why make this recipe
Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is a fantastic dish full of flavor and texture. This recipe combines the sweetness of fried plantains with the delicious taste of garlic shrimp. It’s not only a great meal for special occasions but also a comforting dish for any day of the week. When you serve this dish, you will impress everyone at the table with its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation.
how to make Garlic Shrimp Mofongo
Ingredients:
- 2 large green plantains
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup crumbled bacon (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the Plantains: Peel the plantains and cut them into 1-inch slices.
- Fry the Plantains: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Fry the plantain slices until golden and tender, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and drain them on paper towels.
- Make the Garlic Shrimp: In the same skillet, add butter and olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes. Stir in lime juice and cilantro, then remove from heat.
- Mash Plantains: In a large bowl, mash the fried plantains with a fork or potato masher. If desired, you can add crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
- Form Mofongo: Shape the mashed plantains into a dome or bowl using your hands or a mold.
- Serve with Shrimp: Place the mofongo on a plate and top it generously with the garlic shrimp mixture. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.
With these clear steps, you’ll have a beautiful plate of Garlic Shrimp Mofongo ready to impress!
how to serve Garlic Shrimp Mofongo
Serve Garlic Shrimp Mofongo warm. It’s best enjoyed right after you make it. You can pair it with a fresh side salad or some avocado slices for added taste. The yummy garlic shrimp on top makes each bite even more delightful.
how to store Garlic Shrimp Mofongo
To store leftovers, place the Garlic Shrimp Mofongo in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a microwave or heat it on the stove. Make sure to add a little water to keep it from drying out when reheating.
tips to make Garlic Shrimp Mofongo
- Use ripe green plantains for the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp, or they may become tough.
- You can adjust the seasoning based on your preferences; feel free to add more spices if you like it spicy.
- If you’re not a fan of bacon, simply omit it or substitute with a plant-based option.
variation
You can try adding different proteins such as chicken or scallops instead of shrimp. You can also try mixing in vegetables like bell peppers and onions to give it more color and nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use ripe plantains for this recipe?
It’s best to use green plantains, as they hold their shape well and have a firmer texture when mashed.
2. Is Garlic Shrimp Mofongo gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, as it uses plantains, shrimp, and basic seasonings that do not contain gluten.
3. Can I make Garlic Shrimp Mofongo ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead of time. Fry the plantains and make the shrimp mixture separately, then combine and serve when ready.

Garlic Shrimp Mofongo
Ingredients
For the Mofongo
- 2 large green plantains Use ripe green plantains for the best texture.
- ¼ cup crumbled bacon Optional, can be omitted or substituted with a plant-based option.
For the Garlic Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to prevent toughness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel the plantains and cut them into 1-inch slices.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat and fry the plantain slices until golden and tender, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and drain them on paper towels.
Cooking the Shrimp
- In the same skillet, add butter and olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp to the pan, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes. Stir in lime juice and cilantro, then remove from heat.
Mashing and Forming Mofongo
- In a large bowl, mash the fried plantains with a fork or potato masher. If desired, add crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
- Shape the mashed plantains into a dome or bowl using your hands or a mold.
Serving
- Place the mofongo on a plate and top it generously with the garlic shrimp mixture. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.
