Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic

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 tablespoons olive oil or butter; 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: beef cracklings (chicharrón) for added texture

Published: February 15, 2026

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic and shrimp creates a rich, aromatic dish that packs a punch.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or side. Pair it with sautéed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect even for novice cooks looking to impress.
Comforting Texture: The crispy mash of plantains provides a delightful contrast to the tender shrimp.
Crowd-Pleaser: Serve it at gatherings and watch everyone come back for seconds!

Tools and Preparation

For the best results when making Garlic Shrimp Mofongo, use the right tools. Having the essential equipment on hand makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.

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 plantains perfectly, allowing you to achieve that ideal creamy consistency.
Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking when sautéing shrimp and garlic, enhancing flavor infusion.
Pot for boiling: Needed to cook plantains until tender; a sturdy pot helps maintain consistent heat.

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 Garnishes

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, then cut them into 1–2 inch pieces.
Boil in water until tender (about 10–15 minutes) or fry them for added flavor.

Step 2: Mash Mofongo

In your mortar and pestle (or pilón), combine boiled plantains with minced garlic, olive oil, and optional chicharrón.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mash until smooth yet slightly chunky.

Step 3: Cook Garlic Shrimp

Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until they turn pink and opaque (about 3–4 minutes per side).

Step 4: Assemble Dish

Mold the mofongo mixture into bowls or onto plates.
Top each mound with cooked garlic shrimp.
Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the dish for extra flavor.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro or paprika if desired.
Serve immediately alongside lime wedges and your choice of sides like sautéed vegetables or rice and beans.

Enjoy your flavorful journey into Puerto Rican cuisine with this Garlic Shrimp Mofongo! It’s sure to become a beloved favorite at your table.

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

Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serving it right enhances the overall experience, making it even more satisfying and enjoyable.

With Sautéed Vegetables

Sautéed bell peppers, onions, and zucchini complement the flavors of the shrimp, adding color and nutrition to your plate.

With Puerto Rican Rice and Beans

This traditional pairing creates a hearty meal that balances the rich flavors of mofongo with the protein and fiber from rice and beans.

Garnished with Fresh Cilantro

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness, elevating the dish’s taste profile while providing a vibrant presentation.

With Lime Wedges

Serving lime wedges on the side allows guests to squeeze fresh juice over the mofongo, enhancing its flavor with a zesty kick.

Arrange mofongo and garlic shrimp on a large platter for family-style dining, encouraging everyone to dig in together for a communal experience.

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

Perfecting Garlic Shrimp Mofongo requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your dish shines.

Choose Ripe Plantains: Opt for slightly yellow plantains for optimal sweetness and texture when mashing.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and shrimp enhance the dish’s flavor significantly, bringing out authentic Puerto Rican tastes.
Mash Evenly: When mashing plantains, aim for a smooth consistency while keeping some chunky bits for texture.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque; overcooking can make them tough and chewy.
Season Generously: Taste as you cook! Adjust salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings to achieve your desired flavor balance.

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

To complement your Garlic Shrimp Mofongo, consider these side dishes that pair beautifully with its flavors:

Tostones: Crispy twice-fried green plantain slices add crunch and are perfect for dipping into garlic sauce.
Avocado Salad: A fresh avocado salad with lime dressing provides creaminess that contrasts nicely with mofongo.
Puerto Rican Cornmeal Fritters (Bacalaitos): These fritters add a savory touch with their crispy exterior and soft interior.
Black Bean Salad: A refreshing black bean salad packed with veggies offers protein and fiber alongside your main dish.
Fried Sweet Plantains (Maduros): Sweet fried plantains bring balance to the savory shrimp mofongo with their natural sweetness.
Coconut Rice: Fluffy coconut rice infuses tropical flavors that pair wonderfully with the seafood richness of garlic shrimp.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of the dish.
Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus brings vibrant color and nutrients to your meal without overwhelming other flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Garlic Shrimp Mofongo dish. Here are a few to keep in mind:

Using unripe plantains: Always choose green or slightly yellow plantains for the best texture and flavor. Ripe plantains will result in a mushy consistency.
Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Cook them until they are just pink and opaque.
Not seasoning properly: Mofongo needs adequate seasoning throughout. Don’t forget to season the plantains and the shrimp separately for a well-flavored dish.
Skipping the garlic: Garlic is essential for that signature flavor. Ensure you use fresh garlic rather than garlic powder for the best taste.
Ignoring texture: Mofongo should be smooth yet slightly chunky. Avoid over-mashing the plantains; it’s okay to leave some pieces for texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Garlic Shrimp Mofongo in an airtight container.
It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic

To freeze, place cooled mofongo in freezer-safe containers or bags.
It can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Garlic Shrimp Mofongo – Flavor-Packed Puerto Rican Classic

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Garlic Shrimp Mofongo.

What is Garlic Shrimp Mofongo?

Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is a traditional Puerto Rican dish made with mashed plantains mixed with garlic and served with sautéed shrimp. It’s flavorful and satisfying.

Can I customize my Garlic Shrimp Mofongo?

Absolutely! You can add different proteins like chicken or beef, or incorporate vegetables into your mofongo for added nutrition and flavor.

How do I make my mofongo more flavorful?

To enhance flavor, try adding spices such as paprika or fresh herbs like cilantro during preparation. Also, ensure that both the shrimp and plantains are seasoned well.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if needed.

What can I serve with Garlic Shrimp Mofongo?

This dish pairs well with sautéed vegetables or a side of Puerto Rican rice and beans for a complete meal experience.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is a delightful blend of flavors that embodies the essence of Puerto Rican cuisine. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on available ingredients or personal preferences. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card