Popular Shrimp Mofongo with Avocado Crema

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Puerto Rican twist on mofongo featuring garlic-infused plantains, plump shrimp, and a cool avocado crema that balances rich flavors with bright freshness. This puerto rican-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes pairs Olive oil, (finely chopped) Yellow onion, (minced) Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 3.8 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add 1 lb peeled and chopped green plantain chunks, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until very tender; drain and return to the pot.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 tbsp olive oil to the pot with the plantains and mash with a potato masher until smooth and no large chunks remain, about 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion, and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent; add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 6 oz peeled and deveined shrimp, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste to the skillet; cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked through.
  5. Step 5: In a blender, combine 1 ripe avocado (peeled and pitted), 2 tbsp sour cream, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; blend until completely smooth, adding a splash of water if needed.
  6. Step 6: Gently fold the cooked shrimp mixture from the skillet into the mashed plantains until fully incorporated.
  7. Step 7: Serve the mofongo topped with the avocado crema and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped green onion.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Popular Shrimp Mofongo with Avocado Crema 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 Shrimp Mofongo with Avocado Crema?

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 Shrimp Mofongo with Avocado Crema?

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 Shrimp Mofongo with Avocado Crema 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 Shrimp Mofongo with Avocado Crema?

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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