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
Scale
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.
