Garlic Butter Shrimp And Rice Stack Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp And Rice Stack Recipe

My recent culinary adventure with garlic butter shrimp sparked an unexpected dinner sensation that quickly became a household favorite.

Summer evenings call for simple yet impressive meals that come together effortlessly.

Succulent shrimp nestled against fluffy rice create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

Fresh ingredients make this dish shine with minimal preparation required.

Coastal inspiration meets comfort food in this delightful recipe that promises to satisfy hungry appetites.

Crisp herbs and rich butter complement the delicate seafood, making each bite a memorable experience.

Why Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Is So Flavorful

  • Simplify Dinner Prep: Create a delicious meal with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that even beginner cooks can master quickly.
  • Boost Flavor Fusion: Combine savory garlic butter shrimp with seasoned rice for a restaurant-quality dish that delivers incredible taste in every bite.
  • Protein-Packed Meal Solution: Enjoy a balanced and nutritious dinner featuring tender shrimp and perfectly cooked rice that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients.
  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare a complete meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delectable and stress-free dining experience.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack

For the Base:
  • Rice: A staple grain that provides a fluffy and hearty foundation for the dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds rich flavor and moisture to the rice during cooking.
  • Soy Sauce: Enhances the rice with a savory and umami depth.
  • Sesame Oil: Contributes a nutty and aromatic essence to the rice.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, warm garlic flavor throughout the rice.
For the Protein:
  • Shrimp: Tender and succulent seafood that serves as the main protein of the recipe.
For the Seasoning and Cooking:
  • Butter, Garlic: Create a classic, rich, and flavorful base for cooking the shrimp.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp.
Garnish (Optional):
  • Parsley, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that add a bright, crisp finish to the dish.

How to Prepare a Delicious Shrimp and Rice Stack

Step 1: Prepare Flavorful Rice Base

Grab a large pot and pour in chicken broth. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil.

Add rice along with these flavor boosters:
  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Garlic powder

Stir everything together until well combined. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer gently.

Cook for about 20 minutes or until the rice becomes perfectly tender and fluffy.

Step 2: Create Mouthwatering Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature.

Melt butter until it becomes golden and bubbling. Toss in minced garlic and cook for one minute, releasing its incredible aroma.

Add shrimp to the pan and season with salt and black pepper. Cook the shrimp quickly, about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn a beautiful pink color and are cooked completely through.

Step 3: Build Spectacular Rice Tower

Carefully layer the cooked rice and succulent shrimp in a serving dish. Create an impressive vertical stack that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Step 4: Final Flourish

Serve the dish immediately while it’s piping hot. Sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions on top for an extra burst of color and flavor.

Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Tips to Cook Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Perfectly

  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and create a healthier dish.
  • Select fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they are thoroughly deveined before cooking.
  • Toast sesame oil briefly before adding to rice for enhanced nutty aromatics that elevate the overall taste profile.
  • Let shrimp cook undisturbed in butter to develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and prevent rubbery texture.
  • Experiment with additional seasonings like red pepper flakes or lemon zest to personalize the dish and add extra depth of flavor.

Variations to Customize Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack

  • Spicy Sriracha Shrimp Rice: Replace garlic butter with sriracha-infused butter, adding red pepper flakes for extra heat and excitement.
  • Mediterranean Herb Shrimp Rice: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth, add oregano and lemon zest, use feta cheese as a topping for a Mediterranean flair.
  • Coconut Curry Shrimp Rice: Substitute sesame oil with coconut milk, add mild curry powder, use coconut shreds as a garnish for a tropical version.
  • Gluten-Free Zucchini Rice Stack: Replace rice with riced zucchini, use gluten-free soy sauce, keep shrimp preparation the same for a low-carb alternative.

Foods That Pair Well with Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

  • Enhance Flavor Harmony: Pair this garlic butter shrimp and rice stack with crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the richness and complements the seafood's delicate taste.
  • Create Refreshing Balance: Serve alongside a light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds to provide a cool, tangy contrast to the buttery shrimp.
  • Elevate Dining Experience: Complement the dish with a zesty citrus mocktail or sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate and highlight the garlic and butter notes.
  • Boost Texture Contrast: Add a side of crispy tempura vegetables to introduce a crunchy element that beautifully offsets the tender shrimp and soft rice.

How to Store Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack

  • Store leftover shrimp and rice separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Place rice and shrimp in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
  • Gently reheat shrimp in a skillet with a small amount of butter over medium-low heat to prevent overcooking. Warm rice in a separate pan with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.

FAQs

  • What makes the rice flavorful in this recipe?

The rice is cooked in chicken broth and seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder, which infuses it with rich, savory flavors that complement the shrimp perfectly.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice golden color.

  • How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl slightly. They typically take 2-3 minutes per side and should look opaque throughout with no translucent parts.

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Garlic Butter Shrimp And Rice Stack Recipe

Garlic Butter Shrimp And Rice Stack Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent garlic butter shrimp and rice stack delivers Mediterranean coastal charm with its layers of zesty seafood and fluffy grains. Effortless preparation meets elegant presentation, ensuring you can savor restaurant-quality flavors right from your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking Base and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups rice
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the aromatic rice foundation by bringing chicken broth to a rolling boil in a large pot, then incorporate soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder, stirring thoroughly to blend flavors.
  2. Reduce heat, cover the pot, and allow rice to simmer for 18-22 minutes until liquid is absorbed and grains are tender and fluffy.
  3. While rice cooks, melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden, bubbling surface.
  4. Introduce minced garlic to the melted butter, allowing it to release its intense aroma for approximately 45-60 seconds without browning.
  5. Gently add shrimp to the fragrant butter, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
  6. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, watching for a vibrant pink color and translucent center, indicating perfect doneness.
  7. Create an elegant stack by layering the steamed rice as a base, then carefully arranging the garlic-infused shrimp on top.
  8. Enhance the presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions as a final garnish.
  9. Serve immediately while the shrimp are warm and rice remains fluffy, capturing the dish’s optimal temperature and flavor profile.

Notes

  • Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and create a healthier base for your rice.
  • Toast rice briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness.
  • Ensure shrimp are patted dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
  • Use wild-caught shrimp for more sustainable and potentially more flavorful seafood option.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 840 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 145 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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