Ever tucked into a dish so unique it transports you straight to the tropics? Let’s dive into the world of shrimp mofongo balls—a crunchy, garlicky delight that melds the best of Puerto Rican flavors with the irresistible charm of bite-sized snacking.
We’re talking golden fried plantains mashed with a load of garlic, mixed with juicy, sautéed shrimp and just the right amount of crispy pork rinds.
Ready to give your taste buds a tour? Let’s roll up our sleeves, make these savory morsels, and turn your next meal into a fiesta!
What is Shrimp Mofongo Balls?
Shrimp mofongo balls are a clever twist on the classic Puerto Rican mofongo. Think of traditional mofongo: it’s a comforting mound of mashed green plantains, mixed with a ton of garlic and crunchy pork rinds, usually served with chicken or seafood on top.
Now, imagine that same savory, garlicky goodness but with juicy shrimp nestled inside, rolled into fun-sized balls perfect for popping in your mouth. These balls combine the creamy texture of the plantains with the salty snap of pork rinds and the sweet, oceanic burst of shrimp. They’re fried until golden and crispy, making them the ultimate snack or party starter.
Shrimp Mofongo Balls Ingredients
Ready to whip up some shrimp mofongo balls? Here’s what you’ll need to gather to bring this tasty treat to life:
- Green Plantains: The star of the show, you’ll need about 2-3 of these, peeled and sliced.
- Garlic: A few cloves, minced, to infuse the plantains with that irresistible garlicky punch.
- Shrimp: About a pound, peeled and deveined. Chop them up to get the perfect mix.
- Pork Rinds (Chicharrón): Grab a handful to crush into your plantain mixture for that essential crunch.
- Olive Oil: For frying the plantains and sautéing the shrimp.
- Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch or two to taste.
- Lime Juice: A splash to season the shrimp for a zesty twist.
- Cilantro (optional): A sprinkle for garnish and a fresh pop of flavor.
How to make Shrimp mofongo balls
This intermediate-level recipe takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, yielding 20 scrumptious balls. Perfect as an appetizer, each ball packs a tasty punch of roughly 50-70 calories. Serve with a zesty garlic aioli or spicy dipping sauce to elevate this appetizing treat!
Shrimp Mofongo Balls Recipe
Course: AppetizersCuisine: CaribbeanDifficulty: Intermediate20
Balls30
minutes40
minutes50-70
kcal1
hour10
minutesDive into the flavors of the Caribbean with these shrimp mofongo balls, a delightful twist on a traditional Puerto Rican dish
Ingredients
Green Plantains (3, peeled and sliced)
Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined, chopped)
Pork Rinds (1/2 cup, crushed)
Olive Oil (for frying and sautéing)
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Lime Juice (1 tablespoon)
Cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Fry the sliced plantains in olive oil until golden and crispy. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the minced garlic and shrimp in olive oil with lime juice until shrimp are cooked.
- In a large bowl, mash the fried plantains with crushed pork rinds, salt, and pepper.
- Fold the cooked shrimp into the plantain mixture.
- Form the mixture into small balls.
- Fry the balls in hot oil until they are golden and crispy on all sides.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Serve these shrimp mofongo balls with a side of garlic aioli or a spicy dipping sauce to complement their rich flavors and add a zesty kick!
Recipe Notes:
- Plantain Preparation: Make sure to fry the plantains until they are deeply golden; this ensures the right sweetness and texture for mashing.
- Shrimp Size: Chopping the shrimp into smaller pieces helps distribute the seafood flavor throughout each ball.
- Oil Temperature: Keep the oil consistently hot for frying to prevent the balls from absorbing too much grease and becoming soggy.
- Seasoning: Adjust the garlic and salt to your taste—more garlic adds a robust flavor, while the right salt balance enhances all the other ingredients.
- Serving Suggestion: These balls are best served hot and fresh. Pair them with a cool, creamy dipping sauce to balance their hearty warmth.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
Wrapping Up
As we wrap up our culinary journey with shrimp mofongo balls, remember that this recipe is more than just a delicious appetizer—it’s a ticket to exploring vibrant Caribbean flavors right in your kitchen. These balls are perfect for any gathering, promising to wow your guests with their unique blend of sweet plantains, savory shrimp, and crispy pork rinds.
Whether served alongside a tangy dipping sauce or as a standout dish on their own, they are sure to be a conversation starter. Don’t hesitate to customize the recipe to your taste, experimenting with different seasonings or dipping sauces. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for when you need a dish that delivers both on flavor and flair.
Here’s to many delicious batches of shrimp mofongo balls, bringing a taste of the tropics to your table. Cheers to cooking up a storm and making food that makes the moment!
