If you are looking for a dish that is both elegant and easy to prepare, this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe is destined to become one of your favorites. Juicy, tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce layered over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice creates a harmony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. Each bite bursts with savory, zesty notes, balanced by the freshness of lemon and parsley, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to complement one another. These components work together to deliver a dish that is flavorful, colorful, and satisfying without any fuss.
- Large shrimp (1 pound): Peeled and deveined shrimp bring a sweet, tender seafood flavor and a satisfying bite to the dish.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and creates the base for the luscious garlic butter sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps cook the shrimp evenly and infuses a subtle fruity flavor.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star flavor that makes this dish irresistibly aromatic and savory.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a gentle smoky warmth that deepens the overall taste.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a touch of heat for those who enjoy a mild kick.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
- Cooked jasmine or basmati rice (2 cups): Light, fluffy grains provide the perfect base to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the dish with a zesty tang that cuts through the richness.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons): Adds vibrant color and a fresh herbal note.
- Lemon wedges: Served on the side for an extra pop of citrus whenever desired.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce and Cook Shrimp
Start by heating the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat until they melt and sizzle slightly. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook just about 30 seconds — you want it fragrant but not browned to keep its fresh punch. Then stir in the smoked paprika, red pepper flakes if you are using them, and season everything with salt and black pepper. Lay the shrimp in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until pink and slightly opaque, then flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes. The shrimp will become perfectly tender and infused with the buttery flavors. Finish by stirring in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley before removing the pan from heat.
Step 2: Assemble the Rice Stack
While the shrimp cooks, have your warm cooked rice ready. Use a small bowl or ramekin to firmly pack half a cup of the rice, then gently invert it onto a serving plate to create a neat rice base. Spoon several pieces of the garlic butter shrimp on top, making sure to drizzle some of that gorgeous buttery sauce over the rice for extra flavor and moisture. This stacking method not only looks impressive but also lets you enjoy every mouthful of shrimp alongside the perfectly seasoned rice.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe
Garnishes
To bring this dish to life visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle extra chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, green pop of color. Adding lemon wedges on the side invites everyone to adjust the brightness of the dish to their taste, enhancing the vibrant citrus notes in every bite.
Side Dishes
This seafood stack pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp garden salad or steamed asparagus to keep things light and fresh. If you want to add more vegetables, sautéed spinach or peas stirred into the rice beforehand add a lovely touch of sweetness and greens that balance the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, try layering the rice and shrimp in individual glass jars or clear bowls for a rustic yet elegant presentation. Another fun idea is to use ring molds to create perfectly shaped stacks on each plate, impressing guests with your plating skills while making the dish easy to serve.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe, store the shrimp and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the shrimp’s texture and keeps the rice from getting soggy. Consume within 2 days for the best taste and safety.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked shrimp and rice separately for up to one month. Be sure to cool completely before sealing them in freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. The shrimp heats best when lightly warmed in a pan over medium heat to keep it tender and flavorful. Avoid overheating to prevent toughening the seafood.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely and don’t release too much water.
Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect option for those avoiding gluten.
What rice is best for this recipe?
Jasmine or basmati rice is ideal due to their light and fluffy texture, which pairs beautifully with the rich garlic butter shrimp.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! You can increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to introduce more heat according to your preference.
Can I substitute the rice with something else?
Yes, cauliflower rice works as a great low-carb alternative. Just cook it lightly before stacking so it’s tender but still holds its shape.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. It achieves the perfect balance of rich, zesty, and fresh flavors while being incredibly simple to prepare. Whether entertaining friends or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this recipe promises a deliciously satisfying experience that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. So go ahead, grab those ingredients, and treat yourself to a dish that feels fancy but comes together in no time!
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack is a flavorful and elegant seafood dish that combines tender, garlic-infused shrimp with perfectly cooked jasmine or basmati rice. Enhanced with smoked paprika and fresh lemon juice, this easy-to-make meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort. The buttery shrimp atop a neat rice stack offers a beautiful presentation and delightful taste.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Rice and Garnish
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat the fat: In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat until hot.
- Sauté garlic and spices: Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then stir in smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to infuse the oil.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, ensuring they are evenly cooked.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley into the shrimp and sauce, then remove the skillet from heat to preserve freshness.
- Assemble the stacks: Pack about 1/2 cup of warm cooked rice firmly into a small bowl or ramekin, then invert it onto a serving plate to create a neat rice stack.
- Add shrimp topping: Spoon several garlic butter shrimp over the rice stack, letting the buttery sauce drizzle over the rice for extra flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with extra parsley and serve each stack with a lemon wedge on the side to add a fresh citrus brightness.
Notes
- For additional flavor and nutrition, stir sautéed spinach or peas into the rice before stacking.
- Rice can be cooked ahead of time and reheated before assembling the dish to save time.
- For a low-carb variation, substitute cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
