Mofongo: A Garlicky Puerto Rican Plantain Delight That Melts in Your Mouth

Mofongo: Classic Puerto Rican Plantain Mash

Mofongo is a delicious Puerto Rican dish made with crushed fried green plantains flavored with lots of garlic, olive oil, and crispy pork rinds.

Ingredients for Authentic Mofongo

• 3 green plantains (plátanos verdes), peeled and sliced
• 3 cups canola oil for frying
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 cup crispy pork rinds (chicharrones)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: How to Make Mofongo at Home

1. Fry the Plantains: Heat canola oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep-fryer or heavy saucepan. Fry plantain slices in batches until golden, about 4–5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
2. Mash the Garlic: While plantains fry, use a mortar and pestle to mash garlic cloves with olive oil into a smooth paste.
3. Prep the Pork Rind Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the garlic paste with crispy pork rinds. Stir well and set aside.
4. Mash the Plantains: Place drained plantains in the mortar and mash until chunky. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine & Shape: Mix the garlic-pork rind mixture into the mashed plantains. Pack into bowls or form into balls.
6. Serve Immediately: Garnish with fresh cilantro or a wedge of lime and enjoy your mofongo.

Why You’ll Love This Mofongo Recipe

• Authentic Puerto Rican flavor with simple ingredients.
• Crispy, garlicky texture that melts in your mouth.
• Perfect side dish for mojo criollo pork, camarones al ajillo, or stewed chicken.

Expert Tips for the Best Plantain Mash

• Use a Pilón: A traditional wooden mortar and pestle delivers the ideal texture.
• Oil Temperature: Keep oil at 350°F to avoid greasy plantains.
• Texture Control: Mash longer for a smoother consistency or less for a rustic bite.

Storytime: My abuela taught me to grind plantains in her old pilón while sharing tales of Old San Juan—each bite of mofongo carries that vibrant Caribbean spirit.

Serving Suggestions: Try pairing your mofongo with:

• Mojo criollo roast pork
• Garlic shrimp (camarones al ajillo)
• Chicken stewed in tomato sauce

Enjoy your homemade mofongo as a standout side dish that will transport you straight to the Caribbean kitchen.

Original recipe credit: Allrecipes Mofongo Recipe