Green plantain · Mains

Mofongo de camarones

Garlicky plantains with shrimp sauce

A shrimp-topped variation of mofongo, with a quick tomato sauce that moistens the green-plantain mash.

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Prep20 min
Cook25 min
Total45 min
Serves4

Let’s make it.

  1. Fry the plantains

    Peel, cut into 1-inch pieces, and dry. Fry in ½ inch of oil at about 325°F (165°C) for 4–5 minutes per side until tender. Drain.

  2. Start the sauce

    Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet. Soften the onion and pepper for 5–7 minutes; add half the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

  3. Simmer

    Add tomatoes, tomato paste, and ¾ cup broth. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, until the tomatoes soften.

  4. Mash

    Mash hot plantains with the remaining garlic and olive oil. Add some of the reserved broth until moist. Season and shape into mounds.

  5. Cook the shrimp

    Add shrimp to the simmering sauce. Cook about 3–5 minutes, turning as needed, until the flesh is pearly and opaque; avoid prolonged simmering.

  6. Serve

    Spoon shrimp and sauce over the plantains. Finish with cilantro if using.

A little kitchen wisdom

  • Build the sauce before adding shrimp so the seafood does not overcook.
  • Adjust garlic to your taste.
  • Use vegetable broth if avoiding poultry ingredients.

Need a hand getting started? Read how to peel a plantain and our cooking guide.

Times are estimates; use the doneness cues in the method. Follow safe internal temperatures for meat, seafood, and egg dishes. Read our recipe approach.