Fried Plantain Mofongo with Garlic
Mashed plantains with garlic and olive oil, formed into patties and pan-fried until crispy, a classic Puerto Rican side. This puerto rican-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs medium firm plantains, minced garlic, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 2 medium firm plantains
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel 2 medium firm plantains and cut into 1-inch pieces. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add plantain pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and tender.
- Step 2: Transfer cooked plantains to a bowl. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp salt. Mash with a fork until smooth but still holding shape, not fully pureed.
- Step 3: Form the mixture into 4 small patties (about 1 inch thick). Heat a little more oil in the skillet if needed.
- Step 4: Cook patties for 2-3 minutes per side over medium heat until golden brown and crispy on the edges, turning once.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fried Plantain Mofongo with Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Fried Plantain Mofongo with Garlic?
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 medium firm plantains from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Fried Plantain Mofongo with Garlic?
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 Fried Plantain Mofongo with Garlic for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.
Is Fried Plantain Mofongo with Garlic vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
