Mofongo with Garlic Shrimp

Ingredients

• For the Mofongo:
• 3 large green plantains, peeled and sliced 🍌
• 0.5 cup pork cracklings (chicharrón) or crispy bacon bits 🥓
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
• 2 tbsp butter (optional for extra richness) 🧈
• 0.5 tsp salt 🧂
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup chicken broth (for moisture, if needed) 🍗
• For the Garlic Shrimp:
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined 🦐
• 3 tbsp olive oil 🫒
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 🧄
• 0.5 tsp paprika 🌶️
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat) 🔥
• 0.5 tsp salt 🧂
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup white wine or chicken broth 🍷
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 🍋
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
• For Serving:
• Garlic butter sauce (optional) 🧄🧈
• Fresh lime wedges 🍋
• Extra chicharrón for garnish 🥓

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the Mofongo
2. 21️⃣ Fry the Plantains – Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the plantain slices until golden and soft (about 4-5 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels. 🍌🔥
3. 32️⃣ Mash the Ingredients – In a large mortar and pestle (pilón) or a bowl, mash the fried plantains, garlic, pork cracklings, olive oil, butter, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add a splash of chicken broth for moisture, if needed. 🥄✨
4. 43️⃣ Shape the Mofongo – Form the mashed mixture into small mounds or press into a bowl to mold. Set aside. 🍌🔥
5. 5Cook the Garlic Shrimp
6. 64️⃣ Sauté the Garlic – Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and cook until fragrant and golden (about 1-2 minutes). Be careful not to burn it. 🧄🔥
7. 75️⃣ Cook the Shrimp – Add shrimp, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp turn pink. 🦐🔥
8. 86️⃣ Deglaze & Finish – Pour in white wine (or chicken broth), squeeze in lemon juice, and stir in fresh parsley. Let simmer for another minute. 🍋🌿✨
9. 9Assemble & Serve
10. 107️⃣ Plate It Up – Serve the mofongo with garlic shrimp on top or on the side. Drizzle with garlic butter sauce and garnish with extra chicharrón and fresh lime wedges. 🍋🌿🔥