Shrimp Mofongo is a flavorful Puerto Rican dish that combines tender shrimp with a savory medley of spices and garlic, served over a hearty base of mashed plantains. The plantains are fried and mixed with garlic, pork cracklings, or butter, creating a rich and satisfying texture.
What is Shrimp Mofongo?
At its core, Mofongo is a traditional Puerto Rican dish made with fried green plantains that are mashed with garlic, olive oil, and pork cracklings. The plantains take on a crispy yet soft texture, absorbing the intense flavors of the garlic and chicharrones.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Shrimp Mofongo
Use a Mortar and Pestle: Traditionally, mofongo is mashed in a pilón (a wooden mortar and pestle). This method gives the best texture, combining the plantains, garlic, and pork cracklings into a smooth yet chunky mash.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in 2-3 minutes. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery, so keep an eye on them while sautéing.
Try Double Frying the Plantains: Some chefs recommend double-frying the plantains (similar to making tostones) for extra crispiness. Fry them once until golden, smash them lightly, and fry them again for a crispier texture.
Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the garlic and seasoning when making your mofongo. Plantains can be somewhat bland on their own, so seasoning is key to bringing out their full flavor potential.
Variations of Mofongo You’ll Love
Mofongo is highly versatile and can be paired with various proteins and sauces. Here are a few popular variations you can try:
Vegetarian Mofongo: Skip the pork cracklings and shrimp, and instead add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. A drizzle of garlic oil will keep this version flavorful and satisfying.
Chicken Mofongo: Swap out the shrimp for grilled or sautéed chicken. Serve with a tangy garlic sauce or a light tomato-based broth.
Lobster Mofongo: For a more luxurious twist, use lobster tails instead of shrimp, and drizzle a creamy butter sauce over the dish.
How to Serve Shrimp Mofongo
Shrimp mofongo is best served fresh and warm. Typically, it’s presented in a bowl or mound, with the shrimp on top. To balance the richness of the dish, you can serve it alongside:
- A light salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette can help cut through the savory flavors.
- Rice and beans: In Puerto Rican cuisine, mofongo is often paired with arroz con habichuelas (rice and beans) for a more filling meal.
- Fried plantain chips: For added crunch, serve crispy plantain chips (tostones) on the side.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Mofongo
Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the shrimp and mofongo separately to preserve their textures.
Reheating: Reheat the mofongo by placing it in a pan with a little oil to re-crisp the plantains. The shrimp can be quickly warmed in a skillet or microwave, but be careful not to overcook them.
Freezing: Mofongo doesn’t freeze well due to the plantains’ texture, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh.
Recipe FAQs
What kind of plantains should I use for Mofongo?
For an authentic mofongo, you’ll want to use green plantains. These are starchy and savory, offering the right texture and flavor when fried and mashed.
Can I make Mofongo ahead of time?
Mofongo is best served fresh when the fried plantains are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. However, you can prep the plantains and cook the shrimp in advance, storing them separately. Reheat both components and assemble just before serving.
What can I use instead of pork cracklings?
If you don’t eat pork or can’t find chicharrones, try using bacon or turkey cracklings for a similar crunch. You can also skip this ingredient for a lighter version, although you’ll lose some of the traditional flavor.
What sauces pair well with Shrimp Mofongo?
Shrimp mofongo often comes with a garlic butter sauce or a creole sauce (made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices). Both are excellent options depending on your flavor preferences.
Shrimp Mofongo
Shrimp Mofongo is a flavorful Puerto Rican dish that combines tender shrimp with a savory medley of spices and garlic, served over a hearty base of mashed plantains.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 large green plantains (peeled and sliced into 1-inch rounds)
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of ketchup
- 1 small bag of pork rinds (or homemade chicharrones)
- 1 head of garlic (minced)
- Salted butter
- 1 tablespoon of Adobo All Purpose Seasoning
- 1 lemon (juiced)
For the Homemade Mojo Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon diced yellow onion
- Chopped cilantro
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Olive oil
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- Dried oregano
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Start by removing the skins of your green plantains. Slice them into 1-inch rounds and set aside.
- Heat oil in a frying pan and shallow fry the plantain slices for 7-10 minutes on each side until golden and tender. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a skillet, cook shrimp in olive oil until pink. Add diced tomatoes and minced garlic. Season with Adobo and ketchup, then simmer for about 3 minutes. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.
- In a mortar (or bowl if you don’t have one), mash the fried plantains with a bit of olive oil, butter, and garlic. Add in pork rinds for crunch, then mix in some of the homemade mojo sauce for moisture.
- Mold the mofongo into a small bowl shape. Serve the shrimp on top, spooning any leftover sauce from the pan over the dish. Garnish with cilantro and a wedge of lemon if desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 542Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 254mgSodium 1572mgCarbohydrates 85gFiber 7gSugar 36gProtein 34g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp Mofongo is a dish that beautifully showcases the bold and vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine. From the crispy fried plantains to the succulent shrimp bathed in garlic butter, every bite offers a taste of the island’s culinary heritage. With the tips, variations, and serving suggestions in this guide, you can confidently bring this beloved dish to your table, no matter where you are.
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