Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Stack

This garlic butter shrimp and rice stack combines succulent shrimp with flavorful rice for a meal that feels special but comes together in just 35 minutes. I created this recipe when I needed something impressive for unexpected dinner guests, and it's become my go to when I want to elevate a weeknight meal without extra effort.

I first made this dish when my in laws surprised us with a visit and have been perfecting it ever since. The combination of garlicky buttery shrimp atop seasoned rice creates layers of flavor that make everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• For the Shrimp
• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined choose larger shrimp if possible for a more substantial bite and look for ones that appear translucent with no black spots
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter the foundation of the garlic butter sauce that makes this dish sing
• 2 cloves garlic minced fresh is essential here for the brightest flavor
• 1/4 teaspoon salt enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper adds a gentle warmth that complements the garlic

• For the Rice
• 2 cups rice long grain varieties like jasmine or basmati work beautifully for their texture and aroma
• 3 cups chicken broth provides much more flavor than water alone would
• 1/4 cup soy sauce adds umami depth that transforms plain rice into something extraordinary
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil contributes a nutty aroma that elevates the entire dish
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder reinforces the garlic theme throughout the stack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Rice

Start by bringing the chicken broth to a vigorous boil in a large pot with a tight fitting lid. Make sure your pot is large enough to allow the rice to expand as it cooks. Once boiling, add your rice along with the soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder, stirring thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution. Reduce the heat immediately to low, cover tightly, and allow to simmer undisturbed for 20 to 25 minutes. The rice should absorb all the liquid and become tender without being mushy.

Cook the Shrimp

While the rice is in its final minutes of cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat until it begins to foam slightly. Add the minced garlic and sauté for exactly one minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become intensely fragrant but still pale in color. Add your shrimp in a single layer, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Watch for the shrimp to turn from translucent to opaque pink with slightly golden edges. Be careful not to overcook them as they can become rubbery.

Assemble the Stack

Using a ring mold or small bowl, create an attractive stack by first adding a layer of the cooked rice, pressing down slightly to form a solid base. Top with several garlic butter shrimp, arranging them in a pleasing pattern. If you do not have a ring mold, you can use a measuring cup to form the rice, then invert onto the plate before topping with shrimp.

Serve

Present your completed stacks immediately while still warm. The contrast between the fluffy, savory rice and the succulent garlic butter shrimp makes for both a visual and flavor masterpiece. For extra visual appeal, drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the pan over and around the stack, and consider garnishing with finely chopped fresh herbs.

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My favorite part of this recipe is the garlic butter sauce that forms while cooking the shrimp. I always make sure to spoon extra over the finished dish as it soaks into the rice creating an even more luxurious flavor. When my daughter first tried this dish, she declared it better than restaurant food which is my definition of recipe success.

Perfect Pairings

This garlic butter shrimp and rice stack pairs beautifully with simple steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. The clean, fresh flavors of the vegetables balance the richness of the garlic butter beautifully. I often serve this with a crisp green salad dressed with just lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness of the main dish.

Make Ahead Options

You can prepare components of this dish in advance to make dinner assembly even quicker. Cook the rice up to two days ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat the rice with a tablespoon of water in the microwave or stovetop before assembling. The shrimp should be cooked fresh for the best texture and flavor, but you can have them peeled and deveined in advance.

Flavor Variations

The basic recipe is wonderful as is, but there are many ways to customize it to your taste preferences. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp for a spicy kick. For an herbal note, stir chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill into the rice just before serving. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the completed dish for brightness that complements the richness of the garlic butter.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of rice for this dish?

Yes, you can absolutely substitute different rice varieties. The recipe suggests jasmine or basmati rice for extra aroma, but any long-grain rice works well. Brown rice can be used for added nutrition, though you'll need to adjust cooking time accordingly.

→ How do I know when the shrimp are properly cooked?

Properly cooked shrimp turn from gray to an opaque pink color and curl into a loose 'C' shape. This typically takes just 2-3 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook the rice earlier in the day and reheat before serving. The shrimp should be cooked just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

→ What vegetables pair well with this dish?

Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and asparagus all complement the flavors nicely. You can sauté them separately or add them to the shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking for a complete one-dish meal.

→ How spicy is this dish?

As written, this dish is mild and family-friendly. The recipe notes suggest adding red pepper flakes for heat. You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of black pepper or adding hot sauce to taste.

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly for this dish. Thaw them completely before cooking, and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly in the garlic butter rather than steam.