Can I freeze the mofongo?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooked mofongo and reheat in the oven.

What type of plantains should I use?

Use green plantains for the best texture and flavor.

Can I substitute the shrimp?

Yes, you can use chicken or pork instead of shrimp.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Yes, replace shrimp with mushrooms and pork cracklings with toasted nuts for a vegetarian option.

Vibrant Puerto Rican Mofongo with Shrimp Creole

Name: Vibrant Puerto Rican Mofongo with Shrimp Creole
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Green plantains; Pork cracklings or cooked bacon; Garlic; Chicken stock; Olive oil; Salt; Shrimp; Onion; Bell pepper; Tomatoes; Garlic; Tomato sauce; Paprika; Cumin; Olive oil; Salt and pepper; Fresh cilantro leaves; Lime wedges

Traditional plantain-based dish with a savory shrimp sauce

This Puerto Rican classic features mashed plantains infused with garlic and crispy pork, topped with a flavorful shrimp creole sauce.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Mofongo

Green plantains

4 — peeled and cut into 1-inch slices

Pork cracklings or cooked bacon

1/2 cup — crushed

Garlic

3 cloves — minced

Chicken stock

1/4 cup

Olive oil

2 tablespoons

Salt

To taste

For the Shrimp Creole

Shrimp

1 pound — peeled and deveined

Onion

1 — chopped

Bell pepper

1 — chopped

Tomatoes

2 — diced

Garlic

2 cloves — minced

Tomato sauce

1/2 cup

Paprika

1 teaspoon

Cumin

1 teaspoon

Olive oil

1 tablespoon

Salt and pepper

To taste

For Garnishing

Fresh cilantro leaves

Lime wedges

Preparation

Marinating the Shrimp

Season the shrimp

In a bowl, toss shrimp with paprika, cumin, and a pinch of salt.

Refrigerate

Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.

Acclimate

Let sit at room temperature 10 minutes before cooking.

Preparing the Mofongo

Fry the plantains

Fry plantain slices in olive oil until golden and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side.

Mash ingredients

In a mortar and pestle, mash fried plantains, garlic, pork cracklings, and chicken stock until smooth.

Avoid over-mashing the plantains; chilling them slightly before mashing can help achieve the desired consistency.

Shape mofongo

Season with salt and shape into individual balls.

Cooking Process

Prepare the Creole sauce

Sauté onion, bell pepper, garlic, and tomatoes in oil. Add tomato sauce, stirring occasionally.

Cook the shrimp

Add marinated shrimp to the sauce and cook until just opaque, about 3-5 minutes.

Combine and finish

Place mofongo balls on a plate and top with the shrimp creole. Garnish with cilantro.

Plating & Serving