When serving mofongo, consider pairing it with tantalizing dishes like savory pernil, a roasted pork shoulder marinated in garlic and citrus juices, or carne guisada, a hearty beef stew simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce. For a lighter option, grilled shrimp add a smoky flavor that complements mofongo perfectly. If you enjoy seafood, mofongo relleno de jueyes, stuffed with succulent crab meat, is a treat. You can also delight in pollo guisado, a flavorful chicken stew with vegetables. Each side adds a unique touch, enhancing the rich, savory notes of mofongo and promising a delightful feast. Discover the full list for more delicious ideas.
Pernil
Pernil, a traditional Puerto Rican dish of roasted pork shoulder marinated in garlic, oregano, and citrus juices, pairs exquisitely with mofongo.
The tender, slow-roasted pernil contrasts beautifully with the garlicky, mashed plantains, creating a harmonious and hearty meal.
This popular Puerto Rican side dish combination showcases the island's rich flavors, ensuring a satisfying and well-balanced dining experience.
Carne Guisada
Carne Guisada, a traditional Puerto Rican stewed beef dish, is cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with onions and garlic, making it an ideal complement to mofongo.
The tender beef enhances the garlicky, creamy texture of mofongo, providing a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
This savory and saucy combination adds depth and showcases the diverse flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine.
Pollo Guisado
Pollo Guisado is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine. It is a savory chicken stew simmered with potatoes, carrots, and aromatic spices, offering a rich and hearty meal option.
This Puerto Rican dish features tender chicken pieces, creating a well-balanced flavor profile that pairs perfectly with mofongo.
The combination of the savory stew and garlicky mashed green plantains provides a satisfying and delicious dining experience.
Grilled Shrimp
Grilled shrimp offers a flavorful and light protein option that pairs excellently with mofongo, enhancing the dish with its delicate seafood taste and smoky undertones.
The charred, smoky flavor of the shrimp beautifully complements the rich, savory notes of the mashed plantains in this beloved Puerto Rican dish.
Quick to cook, grilled shrimp adds a delightful texture contrast, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Mofongo Relleno De Jueyes
Adding to the array of delightful pairings, Mofongo Relleno De Jueyes stands out as a traditional dish where mofongo is stuffed with succulent crab meat, garlic, and spices.
This Puerto Rican specialty offers a divine blend of textures and flavors, making it a coastal delight.
The rich crab meat filling elevates the savory mofongo base, creating a unique, satisfying experience for seafood lovers.
Mofongo Con Camarones
Mofongo Con Camarones is a quintessential Puerto Rican dish that showcases the harmonious blend of garlicky mofongo and succulent shrimp.
The sweetness of the shrimp perfectly complements the savory, garlicky flavors of the mofongo, creating a delightful contrast.
This dish offers a balanced mix of textures, with tender shrimp providing a satisfying protein element, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.
Tostones
Tostones, the crispy fried plantain chips, serve as a perfect accompaniment to mofongo by adding a satisfying crunch and enhancing the dish's overall texture.
These popular Puerto Rican fried plantains are excellent for scooping up leftover mofongo or sauces, ensuring every bit of flavor is enjoyed.
Tostones offer a delightful contrast in texture and flavor, making them an ideal side dish.
Ensalada De Coditos
Ensalada de Coditos, a beloved Puerto Rican macaroni salad, features a delightful blend of small pasta shapes, creamy dressing, and colorful vegetables.
This invigorating side dish provides a cool and light texture, balancing the hearty flavors of mofongo.
Often served at family gatherings, it adds a pop of freshness and color, enhancing the overall dining experience with its vibrant and satisfying taste.
Arroz Mamposteao
Arroz Mamposteao, a quintessential Puerto Rican rice dish, brings together the aromatic flavors of sofrito and pigeon peas to create a vibrant accompaniment for mofongo.
The nutty flavor of the rice complements the richness of mofongo perfectly, while its chewy texture adds a delightful contrast.
This colorful rice dish not only enhances the presentation but also balances the flavors of the meal beautifully.
Yuca Fries
Yuca fries, made from the versatile cassava root, offer a crispy exterior and tender interior that perfectly complement the hearty texture of mofongo.
Popular in Puerto Rican cuisine, these gluten-free fries can be seasoned with spices like garlic, paprika, or cumin for added flavor.
Their satisfying texture and mild taste make them an excellent side dish to enhance the traditional mofongo experience.
Avocado Salad
After savoring the crispy delight of yuca fries, a revitalizing avocado salad serves as an ideal side dish to balance the rich and savory flavors of mofongo.
This invigorating salad, featuring ripe avocados, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of salt, adds a creamy texture and burst of freshness. Its simplicity and ease of preparation make it a perfect complement to the hearty mofongo.
Black Beans
Black beans, a cornerstone of Latin American cuisine, serve as an excellent accompaniment to mofongo, providing an earthy flavor and robust protein content.
Puerto Rican dishes often feature black beans for their fiber, iron, and folate. Their creamy texture complements the dense, savory mofongo, creating a balanced meal.
Whether stewed, mashed, or refried, black beans add depth and richness to the dining experience.
Sweet Plantains
Sweet plantains, with their rich caramelized sweetness, serve as a delightful and complementary side dish to the savory mofongo. These ripe plantains, fried to perfection, bring out a natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the garlicky mofongo.
The caramelization process enhances their dessert-like quality, making sweet plantains a versatile addition to any meal featuring savory mofongo, adding both flavor and texture.
Puerto Rican Gazpacho
Incorporating local Puerto Rican ingredients, Puerto Rican Gazpacho provides an invigorating and vibrant contrast to the hearty mofongo.
This chilled soup is made with tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, onions, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil, perfect for hot days.
Customizable with extras like avocado or cilantro, it balances tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, enhancing the richness of mofongo.
Are the Best Side Dishes for Mofongo Similar to the Best Side Dishes for Lasagna?
When it comes to the best side dishes for Mofongo, they are not necessarily similar to the best side dishes for lasagna. While lasagna pairs well with garlic bread and salad, Mofongo is best served with rice and beans or a side of avocado. Each dish has its own complementing flavors.
Bacalaíto
Complementing the invigorating Puerto Rican Gazpacho, bacalaíto offers a savory and crispy counterpoint with its salted codfish fritters. This popular Puerto Rican side dish features a batter made from flour and water, seasoned with herbs and spices.
Deep-fried until golden brown, bacalaíto boasts a crunchy exterior and tender interior. Its salty flavor enhances the meal, making it a perfect partner for mofongo.