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 (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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
