If you’re craving something that feels both indulgent and comforting, the Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Stack Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. This dish brings together tender, garlicky shrimp infused with rich buttery goodness layered perfectly over fragrant, flavor-packed rice. It’s like a little tower of deliciousness that combines simple ingredients in a way that will have you coming back for seconds — every single time. Whether you want an easy weeknight meal or an impressive dish to serve friends, this recipe is a total winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Stack Recipe plays a crucial role, bringing flavor, texture, or that irresistible aroma to the dish. These essentials come together seamlessly, proving that sometimes, simplicity is the secret to amazing taste and vibrant presentation.
- Shrimp (450 grams): Fresh, peeled, and deveined for tender, juicy bites that cook quickly and soak up all the garlic butter flavor.
- Unsalted butter (60 millilitres): The rich base for sautéing the garlic and shrimp, adding luscious creaminess to the dish.
- Garlic cloves (2, finely minced): The star aromatic that infuses the butter and shrimp with a fragrant kick.
- Fine salt (0.25 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory notes without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
- Ground black pepper (0.25 teaspoon): Adds a touch of heat and depth to balance the buttery richness.
- Long-grain rice (340 grams): The perfect fluffy base that soaks up the delicious broth and seasoning.
- Chicken broth (720 millilitres): Boosts the rice with savory, comforting flavor.
- Soy sauce (60 millilitres): Introduces a subtle umami punch and beautiful color to the rice layer.
- Sesame oil (15 millilitres): Adds a nutty aroma that complements the garlic and shrimp beautifully.
- Garlic powder (0.25 teaspoon): A subtle boost to deepen the garlicky notes in the rice.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Stack Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Start by bringing the chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Once it’s bubbling, add the long-grain rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder. Give everything a good stir to combine those flavors. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 20 to 25 minutes. This is when the rice absorbs all those savory liquids and becomes tender—a perfect fluffy base for your shrimp stack.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
While your rice cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and give it about a minute to become beautifully fragrant without browning. Add the shrimp to the skillet, then sprinkle with salt and ground black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and curl up—the sign that they’re perfectly cooked and ready to shine.
Step 3: Assemble the Stack
Now comes the fun part! In a serving dish, arrange a layer of the flavorful rice, then artfully top it with the juicy garlic butter shrimp. You can build it up into a neat stack or pile it up generously—the goal is to create a dish that looks as irresistible as it tastes.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Your Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Stack Recipe is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serving it right away ensures the shrimp stay tender and the rice fluffy. Get ready for a satisfying meal that combines rich, comforting flavors with a visually stunning presentation.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Stack Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a fresh pop of color and brightness that cuts through the richness. A wedge of lemon on the side invites diners to add a zesty touch, which complements the garlic butter flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, green salads or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. The freshness and crunch of these sides provide a refreshing balance to the creamy shrimp and hearty rice stack.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Use a ring mold to shape the rice and shrimp into neat individual stacks for an elegant presentation. Alternatively, try layering the ingredients in clear glasses for a playful, casual twist that shows off the beautiful colors and textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days, though the dish is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the texture of the shrimp and rice.
Freezing
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Stack Recipe isn’t the best candidate for freezing, as shrimp and rice can lose their texture when thawed. It’s better to enjoy it fresh or refrigerate for short-term storage instead.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave using short bursts to keep the shrimp tender. Adding a small splash of butter or broth when reheating helps renew the dish’s moist, buttery charm.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry to avoid excess water, which can interfere with that perfect garlic butter sear.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, you can enjoy this dish without gluten without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the rice?
Definitely! Adding finely diced bell peppers, peas, or carrots to the rice while it simmers is a great way to boost color and nutrition.
What type of shrimp works best?
Larger shrimp like jumbo or extra-large work beautifully because they hold their texture well and make for an impressive presentation.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Stack Recipe is mild and buttery, but you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes during shrimp cooking to give it a gentle kick if you like a little heat.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Stack Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines simple ingredients into a standout dish bursting with flavor and charm. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, it’s the kind of meal that feels special without complicated steps. Don’t hesitate — give it a try and watch it quickly become a new favorite in your kitchen.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Stack Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Stack is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, served atop savory soy-infused long-grain rice. Perfect for a quick yet elegant meal, this recipe combines simple ingredients with easy steps to deliver a comforting and delicious dinner ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 450 grams shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 60 millilitres unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 0.25 teaspoon fine salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
Rice
- 340 grams long-grain rice
- 720 millilitres chicken broth
- 60 millilitres soy sauce
- 15 millilitres sesame oil
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Bring chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Add the long-grain rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Sauté the Shrimp: While the rice cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp along with salt and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked through.
- Assemble the Stack: Once the rice and shrimp are ready, neatly layer the cooked rice and sautéed shrimp in a serving dish to create a visually appealing stack.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the garlic butter shrimp rice stack hot, optionally accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined for ease of eating and better texture.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to cook rice evenly without burning.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity according to taste and salt preference.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- For added freshness, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
