Plantain and Pork Mofongo
A hearty Puerto Rican staple featuring crispy fried green plantains mashed with savory pork, garlic, and olive oil for a rich, textured dish. This puerto rican-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs large green plantains, pork shoulder, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 2 large green plantains
- 1/2 lb pork shoulder
- 4 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice 2 large green plantains into 1/2-inch rounds. Toss with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp salt, spreading them on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Step 2: While plantains roast, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 lb cubed pork shoulder and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 10-12 minutes until pork is browned and fat is rendered.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, mash roasted plantains with a fork until coarse. Add cooked pork, remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and chopped cilantro. Mix until well combined and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Plantain and Pork Mofongo take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (25 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 Plantain and Pork Mofongo?
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 Plantain and Pork Mofongo?
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 Plantain and Pork Mofongo 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 Plantain and Pork Mofongo?
Puerto Rican soups 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
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
