Mofongo con Camarones with Garlic-Herb Shrimp

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A flavorful Puerto Rican twist on mofongo with tender shrimp in a garlic-herb sauce, served atop creamy mashed plantains. This puerto rican-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs green plantains, garlic, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place the 2 lbs peeled and sliced green plantains in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a food processor, combine the 2 cloves minced garlic, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add the drained plantains and pulse until mostly mashed but still slightly chunky, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1/2 cup finely chopped onion and 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper, and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add the 1 clove minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the 12 oz shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Stir in 1 tbsp lime juice and cook for 1 minute more.
  5. Step 5: Form the mofongo into 4 oval shapes on a plate. Top each with the shrimp mixture and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mofongo con Camarones with Garlic-Herb Shrimp take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Mofongo con Camarones with Garlic-Herb Shrimp?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mofongo con Camarones with Garlic-Herb 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 Mofongo con Camarones with Garlic-Herb 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 Mofongo con Camarones with Garlic-Herb Shrimp?

Puerto Rican 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.

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