Savory Garlic Shrimp Mofongo: A Taste of Puerto Rico

Hi I'm Benjamin

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on January 1, 2026

As I peeled the vibrant green plantains, the aroma of garlic wafted through my kitchen, instantly transporting me to a sun-soaked Puerto Rican beach. This Garlic Shrimp Mofongo recipe has become my go-to comfort food, seamlessly blending crispy plantains with succulent shrimp, making it a delightful centerpiece for any dinner. Not only is this dish a feast for the senses, but it also offers the joys of quick prep and a visually stunning presentation, perfect for impressing friends or indulging in a cozy night in. Trust me, one bite, and you’ll feel like you’re savoring a slice of Caribbean paradise. Ready to explore this culinary treasure together? Let’s dive in!

Why is Garlic Shrimp Mofongo a Must-Try?

Deliciously Unique: This Garlic Shrimp Mofongo blends crispy plantains and rich garlic shrimp into a fantastic dish that stands out on any table.

Comforting Flavors: The robust, savory profile is comforting and reminiscent of warm Caribbean nights.

Quick and Easy: With simple steps, this recipe is a breeze to follow, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Impressive Presentation: Serve it up with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime—your guests will be wowed!

Versatile Options: Whether you want to swap shrimp for chicken or keep it vegetarian with roasted veggies, this dish caters to varied tastes.

Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties, everyone will be asking for seconds! This is a great chance to pair it with a fresh salad or some stunning Vegan Garlic Butter Mushrooms for a complimentary side.

Garlic Shrimp Mofongo Ingredients

• Let’s gather everything you need!

For the Mofongo

Plantains – Choose green or slightly yellow ones for a dense, fluffy texture; avoid overripe plantains for this recipe.
Garlic – This essential flavor enhancer can be adjusted to suit your taste; more garlic equals more richness!
Olive Oil or Butter – Both contribute a luxurious richness; feel free to use either based on your preference.
Pork Cracklings (Chicharrón) – Optional for that authentic crunch and flavor boost in your mofongo.

For the Garlic Shrimp

Shrimp – Medium-sized, peeled, and deveined shrimp work best for absorbing all that garlicky goodness; cook briefly for optimal tenderness.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika) – Tweak these to enhance the dish’s depth of flavor; don’t forget the paprika for that extra kick!

Garnishes

Fresh Cilantro – A sprinkle of cilantro adds a vibrant pop and freshness to the dish.
Lime Wedges – Squeeze a wedge over your Garlic Shrimp Mofongo for a zesty finishing touch.

Ready to create this culinary delight? Gather these ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Garlic Shrimp Mofongo

Step 1: Prepare Plantains
Begin by peeling the vibrant green plantains and cutting them into 1-2 inch pieces. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the plantains. Cook them for 10-15 minutes until they are tender enough to pierce with a fork. Alternatively, for extra flavor, you can fry the plantain pieces until they turn golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Mash Mofongo
Once the plantains are cooked and tender, drain them and transfer them into a mortar and pestle or a mixing bowl. Add minced garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, and optional pork cracklings to the mix. Mash the combination together until slightly chunky, ensuring the mofongo maintains a satisfying texture. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Cook Garlic Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of butter or olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are perfectly tender and ready to serve.

Step 4: Assemble Dish
To plate your Garlic Shrimp Mofongo, mold the mashed mofongo onto your serving plates using a small bowl for a beautiful shape. Top each serving generously with the garlicky shrimp from the skillet, allowing a bit of the flavorful pan juices to drizzle over the mofongo for added moisture and depth.

Step 5: Serve Immediately
Garnish your delicious Garlic Shrimp Mofongo with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and a squeeze of lime for an extra zesty kick. Serve the dish immediately while it’s warm, inviting your family and friends to indulge in this stunning Puerto Rican delight that captures the essence of comfort food.

Garlic Shrimp Mofongo Variations

Feel free to take creative liberties with this delicious recipe and make it truly your own!

Protein Swaps: Swap shrimp for cubed chicken or pork. You can also use a firm white fish like cod for a delightful alternative.
Vegetarian Version: Replace shrimp with roasted vegetables or sautéed mushrooms for a fantastic plant-based option.
Cheese Addition: Add a sprinkle of grated Manchego or Parmesan for an extra layer of richness and flavor. It adds a creamy touch that enhances the overall dish.
Spice Variations: Try smoked paprika or a pinch of crushed red pepper or cayenne for some heat. For a milder experience, keep the seasonings simple.
Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the mofongo mix for a fresh flavor twist and an aromatic touch.
Tropical Fruit Salsa: Top with a fresh mango or pineapple salsa for a bright, fruity contrast to the savory garlic shrimp.
Nutty Crunch: Add toasted nuts like pine nuts or slivered almonds for a delightful crunch that complements the soft mofongo.
Make it Creamy: Incorporate some cream cheese or sour cream into the mofongo for a super creamy texture that’s irresistibly comforting.

Looking for more scrumptious ideas? Try pairing your Garlic Shrimp Mofongo with some vibrant Vegan Garlic Butter Mushrooms or serve it alongside traditional Puerto Rican rice and beans for a truly festive meal!

Storage Tips for Garlic Shrimp Mofongo

Room Temperature: Garlic Shrimp Mofongo is best served fresh. If left out, it can safely sit for up to 2 hours before needing refrigeration to ensure food safety.
Fridge: Store leftover mofongo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the shrimp separate until ready to reheat for optimal texture.
Freezer: You can freeze the mofongo base for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag to maintain quality.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, gently reheat the mofongo in the microwave or stovetop, adding a little olive oil or broth to maintain moisture. Shrimp should be cooked fresh whenever possible for the best flavor and tenderness.

Expert Tips for Garlic Shrimp Mofongo

Plantain Selection: Choose starchy green plantains for an authentic texture; overripe ones will lead to a sweet, mushy result that doesn’t match the traditional dish.
Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Monitor the shrimp closely, cooking only until they turn pink and opaque; overcooking will lead to rubbery shrimp in your Garlic Shrimp Mofongo.
Authentic Mashing: Use a mortar and pestle for the best texture in your mofongo; aim for a slightly chunky consistency to enhance the dish’s mouthfeel.
Prep Ahead: You can make the mofongo base in advance, but assemble with shrimp just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the fresh cilantro and lime wedges—they elevate the dish with added brightness and flavor that balances the richness.

Make Ahead Options

These Garlic Shrimp Mofongo are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the mofongo base a day up to 24 hours in advance by mashing the cooked plantains with garlic, olive oil, and chicharrón (if using). Store the mofongo in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its fluffy texture. To ensure the garlic shrimp are at their best, it’s recommended to cook them fresh just before serving. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the mofongo gently in a microwave or pan over low heat until warmed through, plate it, and top with your freshly sautéed garlic shrimp. This way, you’ll have a delicious and impressive meal ready in no time!

What to Serve with Garlic Shrimp Mofongo

Elevate your dining experience with delightful side dishes that beautifully accompany this Puerto Rican classic.

Sautéed Vegetables: A medley of bell peppers and zucchini adds a colorful and crunchy contrast, enhancing the dish’s vibrant presentation.
Cilantro Lime Rice: This fragrant rice dish complements the savory mofongo while balancing the richness of the shrimp with zesty lime.
Tostones: These twice-fried green plantains offer a crispy texture that echoes the mofongo, creating a satisfying crunch with each bite.
Avocado Salad: Creamy avocados mixed with tomatoes and red onions provide a fresh, cool counterpoint to the warm, hearty mofongo.
Mango Salsa: With its sweet and tangy notes, mango salsa brightens the meal while perfectly balancing the garlic flavors of the shrimp.
Puerto Rican Rice and Beans: This classic combination is a hearty addition, providing a comforting, satisfying balance to the dish.
Pineapple Agua Fresca: Serve a refreshing drink to wash it all down; the fruity notes of this agua fresca beautifully complement the vibrant flavors of mofongo.
Flan: For dessert, a smooth, creamy flan makes a sweet ending to your meal, wrapping up the dining experience on a delightful note.

Garlic Shrimp Mofongo Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right plantains for Garlic Shrimp Mofongo?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose green or slightly yellow plantains. These offer the ideal starchy texture that keeps the mofongo dense yet fluffy. Avoid overripe plantains, as they tend to be too sweet and can alter the dish’s intended flavor profile significantly.

How should I store leftover Garlic Shrimp Mofongo?
Very! Store any leftover mofongo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the shrimp separate from the mofongo to maintain their tenderness. If the shrimp is paired with the mofongo, it can spoil quicker, so try to avoid mixing them until you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers.

Can I freeze Garlic Shrimp Mofongo?
Absolutely! You can freeze the mofongo base for up to 3 months. When freezing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to label it with the date. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and heat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. However, I recommend cooking the shrimp fresh when you’re ready to assemble and enjoy!

What if my shrimp turns out rubbery while cooking?
Oh no! To avoid rubbery shrimp, pay close attention to the cooking time. They should only be cooked until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. For the best texture, do not overcrowd the skillet; this ensures they cook evenly and quickly.

Can Garlic Shrimp Mofongo be made vegetarian-friendly?
Very much so! If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, simply replace the shrimp with roasted vegetables or sautéed mushrooms. You can still enjoy the garlic flavor by sautéing it in olive oil, just as you would for the shrimp. The mofongo stays deliciously satisfying while catering to different dietary preferences.

Are there any special considerations for allergies?
Indeed! If you’re preparing Garlic Shrimp Mofongo for guests with allergies, remember that shrimp is a common allergen. You can substitute with firm white fish or tofu for a gluten-free option. Always double-check the labels of your seasonings and oil to ensure they are allergy-friendly as well!