Mofongo con Mojo (Mashed Plantains with Mojo Sauce)
Crispy mashed plantains served with a tangy garlic and citrus mojo sauce, a staple of Puerto Rican cuisine. This puerto rican-inspired quick meals ready in about 40 minutes blends minced garlic, olive oil, lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 4 medium, boiled and mashed green plantains
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 small, diced onion
- 1 small, finely chopped chili pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 1/2 tsp salt, sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 1 small chopped chili pepper and 1 tbsp lime juice, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 4 boiled and mashed green plantains to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 5 minutes until crispy and golden. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper, mixing until well incorporated.
- Step 3: Serve immediately, garnished with additional lime wedges and a sprinkle of chopped chili pepper. Pair with fried plantains or a side of rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mofongo con Mojo (Mashed Plantains with Mojo Sauce) take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Mofongo con Mojo (Mashed Plantains with Mojo Sauce)?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mofongo con Mojo (Mashed Plantains with Mojo Sauce)?
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 Mojo (Mashed Plantains with Mojo Sauce) 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 Mojo (Mashed Plantains with Mojo Sauce)?
Puerto Rican quick meals 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order puerto rican delivery again.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better quick meals dishes though.
