Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice:

Start by cooking the rice. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth (or water) to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, the garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil. Stir in the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and set it aside to keep warm.

2. Cook the Shrimp:

While the rice is cooking, it’s time to prepare the shrimp. In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.

Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough. Once the shrimp is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add the lemon juice and zest (if using), smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, creating a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Return the shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat them in the sauce, and let everything simmer for another minute or two so the flavors can meld together.

3. Assemble the Stack:

To create the beautiful stack, you can use small round rings or food molds, but if you don’t have them, you can also simply serve the rice and shrimp in a mound on individual plates. Begin by placing a scoop of rice in the center of each mold or on the plate. Press the rice down gently with the back of a spoon to form a compact base.

Next, layer the garlic butter shrimp on top of the rice. You can fan the shrimp out in a circular pattern for a pretty presentation, or simply stack them in a neat pile. Be sure to drizzle the remaining garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the shrimp for extra flavor.

4. Garnish and Serve:

Once the stacks are assembled, carefully remove the molds if you used them, leaving you with beautiful, round towers of rice and shrimp. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a few extra lemon wedges on the side for an added burst of citrus when serving.

Serve immediately while the dish is hot, and enjoy the perfect balance of garlicky shrimp, creamy rice, and zesty lemon!

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack:

1. Rich, Flavorful Sauce:
   The garlic butter sauce is the star of this dish. It’s rich, savory, and just the right amount of tangy thanks to the addition of lemon juice. The garlic infuses the butter with incredible depth, and the shrimp soak up all of that delicious flavor, making every bite a delight.
2. Tender, Juicy Shrimp:
   When cooked just right, shrimp are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Paired with the buttery garlic sauce, they take on a succulent, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist.
3. Customizable:
   This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can swap out the rice for quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. You can also adjust the seasonings to your liking—add more heat with red pepper flakes, or play with herbs like thyme or basil for different flavor profiles.
4. Elegant Yet Easy:
   While this dish looks fancy enough to serve at a dinner party or special event, it’s actually very simple to make. The shrimp cook in a matter of minutes, and the rice is just a matter of boiling and fluffing. The stacking technique elevates the presentation, making it feel like a gourmet meal without all the fuss.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep:
   This dish is also great for meal prep. The rice and shrimp can be prepared ahead of time, and you can simply assemble the stacks when you’re ready to serve. The garlic butter shrimp also keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, making this a great make-ahead option.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack:

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly—overcooking them can lead to rubbery, tough shrimp. Once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done!
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, you can use garlic powder as a substitute in the rice or butter sauce.
• Keep the Rice Fluffy: When cooking the rice, avoid stirring it too much while it’s cooking, as this can make the rice become gummy. Just let it steam on low heat with the lid on until it’s tender.
• Serve with a Side: For a well-rounded meal, consider serving your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or sautéed greens like spinach or kale.
• Make It a Meal for Two or a Crowd: This recipe can easily be adjusted to feed more or fewer people. If you’re cooking for a crowd, you can double or triple the ingredients and prepare the rice and shrimp in larger batches. Use a large mold or serve in individual portions depending on your serving style.

Final Thoughts:

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack is the perfect combination of rich, buttery shrimp and flavorful rice, all wrapped up in a beautiful presentation that will wow your guests or make a weeknight dinner feel extra special. It’s simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious—what more could you ask for in a meal?

This recipe proves that you don’t need fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients to create an impressive dish. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this garlic butter shrimp and rice stack will hit the spot every time.

So, grab some shrimp, fire up the skillet, and get ready to indulge in a flavor-packed meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Enjoy your delicious creation!