Caribbean-Inspired Mofongo with Garlic Shrimp
This dish features traditional Puerto Rican mashed fried plantains infused with garlic and served alongside sautéed shrimp in a vibrant, tangy sauce. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs large green plantains, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 large green plantains
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 6, minced garlic cloves
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel 3 large green plantains and cut into 1-inch pieces. Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat to 350°F and fry the plantains in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden and tender, then drain on paper towels.
- Step 2: In a mortar and pestle or large bowl, mash the fried plantains with 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup chicken broth until you achieve a chunky, cohesive dough.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, season with 1/2 tsp black pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp lime juice and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro for a bright finish.
- Step 5: Serve the mashed plantain mofongo molded onto plates with the garlic shrimp spooned over the top, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caribbean-Inspired Mofongo with Garlic Shrimp take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Caribbean-Inspired Mofongo with Garlic Shrimp?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large green plantains from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean-Inspired Mofongo with Garlic Shrimp?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caribbean-Inspired Mofongo with Garlic Shrimp for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Caribbean-Inspired Mofongo with Garlic Shrimp?
Caribbean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
