Mofongo

Get ready to savor the flavors of Puerto Rico with Mofongo! A simple but delicious dish, Mofongo is made by mashing fried green plantains with garlic, pork cracklings, and a touch of broth for extra flavor. Packed with texture and a delightful combo of savory and slightly sweet flavors, this dish is a favorite in Puerto Rican cuisine. Whether served as a side dish or the main event, Mofongo is an easy way to bring an authentic and bold taste of the tropics to your home kitchen.

Table of content

• About The Recipe
• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Key Ingredients and Substitutions
• How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
• Expert Tips for Success
• Variations and Customizations
• Nutritional Information
• Storage and Reheating Instructions
• Recipe Card
  • Recipe Preparation
  • Ingredients List
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Cooking notes
  • Nutritional Information
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Comments & Reviews
• Social Sharing Options

About The Mofongo Recipe

What’s cozy, comforting, and packed with flavor? If you said Mofongo, you’re absolutely right! This iconic dish hails from Puerto Rico and represents the heart and soul of the island’s food scene. It’s all about taking humble ingredients like green plantains (trust me, they’re a bit different from a ripe banana!), garlic, pork cracklings (crunchy goodness!), and turning them into something truly special.

Mofongo is more than just food—it’s a cultural touchstone. Traditionally served as a hearty dish to accompany meat stews or seafood, it’s got bold flavors that remind you of sunny beaches and warm breezes. At the same time, it feels unbelievably homey, like a big hug from the kitchen.

What makes Mofongo stand out is its texture. Those fried plantains, mashed to perfection with pockets of garlicky goodness, create a truly satisfying bite. And if you’ve got picky eaters at home, great news—it’s endlessly customizable! Toss in a protein like shrimp, chicken, or veggies, and you’ve got your own spin on this classic dish. Here on BellRecipes, we promise making Mofongo isn’t intimidating at all—it’s fun and easy with our simple, step-by-step guide.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Puerto Rican flavor in under an hour
• Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings
• Uses simple, easily found ingredients
• Gluten-free and naturally flavorful
• Customizable with protein, veggies, or toppings
• Experience the taste of the Caribbean at home

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

• Green Plantains: These are the star of the show. They’re firmer and starchier than ripe plantains and perfect for that savory mash. If you can’t find green ones, you could try regular unripe bananas, but keep in mind the taste will vary slightly.
• Garlic: Adds a fragrant, bold kick. Fresh garlic works best, but garlic powder can sub in a pinch.
• Pork Cracklings (Chicharrón): Gives Mofongo its iconic crunch. Not a fan of pork? Try crispy bacon bits or even fried tofu crumbles.
• Broth: Just a splash to moisten the mash—chicken broth is a classic choice, but veggie or beef broth works too.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste. Feel free to adjust based on your preferences.

How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)

• Start by peeling 2-3 green plantains (pro tip: use a knife if the skin’s tough to peel off).
• Slice them into chunky rounds about an inch thick—these will fry up beautifully!
• Heat some vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat and fry those plantain rounds until golden and tender. This might take about 4-5 minutes per side.
• While the plantains cool slightly, crush 2-3 garlic cloves in a mortar and pestle or mince them finely.
• Add the garlic and a handful of pork cracklings to the plantains, and mash them together in a bowl or using that mortar and pestle. If needed, splash in a touch of warm broth to achieve a soft mash.
• Season with salt, pepper, and an optional squeeze of lime for extra zest. Your flavorful mofongo is ready!

Expert Tips for Success

Double-fry the plantains for extra crispiness!
Pre-cook the plantains in salted water for easier peeling and less bitterness.
Invest in a sturdy mortar and pestle for authentic texture—it makes a big difference!
Keep your fried plantains warm in the oven while you work on the rest of the dish.
Don’t overdo the broth. A tablespoon or two keeps it from getting too soggy.

Variations and Customizations

Now, here’s where the fun starts! You can shake up Mofongo by incorporating proteins like sautéed shrimp or shredded chicken for a filling main course. If you’re vegetarian, skip the pork cracklings and swap in crispy fried veggies or roasted mushrooms for that satisfying texture. For a smoky, spicy twist, mix in a pinch of smoked paprika and chopped jalapeños into the mash. Want to really go wild? Top it with a fried egg, smother it in your favorite sauce, or layer it with avocado slices for a modern twist.

Nutritional Information

Mofongo is surprisingly nutrient-packed! A serving typically clocks in around 400-500 calories, which includes energy-boosting carbs from the plantains, and protein and fats from the pork cracklings. Garlic is an added bonus, offering antioxidants and immune-boosting properties. While it might be a tad on the indulgent side, you can lighten it up by using an air fryer for the plantains and opting for a lower-fat broth.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop your Mofongo into an airtight container and refrigerate it—it’ll keep well for 2-3 days. When you’re ready to dig in again, reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of broth to freshen it up. Just be gentle with reheating so it doesn’t dry out. Pro tip: Adding a little butter as you reheat can help restore that creamy texture.

All Your Questions About This Recipe