Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack is an elegant and mouthwatering dish that combines succulent shrimp, fragrant garlic butter, and fluffy rice in a visually stunning layered stack. Perfect for a romantic dinner, special occasion, or a fun twist on your weeknight meal, this recipe elevates simple ingredients to create a sophisticated and flavorful experience. With the rich garlic butter sauce and the sweetness of the shrimp, every bite is a perfect balance of savory goodness!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Rice:
- 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt to taste
For the Assembly:
- 4 small round molds (or an empty tuna can with both ends removed)
- Extra parsley or lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice:
Cook the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter and a pinch of salt. Set aside. - Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until pink and opaque.
Stir in the lemon juice and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt into the shrimp. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to create a rich garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat. - Assemble the Rice Stack:
Place a round mold on each serving plate. Spoon a generous portion of the rice into the mold, pressing it down lightly to form a compact layer.
Next, add a layer of the garlic butter shrimp on top of the rice. Gently remove the mold to reveal the stacked layers. Repeat for each serving. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately and enjoy your beautifully stacked, flavorful meal! - Prepare the Rice:
Cook the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter and a pinch of salt. Set aside. - Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until pink and opaque.
Stir in the lemon juice and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt into the shrimp. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to create a rich garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat. - Assemble the Rice Stack:
Place a round mold on each serving plate. Spoon a generous portion of the rice into the mold, pressing it down lightly to form a compact layer.
Next, add a layer of the garlic butter shrimp on top of the rice. Gently remove the mold to reveal the stacked layers. Repeat for each serving. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately and enjoy your beautifully stacked, flavorful meal!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce over the rice or shrimp after stacking.
- You can swap out the white rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- If you don’t have a round mold, you can use a cup or small bowl to shape the rice stack.
- Feel free to add a side of sautéed vegetables, such as asparagus or green beans, for a more complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Seafood, Dinner
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American, Seafood