Popular Mofongo with Garlic Shrimp
A vibrant Puerto Rican-inspired dish featuring creamy mashed plantains blended with garlic, topped with succulent shrimp and fresh vegetables for a flavorful weeknight dinner. This puerto rican-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 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
- 4 medium (1.5 lbs), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds green plantains
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 12 oz, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1/2 cup, sliced pimiento-stuffed olives
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup, diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, diced yellow bell pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the plantain slices in a single layer and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and tender. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 cup reserved olive oil. Sauté over medium-low heat for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the fried plantains and mash with a potato masher until smooth, incorporating 1/2 cup chicken broth to create a cohesive texture. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper.
- Step 3: Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Step 4: Whisk 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl to emulsify the dressing. Toss 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup diced yellow bell pepper, and 1/2 cup sliced olives in the dressing until evenly coated.
- Step 5: Serve the mofongo mounded on plates, top with the garlic shrimp, and arrange the dressed bell peppers and olives around the dish. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Popular Mofongo with Garlic Shrimp take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Popular Mofongo with Garlic Shrimp?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Popular Mofongo with Garlic 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 Popular Mofongo with Garlic 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 Popular Mofongo with Garlic 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to seafood dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 30-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.