Garlic Shrimp Mofongo

Garlic Shrimp Mofongo: 5 Easy Steps to a Delicious Meal

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Garlic Shrimp Mofongo: 5 Easy Steps to a Delicious Meal

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Embark on a culinary journey with this incredible Garlic Shrimp Mofongo: 5 Easy Steps to a Delicious Meal! This traditional Puerto Rican dish is a symphony of textures and flavors, combining savory garlic shrimp with crispy, mashed green plantains. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with an authentic Caribbean experience.

Introduction: Master Garlic Shrimp Mofongo in 5 Steps

Are you craving a taste of the Caribbean? Look no further! Our recipe for Garlic Shrimp Mofongo brings the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rico right to your kitchen. We’ve broken down this seemingly complex dish into just 5 simple steps, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

This guide will walk you through preparing the perfect mofongo, from peeling green plantains to forming those iconic, flavorful mounds. You’ll also learn to create succulent garlic shrimp that perfectly complements the savory plantain base. Let’s get cooking!

Why This Easy Mofongo Recipe is a Must-Try

This isn’t just another recipe; it’s your gateway to mastering a beloved Puerto Rican classic. Our easy-to-follow instructions ensure a delicious outcome every time, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. The combination of crispy mofongo and juicy garlic shrimp is simply irresistible.

Plus, learning to make mofongo from scratch is a rewarding experience. You’ll discover the joy of transforming humble plantains into a culinary masterpiece. For more amazing recipes, Read our in-depth guide here.

Gather Your Ingredients for Authentic Mofongo & Shrimp

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s ensure you have all the necessary components. Fresh, quality ingredients are key to an outstanding Garlic Shrimp Mofongo. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crispy Mofongo

  • 3-4 large green plantains (very firm, not yellow or black)
  • 1/2 cup chicharrones (fried pork rinds), crushed, or bacon bits
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for frying
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • Salt to taste

For the Zesty Garlic Shrimp

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Cooking: Your 5 Easy Steps to Deliciousness

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time for the fun part! Follow these clear steps to create your perfect Garlic Shrimp Mofongo: 5 Easy Steps to a Delicious Meal.

Step 1: Prepare the Plantains for Mofongo

  1. Peel the green plantains: Carefully cut off both ends, then score the skin lengthwise in 3-4 places. Use your thumb to pry off the peel.
  2. Slice the plantains: Cut each peeled plantain into 1-inch thick rounds.
  3. Soak (optional): Place the plantain slices in a bowl of salted water for about 15-20 minutes. This helps prevent browning and adds a touch of seasoning.

Step 2: Fry the Plantains & Shape the Mofongo

  1. Heat oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2-3 inches of olive oil (or vegetable oil) to 350°F (175°C).
  2. First fry: Fry the plantain slices in batches for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden and tender, but not crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  3. Mash ingredients: While still warm, transfer the fried plantains to a large mortar (pilón) or a sturdy bowl. Add the minced garlic, chicharrones (or bacon bits), 1/4 cup olive oil, chicken broth, and salt.
  4. Mash and form: Vigorously mash the ingredients until well combined and the plantains are soft but still have some texture. Form the mixture into individual balls or molds using a small bowl or a mofongo mold. Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Flavorful Garlic Shrimp

  1. Season shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  2. Heat pan: In a separate skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Cook shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
  5. Finish: Remove from heat, stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.

Step 4: Assemble Your Garlic Shrimp Mofongo Bowls

This is where your delicious creation comes together! Place a mound of the freshly made Garlic Shrimp Mofongo in the center of a serving bowl. Create a small well in the middle of the mofongo with a spoon.

Spoon a generous portion of the zesty garlic shrimp into the well. Drizzle with any remaining pan juices from the shrimp for extra flavor. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired.

Step 5: Serve Immediately and Savor!

Mofongo is best enjoyed hot and fresh! Serve your masterpiece right away to experience the contrast of the crispy, savory plantain and the tender, flavorful shrimp. Enjoy every bite of this authentic Puerto Rican delight.

Expert Tips & Variations for Your Mofongo

To truly master this dish and make your next Garlic Shrimp Mofongo: 5 Easy Steps to a Delicious Meal even better, consider these expert tips and variations:

  • Perfect Plantains: Always use very green, unripe plantains for mofongo. Yellow or black plantains are sweet and suitable for different dishes, but not for this traditional savory mofongo. Learn more about plantains on Wikipedia.
  • Tools for Mashing: A traditional wooden pilón (mortar and pestle) is ideal for mashing mofongo, but a potato masher or even the bottom of a sturdy glass will work in a large bowl.
  • Flavor Boost: For an even richer mofongo, you can add a tablespoon of sofrito to the plantain mixture during mashing.
  • Shrimp Alternatives: Not a fan of shrimp? This recipe works wonderfully with pan-seared chicken, pork chunks (carne frita), or even a vegetarian option with sautéed mushrooms and peppers.
  • Broth Variation: Instead of chicken broth, you can use a bit of the shrimp cooking liquid (if you boiled shrimp shells for stock) or even just hot water with a bouillon cube.

frequently asked question

What is mofongo made of?

Mofongo is a traditional Puerto Rican dish made primarily from green (unripe) plantains. These plantains are fried, then mashed with garlic, olive oil, and often chicharrón (fried pork rinds) or bacon bits, seasoned with salt and sometimes chicken broth. It’s known for its unique, savory flavor and dense, textured consistency.

Can I make mofongo ahead of time?

While mofongo is best served immediately for optimal texture, you can prepare the fried plantain slices ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. When ready to serve, quickly reheat them in the oven or microwave, then proceed with mashing and shaping. The garlic shrimp should definitely be cooked fresh.

What’s the difference between mofongo and tostones?

Both mofongo and tostones use green plantains, but they are prepared differently. Tostones are twice-fried plantain slices that are flattened after the first fry, resulting in crispy, chip-like disks. Mofongo involves frying the plantains, then mashing them into a cohesive mound with other ingredients like garlic and pork rinds, creating a more substantial and complex dish.

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