Mangú with Los Tres Golpes: The Classic Dominican Breakfast, Made Easy!

If you're searching for a breakfast that's hearty, full of flavor, and rich in Dominican tradition, Mangú with Los Tres Golpes is the dish to make. "Mangú" is creamy mashed green plantains, and “Los Tres Golpes” means "the three hits": fried eggs, fried salami, and fried cheese—all topped with sweet sautéed onions. This complete meal isn't just a national favorite in the Dominican Republic—it's pure comfort food, perfect for brunch, breakfast, or even dinner. Let’s dive into everything you need to make this iconic plate at home! This guide includes easy swaps, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, creative variations, an FAQ, and full nutrition facts.

12/27/2025

Ingredient Overview and Simple Swaps

Plantains (2 green, about 200g):
Choose green plantains (unripe), not yellow or black ones.
Swap: Try green bananas or a mix of green plantains and potatoes.
Eggs (2):
Fried eggs are traditional, but scramble or poach if you prefer.
Salami (100g):
Dominican salami is classic. Sub with any firm beef or pork sausage, turkey sausage, or even veggie sausage for a vegetarian option.
Cheese (100g):
Queso de freír, queso blanco, or halloumi for best frying results. Paneer also works.
Onion (1 small, 50g):
Red onions give the most flavor and color, but any onion works.
Oil (2 tbsp):
Vegetable, canola, or light olive oil; use for frying and sautéing.
Salt (1 tsp, divided):
Some for the boiling water, the rest for mashing.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Recipe serves 2 hearty plates:

Calories: ~540 kcal
Protein: 23g
Fat: 31g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 980mg (varies with cheese & salami)
Calcium: 36% Daily Value

Noteworthy:

High in protein and calcium
Balanced carbs for lasting energy
Easily adapted for vegetarian diets

Step-by-Step Instructions (Beginner Friendly)

1. Boil and Mash the Plantains (Mangú)

Peel and cut 2 green plantains into chunks.
In a saucepan, add plantains, cover with water, and add half the salt (½ tsp).
Boil for 20 minutes until soft and easily pierced with a fork.
Drain, reserving a bit of the cooking water.
Mash plantains in a bowl with the rest of the salt and a splash of cooking water or oil, until smooth and creamy (not dry).

2. Prepare Los Tres Golpes (The Three Hits)

A. Fried Eggs

Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium.
Crack in eggs and fry for about 3 minutes, until whites are set and yolks are at your desired doneness.

B. Fried Salami

Slice salami (100g) into thick rounds.
Pan-fry in a hot skillet with a drop of oil for about 5 minutes, turning until browned on both sides.

C. Fried Cheese

Slice cheese (100g) into thick pieces.
Pat dry with paper towels (important!).
In a separate nonstick pan or the same hot skillet, fry cheese slices for 2 minutes per side, until golden and slightly crispy.

D. Sautéed Onions

Slice onion (50g) into thin rings.
In a small skillet, heat a little oil and sauté onions gently for 5 minutes until soft and lightly golden.

3. Serve Together

Plate a generous scoop of mashed plantain.
Top with fried cheese, salami, eggs, and a spoonful of the sautéed onions.
Serve immediately and enjoy Dominican breakfast bliss!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Mangú

Mash While Hot: Plantains mash best straight from the pot.
Soft & Creamy: Add a little of the plantain cooking water or a drizzle of oil/melted butter for extra creaminess.
Dry Cheese: Pat cheese slices with paper towels to prevent oil splatters.
Serve Hot: This dish is best enjoyed right away while everything is warm and melty.
Customize: Serve with slices of avocado, or drizzle onions with vinegar for a tangy touch.

Creative Serving Ideas

Brunch Platter: Serve as a family-style platter sprinkled with chopped cilantro or parsley.
Light Version: Skip the salami or use grilled turkey sausage.
Vegetarian: Use veggie sausage and cheese, or double the onions and avocado.
Bowl Style: Layer all components in a bowl with greens, pickled onions, and hot sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make mangú ahead?
A: Yes, but reheat with a little water or oil and mash again to restore creaminess.

Q: Are there other "golpes"?
A: The classic three are egg, cheese, and salami, but some add avocado or fried ham for more variety.

Q: Can mangú be made vegan?
A: Yes! Mash plantains with olive oil, top with sautéed veggies and a vegan cheese or tofu scramble.

Q: What’s the best cheese for frying?
A: Queso de freír, halloumi, or paneer—they won’t melt or break.

Q: How do I keep fried cheese from melting?
A: Use firm, grillable cheese and pat dry before frying. Don’t crowd the pan.