo Recipe, green plantains are best.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can skip the shrimp and use sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables with the garlic and herbs as a topping. The pork rinds can also be swapped for toasted nuts or vegetarian bacon to keep the savory crunch.
What is the role of pork rinds in mofongo?
Pork rinds add a delightful crunch and smoky depth to the mofongo. They contrast the softness of the mashed plantains and bring classic Puerto Rican flavor. If you prefer, cooked bacon works beautifully as a substitute.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the Garlic Shrimp Mofongo Recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided your chosen pork rind or bacon and chicken broth do not contain gluten additives. Always check ingredient labels if you have dietary restrictions.
How spicy is this dish?
This Garlic Shrimp Mofongo Recipe is generally mild, with garlic and herbs providing most of the flavor. If you like spice, you can easily add some fresh chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne to the shrimp for a pleasant kick.
Final Thoughts
You are now armed with everything you need to make a stunning Garlic Shrimp Mofongo Recipe that will delight your taste buds and wow everyone you share it with. It’s a perfect meal to make any day feel special, full of vibrant flavors and textures that celebrate tradition and comfort. Dive in, have fun in the kitchen, and enjoy the delicious journey to this Puerto Rican treasure!
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Garlic Shrimp Mofongo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Description
This Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is a flavorful Puerto Rican dish featuring crispy fried green plantains mashed with garlic, pork rinds or bacon, and chicken broth, topped with sautéed garlic shrimp. It combines the richness of garlic and seafood with the comforting texture of mofongo, perfect for a satisfying meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Plantains and Mofongo Base
- 3 green plantains
- 1 cup pork rinds or 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic (for mashing), minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth, warm
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
Shrimp Topping
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic (for sautéing), minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Plantains: Peel the green plantains and slice them into 1-inch thick rounds. Soak these slices in salted water for 15 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Fry Plantains: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the plantain slices until they become golden and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes on each side. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Mash Mofongo Mixture: In a large bowl or pilón, mash the fried plantains along with 3 cloves of minced garlic, chopped pork rinds or bacon, a splash of warm chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Mash until the mixture is chunky but moldable into shapes.
- Cook Garlic Shrimp: In a separate skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Sauté the remaining garlic cloves until fragrant. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Stir in the chopped herbs and lime or lemon juice for freshness.
- Assemble the Dish: Shape the mashed plantain mixture into domes or press into ramekins for neat presentation. Plate the mofongo and top generously with the garlic shrimp and their pan sauce. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Soaking plantains in salted water helps reduce starch and enhances texture when fried.
- You can substitute pork rinds with cooked bacon for a different smoky flavor.
- Use fresh lime or lemon juice to brighten the shrimp topping just before serving.
- For variation, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the shrimp for a spicy kick.
- Serve with a side of avocado or a crisp green salad to complement the rich mofongo.
