If you love seafood that’s bursting with flavor yet quick to prepare, you’re going to adore this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe. This dish layers succulent garlic butter shrimp atop fluffy rice to create an elegant yet simple meal that’s as impressive as it is satisfying. Every bite combines tender shrimp bathed in a luscious buttery garlic sauce with the subtle fragrant notes of lemon and parsley, all perfectly balanced on a bed of warm jasmine or white rice. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to wow guests with minimal fuss and maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential part in creating a harmonious dish. From the rich butter that gives the shrimp their luscious coating to the bright lemon juice that adds a refreshing zing, every element enhances texture, color, and flavor in simple yet vital ways.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or well-thawed shrimp for the best texture and taste.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Butter enriches the sauce, giving it a silky finish that complements the shrimp.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides the signature aromatic punch that elevates this dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps cook the shrimp evenly and adds a subtle fruity note.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Basic seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a delicate heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens the dish and cuts through the richness beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Provides a fresh herbal note and vibrant color contrast.
- 2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice: Acts as the comforting base that absorbs all the garlicky goodness.
- Lemon wedges, for serving: Extras for squeezing on top to intensify the citrus zing right at the table.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Shrimp
Start by seasoning your peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. This step is crucial because it ensures that every shrimp is loaded with flavor right from the start, setting a tasty foundation for the garlic butter coating.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter and Olive Oil
Heat the olive oil together with 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly turn bitter and affect the overall flavor of your dish.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in a single layer in your skillet, letting them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque — this quick cooking keeps them juicy and tender, never rubbery.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
After the shrimp are cooked, stir in the lemon juice, the remaining tablespoon of butter, and the freshly chopped parsley. This final step allows the flavors to marry perfectly, giving you a rich, bright, and herbaceous garlic butter sauce that clings to each shrimp.
Step 5: Assemble the Stacks
To create the iconic stack, use a small bowl or ring mold as your guide. Start by layering about 1/2 cup of warm cooked rice, pressing it down gently to form a compact base. Next, pile on a portion of the garlic butter shrimp on top. Carefully remove the mold or invert the bowl onto a serving plate to reveal your stunning stack. Repeat the process for each serving.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this dish with extra chopped parsley not only adds a pop of fresh color but also gives a slight herbal lift with every bite. Lemon wedges on the side are a must for anyone who enjoys a generous squeeze to brighten the flavors and add a refreshing citrus note.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe pairs beautifully with simple green sides such as steamed asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a crisp garden salad. These options add texture and lightness that balance the rich buttery shrimp without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, try layering the rice and shrimp in clear glass cups or mason jars for individual servings. Alternatively, arrange the stacks on a large sharing platter and drizzle any extra garlic butter sauce over the top, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a few edible flowers for a special touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover shrimp and rice stacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the shrimp and rice together so the flavors continue to mingle, but avoid garnishing with lemon wedges until ready to serve again.
Freezing
While the rice and shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp separately for up to one month. Avoid freezing the assembled stacks to maintain the best texture and flavor. When ready, thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and rice in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep things moist. Avoid using a microwave as it can make the shrimp rubbery and the rice dry.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water.
What type of rice is best for the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe?
Jasmine rice is perfect because of its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, but any white rice will work well. Avoid sticky or short-grain rice for this recipe, as they don’t hold up as nicely in stacks.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or use extra olive oil. You’ll still get great flavor, although the sauce will have a slightly different richness.
How spicy is this dish? Can I control the heat?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but you can easily omit or increase them depending on your spice preference. The lemon juice also brightens the dish, balancing any heat.
Can I prepare the rice and shrimp ahead of time to save time?
You can cook the rice ahead and keep it warm, and even prepare the shrimp shortly before serving to save time. Just assemble the stacks just before eating for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe enough for anyone who wants a fuss-free, flavorful meal that feels special every time. It’s a perfect blend of comforting rice and indulgent garlic butter shrimp that will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy it is to create something so impressive and delicious!
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack is a delicious and elegant main course featuring succulent large shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and served atop perfectly cooked white or jasmine rice. This quick and easy stovetop recipe combines flavorful garlic, lemon juice, and fresh parsley for a delightful seafood dinner that is both gluten-free and satisfying.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Rice and Garnish
- 2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Season the shrimp: In a bowl, season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. This ensures the shrimp are evenly flavored before cooking.
- Heat the skillet and sauté garlic: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned, to build a flavorful base.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked without overcooking.
- Add lemon juice and remaining butter: Stir in the lemon juice, the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, and the chopped fresh parsley. Mix gently to coat the shrimp with the delicious garlic butter sauce. Remove the skillet from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Assemble the rice stacks: Using a small bowl or ring mold, layer about 1/2 cup of warm cooked rice into the mold and press down gently to form a compact base. Top with a portion of the garlic butter shrimp. Carefully lift the mold or invert the bowl onto a serving plate to create an elegant stack.
- Serve: Repeat the stacking process for all servings. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side and additional chopped parsley for garnish if desired, adding a fresh brightness to the dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, stir chopped green onions or sautéed spinach into the rice before assembling the stacks.
- You can add a drizzle of garlic butter sauce over the top of the assembled stacks just before serving for a richer taste.
- Use a ring mold or a small bowl to create neat, visually appealing stacks.
- This recipe works well with both white and jasmine rice, but warm rice is recommended for better stacking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
