If you’re primed for a dish that feels a bit gourmet without the fuss, the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack is about to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy shrimp glistening with garlic butter, smoky spices, and a squeeze of lemon, stacked gracefully over tender, buttery rice. It’s bold, fresh, and looks almost too pretty to eat (but trust me, you’ll want every last bite). Whether you’re impressing company or just treating yourself after a long day, there’s something magical about layering these flavors—the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack truly elevates the simple pleasure of homemade seafood.

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is how it transforms everyday staples into something memorable. Each ingredient serves a special purpose: building flavor, adding fragrance, or creating that satisfying, steamy bite. Here’s what you’ll need to gather for your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack:

Shrimp: Large, peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly and soak up all that luscious garlic butter.
Unsalted Butter: Gives richness to both the shrimp and the rice, letting the flavors shine without being overly salty.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic lends punchy, aromatic flavor—don’t skimp for best results.
Olive Oil: Helps deliver even heat in the pan and complements the butter beautifully.
Smoked Paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of smokiness that makes the shrimp extra tasty.
Salt and Black Pepper: The classic duo, highlighting all the natural flavors in every bite.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the whole stack and pulls the buttery shrimp into focus.
Fresh Parsley: A burst of color and freshness to wake up the stack visually and on your palate.
Jasmine or Basmati Rice: These fragrant, fluffy grains are perfect for stacking—each forkful feels special.
Water or Chicken Broth: Cooking the rice in broth takes the flavor up a notch, but water works just fine too.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Start by combining your jasmine or basmati rice with water or chicken broth, a tablespoon of butter, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until fluffy and all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside—this helps separate the grains, making the stack extra inviting.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

While the rice rests, grab a large skillet and add the olive oil and 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted and bubbling gently, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about a minute, just until the garlic is fragrant—it should smell amazing but not turn brown.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add your shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the shrimp cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side; you’re looking for them to turn bright pink and opaque. Right at the end, squeeze in that fresh lemon juice and toss in the chopped parsley to finish everything with a rush of flavor and color.

Step 4: Assemble the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack

This part feels a little bit like plating at a fancy restaurant! Grab a small bowl or ramekin and press a serving of rice into the bottom, gently compacting it so it holds shape. Heap some of those gorgeous garlic butter shrimp on top, then carefully invert the bowl onto your plate. Remove the bowl to reveal the stack, standing tall and glistening—ready to be devoured!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack

Garnishes

The right finishing touches really make the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack pop. Sprinkle a bit more fresh parsley over the top for a splash of color, or try a light drizzle of extra garlic butter. If you love a creamy contrast, a dollop of herbed yogurt or even a spoonful of bright, tangy tzatziki can seriously elevate each bite.

Side Dishes

This stack plays well with nearly anything bright and fresh—think a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette, grilled asparagus, or zucchini ribbons tossed in olive oil and lemon. If you want to round it out with something extra cozy, roasted cherry tomatoes or garlic bread will never steer you wrong.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack by making mini stacks for appetizers or layering them in clear glasses for a modern, casual vibe. A sprig of parsley between the layers or a thin slice of lemon leaned against the stack adds a restaurant-worthy touch—presentation is half the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack left, store the shrimp and rice separately in airtight containers. They’ll keep fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days—just enough time to bring you delicious leftovers for lunch or dinner.

Freezing

While the rice stands up well to freezing, shrimp can become rubbery once thawed and reheated. If you do need to freeze, separate the rice and shrimp, store in airtight containers, and use within one month for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, use a skillet set over medium heat to gently warm the shrimp, adding a splash of water or extra butter to keep things juicy. The rice can be microwaved or heated on the stovetop with just a tablespoon of water to fluff it up. Reassemble your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack just before serving for optimal flavor and presentation.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge or under cool running water just before cooking. Pat them dry well to get that perfect sear and avoid watering down the sauce.

What rice works best for stacking?

Jasmine and basmati rice hold their shape beautifully and bring a gentle aroma to the finished dish. If you’d like a nuttier flavor or more fiber, feel free to use brown rice or even cooked quinoa—just ensure the grains are fluffy and not sticky.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the butter?

You can swap in your favorite plant-based butter or use all olive oil for the shrimp and rice. The result will be lighter but still bursting with vibrant flavors.

How can I make the dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne with the smoked paprika. You can also finish with a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for an extra spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack.

Can I prep the rice in advance?

Definitely! Cook the rice ahead and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Before serving, reheat with a splash of water or broth to restore its fluffiness, then assemble your beautiful stack as usual.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a surefire way to shake up your dinner routine, this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack is the answer. It’s comforting, impressive, and oh-so-easy to make—you’ll want to make it again and again! Give it a try and see just how fun (and delicious!) stacking up fresh flavors can be. Enjoy every bite!

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a delightful dish of Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack, a flavorful and elegant meal that’s easy to prepare. Succulent shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce served atop fragrant jasmine rice, creating a visually appealing stack that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
juice of ½ lemon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Rice:

1 cup uncooked jasmine or basmati rice
2 cups water or chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter
½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Cook the rice: Combine rice, water or broth, 1 tablespoon butter, and ½ teaspoon salt in a saucepan. Simmer for 15–18 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Prepare the shrimp: In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil and butter. Add shrimp, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until pink. Squeeze lemon juice, add parsley.
Assemble the stack: Layer rice at the bottom of a bowl, top with shrimp. Invert onto a plate for a neat presentation.