Savory Garlic Shrimp Mofongo

A neighbor dropped by after the farmers’ market with a bundle of cilantro and stories from her childhood in Puerto Rico. My cousin was visiting from out of town, curious about dishes that felt bold but still comforting.

Outside, the city was buzzing with a local street festival, music drifting through open windows, making the moment feel celebratory without being planned.

At the same time, a quiet dinner was unfolding next door for a couple celebrating their anniversary at home, lighting candles and taking their time with each step. Down the block, a group of friends were prepping food for a shared table after a long charity run, craving something hearty and grounding.

Garlic Shrimp Mofongo fit naturally into all these moments. The sizzling garlic, the gentle sweetness of fried plantains, the briny shrimp soaking in broth and lime created a rhythm that felt both lively and steady.

Making Garlic Shrimp Mofongo that day felt like cooking for many tables at once, each with its own story, each drawn together by warm food and shared hunger.

Short Description

Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is a classic Caribbean-inspired dish made with mashed fried plantains topped with juicy shrimp cooked in garlic butter sauce, finished with lime and fresh herbs for bold, savory flavor.

Key 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)

Tools Needed

• Large skillet
• Medium frying pan or deep saucepan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Slotted spoon
• Mortar and pestle or sturdy bowl and fork

Cooking Instructions

step 1: fry the plantains
Peel and slice the green plantains into thick rounds. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat at about 350°F. Fry the plantains for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden on the outside and tender inside. Remove and drain on paper towels.

step 2: cook the shrimp
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.

step 3: build the sauce
Pour in chicken broth, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Let simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes. The sauce should be glossy and aromatic. If it reduces too quickly, lower the heat slightly.

step 4: mash the plantains
Transfer fried plantains to a bowl or mortar. Mash while warm, adding a few spoonfuls of the broth or bacon crumbles to keep the mixture moist and chunky. The texture should hold together but not be smooth.

step 5: assemble and serve
Shape the plantain mixture into small domes on plates. Spoon shrimp and sauce over the top. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve immediately while warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold garlic-forward flavor balanced with citrus

Hearty and satisfying without being heavy

Naturally gluten-free

Perfect for special dinners or casual gatherings

Customizable with bacon or extra herbs

Rich in protein and fiber

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Using ripe plantains
Ripe plantains become too sweet and soft.
Solution: Choose green, firm plantains with minimal yellow.

Overcooking the shrimp
Shrimp can turn rubbery quickly.
Solution: Remove from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

Dry mofongo mixture
Plantains can become dense if mashed dry.
Solution: Add warm broth gradually while mashing.

Burning the garlic
Garlic cooks fast and turns bitter when burned.
Solution: Keep heat moderate and add shrimp quickly after garlic.

Sauce too thin
Watery sauce lacks richness.
Solution: Simmer a few extra minutes to reduce slightly before serving.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve as a plated main course

Pair with a crisp salad or sautéed greens

Enjoy with sparkling water or citrus-forward mocktails

Ideal for family-style sharing

Add avocado slices for freshness

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store shrimp and mofongo separately in airtight containers

Refrigerate for up to 2 days

Reheat shrimp gently on the stovetop with extra broth

Warm mofongo covered to retain moisture

Avoid microwaving shrimp for long periods

FAQs

1. Can I bake the plantains instead of frying?
Yes. Bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender.

2. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

3. Is bacon traditional in mofongo?
It is optional and commonly used for extra richness, but not required.

4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Replace butter with additional olive oil.

5. What can I use instead of chicken broth?
Vegetable broth works well and keeps the dish lighter.

Tips & Tricks

Warm the bowl before shaping mofongo to keep it pliable

Add a pinch of cumin for deeper flavor

Use a wooden spoon if no mortar is available

Taste the broth before assembling to adjust seasoning

Serve immediately for best texture

Recipe Variations

Spicy Garlic Shrimp Mofongo
Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper and sliced chili peppers when cooking shrimp for extra heat.

Herb Citrus Mofongo
Mix orange juice with lime juice and add fresh parsley along with cilantro for a brighter profile.

Shrimp-Free Mofongo
Top with sautéed mushrooms cooked in garlic butter and broth for a vegetarian version.

Extra Crispy Mofongo
After shaping, lightly pan-sear the plantain domes for 2 minutes per side before topping.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Shrimp Mofongo carries a kind of warmth that fills more than just the plate. The process of frying, mashing, and spooning sauce feels intentional, almost meditative, especially when the kitchen is alive with conversation or music from outside. Each component brings its own personality, yet they come together effortlessly.

This dish fits moments that feel special without needing formality. It welcomes shared tables, quiet dinners, and celebrations that happen naturally. Garlic Shrimp Mofongo always leaves behind the sense that something meaningful was made, enjoyed, and shared.