Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack is a delightful and savory dish that features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, layered over fluffy, seasoned rice for a satisfying meal. This recipe is a perfect combination of tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a touch of buttery goodness, all served on a bed of fluffy rice. The layers of flavors come together beautifully, making this dish a crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a weeknight meal.

The Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack offers the best of both worlds: a rich and indulgent shrimp dish paired with simple, comforting rice. It’s easy to make, yet it feels like a gourmet treat. The shrimp are perfectly cooked, tender, and coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, while the rice is seasoned to complement the shrimp. The stacking presentation adds a fun and elegant touch, making this dish as visually impressive as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack

• Flavor-Packed Garlic Butter Shrimp: The shrimp are the star of the dish, cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce that is rich, aromatic, and perfect for dipping with rice. The garlic and butter work together to elevate the shrimp’s natural sweetness and provide a luxurious, savory flavor.
• Comforting and Satisfying: The combination of shrimp and rice creates a hearty dish that is both comforting and filling. The rice absorbs the savory garlic butter sauce, making each bite satisfying and flavorful.
• Elegant Presentation: The rice and shrimp are stacked beautifully, making this dish perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. The stacking not only looks impressive but also helps the flavors meld together in each bite.
• Quick and Easy to Make: Despite its elegant presentation, Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack is relatively simple to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and a little time, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
• Customizable: You can easily customize this dish to suit your tastes. Whether you want to add more vegetables, adjust the level of spice, or swap the rice for a different grain, this dish is versatile and adaptable to many variations.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 400-450 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 3-4g

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown rice)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice

Start by cooking the rice. You can use white rice, brown rice, or any rice of your choice. Follow the package instructions for cooking, or use a rice cooker for convenience. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and set it aside to keep warm.

For added flavor, you can season the rice with a pinch of salt or a drizzle of olive oil while it cooks. You can also stir in a little fresh or dried herbs, such as thyme or parsley, to complement the shrimp.

2. Cook the Shrimp

While the rice is cooking, prepare the shrimp. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp cook very quickly and can become rubbery if left on the heat for too long.

Once the shrimp are cooked through, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and starts to bubble, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Combine the Shrimp and Garlic Butter Sauce

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the shrimp in the sauce to coat them evenly. Allow the shrimp to soak up some of the flavors for about 2 minutes, then remove the skillet from the heat. The shrimp should be glistening and flavorful, coated in the rich garlic butter sauce.

5. Assemble the Rice Stack

To assemble the rice stack, begin by placing a ring mold or a sturdy drinking glass in the center of each plate. If you don’t have a ring mold, you can also use a small bowl to help form the stack. Spoon a generous portion of the cooked rice into the mold, pressing it down gently to compact it. Make sure the rice is level and forms a stable base.

Carefully remove the ring mold or bowl, leaving a neat mound of rice on each plate.

6. Layer the Shrimp on Top

Next, layer the shrimp on top of the rice stack, arranging them neatly so that each portion gets an equal amount of shrimp. You can stack the shrimp vertically or fan them out over the rice for an elegant presentation.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the shrimp are arranged on top of the rice, drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the shrimp and rice. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness. For an added kick, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the dish.

Serve immediately while the dish is hot, and enjoy the delicious, flavorful combination of garlic butter shrimp and rice.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, and overcooking them can make them rubbery and tough. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
• Customize the Rice: You can use white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Fluff the rice after cooking to ensure it remains light and fluffy.
• Add More Vegetables: If you want to increase the nutritional value of the dish, consider adding sautéed vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the rice or the shrimp mixture.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a robust flavor to the dish, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can also work as a substitute. Fresh garlic, however, will give the garlic butter sauce its signature depth of flavor.
• Serve with a Side Salad: To balance the richness of the dish, serve the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette will provide a nice contrast to the creamy shrimp and rice.

Variations of Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack

• Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Stack: For a non-seafood version, swap the shrimp for chicken breast or thighs. Cook the chicken pieces in the garlic butter sauce until golden and cooked through, then stack the chicken on top of the rice.
• Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack: If you love heat, add some chili flakes or fresh diced chilies to the garlic butter sauce. The spice will complement the rich, buttery shrimp beautifully.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp and Coconut Rice Stack: For a tropical twist, use coconut milk to cook the rice instead of water. This will infuse the rice with a subtle coconut flavor, making it the perfect base for the garlic butter shrimp.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp and Veggie Rice Stack: To make the dish even more colorful and nutritious, toss in some cooked vegetables like peas, corn, or diced carrots into the rice before stacking it. The veggies will add texture and flavor to the dish.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp and Lemon Rice Stack: Add a fresh lemon flavor to the rice by stirring in some lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice. This bright citrus note will enhance the richness of the shrimp and garlic butter sauce.

Storage and Shelf Life

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for later. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature, then transfer any remaining shrimp and rice to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, until heated through. If the rice has dried out during storage, you can add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep it moist.

For longer storage, you can freeze the shrimp and rice separately in freezer-safe containers. The shrimp and rice will last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or oven, ensuring the shrimp is thoroughly heated.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack

Pair this delicious and rich dish with complementary sides for a well-rounded meal:

• Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread or crostini is perfect for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce. The crispy bread pairs wonderfully with the tender shrimp and rice.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans make a great side dish to balance the richness of the shrimp and rice.
• Fresh Salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette will complement the savory garlic butter shrimp.
• Roasted Potatoes: Roasted baby potatoes or fingerling potatoes seasoned with herbs and olive oil make an excellent side dish to pair with the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack.

Print

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack is a flavorful, satisfying dish that brings together the rich, buttery shrimp with a bed of fluffy rice for a truly delicious meal. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something special for a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and elegant presentation, this dish is a must-try for any shrimp lover. Enjoy every bite of this savory, satisfying stack!