Traditional Mofongo with Crispy Pork Cracklings

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

A comforting Puerto Rican side dish of mashed green plantains blended with garlic, pork cracklings, and broth, creating a flavorful and satisfying accompaniment to any meal. This puerto rican-inspired quick meals ready in about 43 minutes pairs Green plantains, Garlic, Pork cracklings for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 23 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and slice 4 medium green plantains (1.5 lbs) into 1-inch pieces, then boil in a pot of salted water for 15 minutes until tender; drain and let cool for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooled plantains with 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup pork cracklings, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then mash vigorously while gradually adding 1 cup chicken stock until the mixture holds together like a dough.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then form the mofongo mixture into 4 oval patties and fry each for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional Mofongo with Crispy Pork Cracklings take to make?

Total time is about 43 minutes (20 min prep + 23 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 Traditional Mofongo with Crispy Pork Cracklings?

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 green plantains from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Traditional Mofongo with Crispy Pork Cracklings?

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 Traditional Mofongo with Crispy Pork Cracklings 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 Traditional Mofongo with Crispy Pork Cracklings?

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.

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