Mofongo Stuffed with Criollo Shrimp Stew

Mofongo, a traditional Caribbean dish made from fried and mashed plantains, gets a delicious upgrade when filled with a savory Criollo shrimp stew. This dish offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors, with the crunchy pork rinds adding a surprising twist to the smooth plantain mash, while the shrimp stew, flavored with beer and brimming with peas and tomatoes, provides a rich, comforting sauce.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply want to enjoy a taste of Puerto Rico at home, this recipe brings an authentic Caribbean vibe to your table. The beauty of mofongo is its versatility—you can stuff it with any savory filling, but the shrimp Criollo stew is a standout, combining fresh seafood, fragrant spices, and zesty citrus for a meal that’s sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Shrimp Stew:

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 teaspoons adobo seasoning
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 Manzanilla olives, roughly chopped, plus 1 teaspoon brine
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 jarred roasted red bell pepper, chopped
One 8-ounce can light beer
1 cup canned diced tomatoes
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 cup frozen green peas
1/2 lemon, juiced

Mofongo:

2 cups corn or grapeseed oil, for frying
3 large or 4 medium green plantains, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
Kosher salt
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 small cloves garlic, grated
1/2 cup pork rinds, crushed (optional)

Directions:

Prepare Shrimp Stew:
- Season the shrimp with adobo, salt, and pepper, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add oregano, paprika, olives, brine, cilantro, onion, and red pepper. Cook until onions are translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add half the beer, deglazing the pan, then add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and the remaining beer. Cook until the liquid reduces by a third, about 5 minutes. Lower heat and keep warm.
Prepare Mofongo:
- Heat oil in a skillet to 325°F. Fry plantain pieces until golden and soft, about 15 minutes. Drain and season with salt.
- Using a mortar and pestle, mash the plantains with olive oil, garlic, and optional pork rinds until well combined. Shape into bowls to hold the shrimp stew.
Assemble and Serve:
- Reheat the stew and add peas, cooking for 1 minute. Add shrimp and lemon juice, cooking for 3-4 minutes until shrimp are cooked through.
- Spoon the shrimp stew into the mofongo bowls and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Exploring the Richness of Mofongo Stuffed with Criollo Shrimp Stew

Mofongo Stuffed with Criollo Shrimp Stew is a quintessential Caribbean dish that hails from Puerto Rico, deeply rooted in the island’s culinary traditions. It represents a fusion of indigenous Taíno, African, and Spanish influences, which together form the foundation of Puerto Rican cuisine. Mofongo, in its most basic form, is made from fried green plantains mashed with garlic, olive oil, and pork rinds (chicharrón), offering a rich combination of flavors and textures. What makes this particular variation stand out is the addition of a flavorful Criollo shrimp stew, seasoned with adobo, oregano, smoked paprika, and the brightness of fresh lemon juice. This pairing brings together the earthiness of the plantain and the vibrant flavors of a seafood stew, creating a unique culinary experience.

The Cultural Importance of Mofongo

Mofongo is more than just a dish; it’s a symbol of Puerto Rico’s culinary heritage. Its roots date back to the African influence in the Caribbean, specifically the West African dish fufu, which is also a mash of starchy vegetables. When Africans were brought to the Caribbean during the colonial era, they adapted their traditional dishes using locally available ingredients. In Puerto Rico, plantains became the main ingredient, leading to the creation of mofongo. Over the centuries, mofongo has evolved into a beloved comfort food, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, and it’s now a staple in many Puerto Rican households.

The versatility of mofongo is one of its most attractive qualities. It can be served as a side dish or as a main course when stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as seafood, chicken, or pork. While pork rinds are traditionally used to enhance the dish with a crunchy texture and additional flavor, variations have emerged to cater to different dietary preferences. For example, vegetarians can enjoy mofongo made with mushrooms or other plant-based fillings, and the dish can be easily adapted to accommodate gluten-free or low-carb diets.

The Criollo Shrimp Stew: A Flavorful Twist

The addition of Criollo shrimp stew to the mofongo brings an extra layer of flavor that elevates this dish to a new level. The term “Criollo” refers to a cooking style that blends Spanish and indigenous ingredients with African and Caribbean influences, resulting in a bold and aromatic cuisine. In this stew, the shrimp are simmered with tomatoes, beer, and olives, along with fragrant spices like oregano and paprika. The combination of these ingredients results in a robust and savory stew, which contrasts beautifully with the mild sweetness of the plantain.

One of the key ingredients in the Criollo shrimp stew is light beer. The use of beer in cooking may seem unconventional, but it serves an important purpose in this recipe. The beer adds a slight bitterness and tang to the stew, which balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and the briny olives. Additionally, beer helps to tenderize the shrimp and infuse them with deeper flavor. The result is a stew that is both hearty and complex, with layers of taste that will keep you coming back for more.

A Burst of Freshness with Cilantro and Lemon

While mofongo itself is a heavy dish due to the fried plantains and pork rinds, the addition of fresh cilantro and lemon juice in the shrimp stew lightens the overall flavor profile. Cilantro, a staple herb in Puerto Rican cuisine, adds a fresh, citrusy note that brightens the dish, while lemon juice brings a much-needed acidity to balance the richness of the mofongo. The result is a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced, with every bite offering a harmonious blend of flavors.

Why This Recipe Works

There are several reasons why Mofongo Stuffed with Criollo Shrimp Stew is a hit with food enthusiasts:

Flavor Contrast: The crispy, starchy mofongo is a perfect contrast to the succulent shrimp stew, creating a balance of textures. The garlicky flavor of the plantain mash complements the richness of the shrimp and the tanginess of the tomato-based stew.
Cultural Fusion: This recipe is a true representation of Puerto Rican cuisine, blending indigenous, African, and Spanish influences into one harmonious dish. Each element—mofongo and shrimp stew—tells a story of the island’s history and its diverse cultural makeup.
Versatility: While this recipe features shrimp, mofongo can be stuffed with a variety of ingredients. From seafood to pork to vegetarian alternatives, the possibilities are endless. The mofongo base is flexible, meaning you can easily adapt this recipe to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
Nutrient-Rich: Despite being a comfort food, this dish is packed with nutrients. Plantains are a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. Meanwhile, shrimp are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish both satisfying and nourishing.
Show-Stopping Presentation: The visual appeal of this dish cannot be overstated. Mofongo, shaped into small bowls, serves as the perfect vessel for the bright and colorful shrimp stew. The combination of vibrant tomatoes, green peas, and the deep red of roasted peppers makes for an Instagram-worthy dish that’s sure to impress.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best aspects of this dish is its adaptability. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, you can easily modify this recipe to suit different preferences:

Vegetarian Mofongo: For a vegetarian version, you can replace the shrimp stew with a hearty vegetable stew made from mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. The richness of the plantains still pairs well with the vegetables, and you can even add vegetarian “pork” rinds for an authentic crunch.
Different Proteins: While shrimp is the star in this recipe, you can experiment with other proteins like chicken, pork, or even fish. Chicken mofongo is another popular variation in Puerto Rico, often featuring grilled or roasted chicken paired with the same savory stew base.
Lighter Alternatives: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can opt to bake the plantains instead of frying them. Baking reduces the oil content, and while the mofongo may not have the same crispiness, it will still retain its flavor and texture.
Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, feel free to add diced chili peppers or a splash of hot sauce to the shrimp stew. Puerto Rican cuisine is not typically spicy, but there’s always room for a personalized twist.
Herb Substitutions: While cilantro is traditional in this recipe, you can swap it for parsley or basil if cilantro isn’t your preference. The herb still brings a fresh burst of flavor, but with a different twist.

Conclusion: The Perfect Blend of Tradition and Flavor

Mofongo Stuffed with Criollo Shrimp Stew is a beautiful celebration of Puerto Rico’s rich culinary heritage. It combines the humble plantain with a vibrant and flavorful stew, showcasing the island’s ability to transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The combination of textures—the crispy mofongo and the silky shrimp stew—creates a dynamic eating experience that’s both comforting and indulgent.

This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also connects you to the rich cultural history of Puerto Rico. Whether you’re a fan of Caribbean food or just discovering it for the first time, this recipe is a must-try. It can be a show-stopping dish for dinner parties, a comforting meal on a cozy night in, or even a special addition to a holiday feast. The flexibility of the recipe allows you to experiment and make it your own, while the classic flavors ensure that it will always be a hit.

Adding Mofongo Stuffed with Criollo Shrimp Stew to your cooking repertoire means you’ll have a go-to dish that’s both impressive and deeply satisfying, blending cultural authenticity with the comforting warmth of home-cooked food.