Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack is a delightful and visually impressive dish that combines succulent shrimp with flavorful garlic butter sauce, served over a bed of perfectly cooked rice. This recipe is a great way to elevate a simple meal into something extraordinary, with a balance of rich flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re looking for an impressive dinner for guests or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe has you covered.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with so many reasons to love it:

Flavor Explosion

The garlic butter sauce is the star of the dish, infusing both the shrimp and rice with deep, savory flavors.

Simple Yet Elegant

The shrimp and rice stack is simple to prepare yet looks stunning when served, making it ideal for impressing guests or enjoying at home.

Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings or when you need a flavorful meal in under 30 minutes.

Versatile

Feel free to mix in extra veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, or use a different type of protein if you prefer.

One-Dish Wonder

The rice, shrimp, and buttery sauce all come together in one dish, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack:

Shrimp

Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the best choice for this dish. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, just be sure to thaw them if using frozen.

Rice

Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works best in this recipe. The fluffy texture pairs perfectly with the garlic butter sauce.

Garlic

Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor that’s essential to the garlic butter sauce. It’s the key to making this dish irresistible.

Butter

Unsalted butter is used for the sauce, giving it a creamy richness and helping to create the perfect coating for the shrimp.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice adds a zesty, refreshing acidity that balances out the richness of the butter and enhances the flavor of the shrimp.

Fresh Parsley

Chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish. It also enhances the flavor.

Olive Oil

Olive oil helps cook the shrimp and prevents the butter from burning, adding a light flavor to the overall dish.

Salt and Pepper

Seasoning with salt and pepper is essential to bring all the flavors together and ensure the dish is perfectly balanced.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Here’s how to make this easy and delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack:

1. Cook the Rice

Start by cooking the rice according to package instructions. Set aside and keep warm while you prepare the shrimp and garlic butter sauce.

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add the butter and stir until melted and combined. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Set the sauce aside.

3. Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

4. Assemble the Stack

To assemble the stack, start by placing a spoonful of rice onto a plate. Use a ring mold (or any round object like a glass) to press the rice into a tight stack. Top the rice with the garlic butter shrimp, arranging them in a circle or pile on top.

5. Drizzle with Sauce

Spoon some of the garlic butter sauce over the shrimp and rice stack. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack immediately while warm. Enjoy every bite of this flavorful, buttery dish!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 28g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack

Steamed Vegetables

Pair the stack with some steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans to add a pop of color and balance the richness of the dish.

Side Salad

A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette will complement the rich garlic butter flavors and add freshness to the meal.

Crusty Bread

Serve with some crusty bread to soak up any extra garlic butter sauce left on the plate.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh shrimp. If you use frozen, make sure to thaw them properly.
• Customize the Sauce: Add red pepper flakes for some heat, or stir in a little white wine for extra depth of flavor.
• Double the Sauce: If you love the garlic butter sauce, feel free to double the recipe so you have plenty to drizzle over the rice and shrimp.
• Make It Spicy: For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
• Add Veggies: You can stir in sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or peas for added flavor and nutrition.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of rice?
A1: Yes! You can use any type of rice you prefer, such as jasmine, basmati, or even brown rice. Just be sure to adjust cooking times based on the rice you use.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: While the rice and shrimp are best served fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce and cook the shrimp in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

Q3: Can I make this dish without shrimp?
A3: Yes! You can substitute the shrimp with other proteins like chicken, scallops, or even tofu for a different flavor profile.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover garlic butter shrimp and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and rice separately for up to 1 month. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove when ready to enjoy.

Q6: How do I make this dish spicier?
A6: Add red pepper flakes or some cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce to give the dish an extra kick.

Q7: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A7: Yes! If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking for the best texture and flavor.

Q8: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A8: Absolutely! You can sauté vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach and mix them into the garlic butter sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

Q9: Can I use a different type of butter?
A9: While unsalted butter is ideal for this dish, you can substitute with salted butter if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning.

Q10: How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
A10: Make sure not to overcook the shrimp. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, which should only take 2-3 minutes per side.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack is a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish that will satisfy your cravings for something rich and indulgent. The buttery shrimp, garlic sauce, and tender rice combine in perfect harmony, making it an ideal meal for any occasion. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that’s both impressive and delicious!

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