Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack: A Fancy Yet Easy Dish You’ll Love

If you’ve ever wanted to bring restaurant-style elegance to your dinner table without the hassle, this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack is your answer. It’s a stunning combination of tender shrimp, fragrant garlic butter sauce, and fluffy rice, stacked beautifully for a presentation that will wow your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a fancy night in, this dish is a surefire winner.

Why You’ll Adore This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
• Elegant Presentation: The stacked format turns a simple meal into a showstopper.
• Bursting with Flavor: Garlic, butter, and lemon create a rich and zesty profile.
• Customizable: Use jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice to make it your own.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious recipe:

Main Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Shrimp

• Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
• Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
• Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
• Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and lemon juice. Mix well and cook for another minute.

3. Assemble the Rice Stack

• Divide the cooked rice into four portions.
• Use a small bowl or round mold to shape each portion into a compact stack.
• Carefully remove the rice stack from the mold and place it on a serving plate.

4. Add the Shrimp

• Top each rice stack with a generous portion of cooked shrimp.
• Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the shrimp and rice for added flavor.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp and rice stacks.
• Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

1. Sophisticated Presentation

The stacked format transforms this simple dish into a restaurant-quality meal.

2. Bold Flavors

The combination of garlic butter and lemon creates a sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp.

3. Easy to Make

Despite its fancy appearance, this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.

Nutritional Information

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stacks

1. Choose Quality Shrimp

• Opt for large, fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking.

2. Use Fresh Garlic

• Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.

3. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

• Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

4. Add Extra Veggies

• Toss in spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.

Variations to Try

1. Spicy Cajun Shrimp Stack

• Add Cajun seasoning to the shrimp and sauce for a spicy twist.

2. Asian-Inspired Version

• Use sesame oil instead of olive oil and soy sauce instead of lemon juice for an umami-packed alternative.

3. Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

• Stir in a splash of heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce for a richer flavor.

4. Brown Rice or Quinoa

• Substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier base.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce.
• Grilled Vegetables: Serve alongside grilled asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor.

FAQ: Your Questions About Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Answered

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even results.

2. What’s the best rice to use?

Jasmine rice is ideal for its fragrant aroma, but white, brown, or even cauliflower rice are great alternatives.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the shrimp and prepare the rice in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and reheat before assembling.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

5. Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or olive oil.

6. How can I make it spicier?

Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack is the perfect blend of elegance and simplicity. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself, this dish delivers on flavor, presentation, and ease of preparation.

Ready to elevate your dinner game? Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality meal at home. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag your photos online!

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack: A Fancy Yet Easy Dish You’ll Love

Print Recipe

Elevate your dinner game with this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack! Featuring succulent shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce atop fluffy rice, this dish combines elegance and simplicity for a meal that’s both impressive and easy to make.

 

• Author: ating
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cups cooked white rice (or jasmine rice)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Shrimp:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet.
   • Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
   • Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and lemon juice. Cook for another minute, mixing well.
3. Assemble the Rice Stack:
   • Divide the cooked rice into four portions.
   • Use a small bowl or round mold to shape each portion into a compact stack.
   • Carefully remove the rice stack from the mold and place it on a serving plate.
4. Add the Shrimp:
   • Top each rice stack with a generous portion of the cooked shrimp.
   • Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the shrimp and rice for extra flavor.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp and rice stacks.
   • Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added citrusy kick.

Notes

• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; it makes the sauce aromatic and robust.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
• Adjust the spice level by increasing or omitting the red pepper flakes.