Garlic Shrimp Mofongo: Bold Caribbean Flavor in Every Bite
Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is a vibrant, savory dish that captures the essence of Caribbean cuisine in one unforgettable meal. Made with crispy fried green plantains mashed together with garlic, olive oil, and seasonings, then topped with succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, this dish is both comforting and exciting. It’s the perfect combination of textures — crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside — with bold flavors that make every bite irresistible.
This dish originates from Puerto Rico and has deep cultural roots, blending African, Spanish, and Caribbean influences. Traditionally served in a wooden mortar and pestle called a pilón, mofongo has become one of the most beloved Caribbean comfort foods worldwide. While pork cracklings are often used, shrimp adds a luxurious seafood twist that elevates the dish into something truly special.
Whether you’re cooking for a weekend family dinner, a festive gathering, or simply want to explore global flavors at home, Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is a recipe that delivers both authenticity and satisfaction.
What Makes Garlic Shrimp Mofongo Special
There are many reasons why this dish stands out among Caribbean recipes:
- Unique texture: Crispy fried plantains mashed into a savory mound create a texture unlike mashed potatoes or rice.
- Bold garlic flavor: Fresh garlic infuses both the plantain base and the shrimp topping.
- Versatility: You can customize with different proteins or broths.
- Cultural heritage: A dish with centuries of culinary tradition behind it.
- Restaurant-quality presentation: Impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for home cooks.
The combination of garlicky shrimp and golden plantains creates a meal that feels both rustic and gourmet.
Ingredients
For the Mofongo
- 3 green plantains, peeled and cut into thick slices
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or seafood broth)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
For the Garlic Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of ½ lime
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or cilantro
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Plantains
- Peel the green plantains by cutting off the ends and slicing lengthwise through the skin. Remove the peel and cut into 1-inch chunks.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Fry plantain pieces for about 5–7 minutes until lightly golden and tender. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 2: Mash the Mofongo
- In a large mortar and pestle (or mixing bowl), combine minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mash to form a paste.
- Add fried plantains and mash until chunky but cohesive.
- Gradually add chicken broth while mashing until the mixture becomes moist and holds together.
- Stir in chopped cilantro if using.
- Shape into a mound or pack into a small bowl to mold. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic Shrimp
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Squeeze lime juice over shrimp and sprinkle with parsley or cilantro.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Place the mofongo mound on a serving plate or shallow bowl.
- Top with garlic shrimp and spoon extra garlic butter sauce over the top.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Shrimp Mofongo
Choose the Right Plantains:
Green plantains are essential because they are starchy and hold their structure. Yellow or ripe plantains will be too sweet and soft.
Don’t Over-Mash:
Mofongo should have texture. Avoid turning it into a smooth paste.
Use Fresh Garlic:
Fresh garlic provides the signature flavor. Pre-minced garlic won’t deliver the same depth.
Add Broth Gradually:
The broth helps keep mofongo moist. Add slowly so you don’t make it soggy.
Cook Shrimp Quickly:
Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. Remove from heat as soon as they turn pink.
Delicious Variations
One of the best things about mofongo is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your taste preferences:
- Chicken Mofongo: Replace shrimp with grilled or shredded chicken.
- Pork Mofongo: Add crispy pork cracklings for traditional flavor.
- Vegetarian Mofongo: Use vegetable broth and top with sautéed mushrooms.
- Spicy Mofongo: Add chili oil or hot sauce to the shrimp.
- Cheesy Mofongo: Mix shredded cheese into the plantain mash for richness.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is filling on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides creates a full Caribbean dining experience:
- Fresh avocado salad
- Black beans or pigeon peas
- Fried sweet plantains (maduros)
- Garlic butter vegetables
- Citrus slaw
A refreshing lime drink or tropical fruit juice also pairs beautifully with the bold flavors.
Cultural Background and Fun Facts
Mofongo traces its origins to African fufu, a starchy dish brought to the Caribbean during the colonial period. Over time, Puerto Rican cooks adapted the technique using local plantains, garlic, and pork fat. Today, mofongo is considered one of Puerto Rico’s national dishes and is served in homes and restaurants worldwide.
Traditionally, it’s molded into a dome shape or formed into a bowl with a hollow center for broth or sauce. Shrimp mofongo became popular as coastal regions incorporated fresh seafood into the classic preparation.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration:
Store leftover mofongo and shrimp separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Microwave with a splash of broth to prevent dryness.
- Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet with butter.
Freezing:
Mofongo can be frozen for up to 1 month, though texture may slightly change.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-quality Caribbean dish at home
- Rich garlic butter flavor
- Satisfying textures and aromas
- Customizable with different proteins
- Perfect for special dinners or weekends
Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is more than just a recipe — it’s a culinary experience that brings warmth, tradition, and bold flavor together on one plate. Once you try it, it may quickly become one of your favorite comfort meals.
Garlic Shrimp Mofongo
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel and slice plantains into chunks.
- Fry plantains in hot oil until golden and tender, then drain.
- Mash garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper into a paste.
- Add fried plantains and mash until chunky, adding broth gradually.
- Shape mofongo into mounds and keep warm.
- Heat butter and olive oil, sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and seasonings, cook until pink and opaque.
- Finish with lime juice and serve shrimp over mofongo.
