The Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack is the ultimate combination of simplicity and elegance that’s destined to become your new favorite weeknight dinner or special-occasion showstopper. Plump, juicy shrimp are swirled in a dreamily fragrant garlic butter sauce, then perched on pillowy-soft jasmine or basmati rice for a presentation that’s just as impressive as it is delicious. With hints of lemon and fresh parsley, every bite bursts with light, bright Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Whether you’re looking to wow guests or just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary with minimal effort, this dish checks all the boxes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how it leans on a short, punchy list of ingredients—each one bringing something special to the table. The balance of flavor, texture, and color is so simple yet incredibly satisfying. Don’t skip the fresh herbs and citrus—they truly elevate every bite!
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): The star! Look for fresh or thawed shrimp for the plumpest, juiciest texture.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Brings that lush richness and classic garlic butter flavor; don’t skimp!
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the butter brown without burning and adds fruity undertones.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The aromatic backbone of the dish; freshly minced is best!
- Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds color and a subtle smokiness that takes the sauce up a notch.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For subtle heat; add more or less to taste.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every layer, so don’t forget a pinch in the rice too.
- Cooked Jasmine or Basmati Rice (2 cups): Serves as the perfect, fluffy base for soaking up all that garlic butter.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens everything up and balances the richness.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a fresh, vibrant color and herbaceous lift at the end.
- Lemon Wedges (for serving): Offer extra zing for squeezing over just before serving.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. When they’re just melted and shimmering, swirl in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, just long enough to fill your kitchen with incredible fragrance without letting the garlic burn. At this stage, add the smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if you like a little warmth), and season generously with salt and black pepper. This base is where all the magical flavor begins!
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in your skillet, nestling them right into that garlicky, buttery bath. Sauté the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side; you’ll know they’re done when they turn pink, curl up, and become opaque. Be careful not to overcook—juicy shrimp is the goal! Right before you take the pan off the heat, stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley. The pan sauce will glisten and smell absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Prepare the Rice Stack
To create the signature stack, spoon about half a cup of warm, fluffy rice into a small bowl or ramekin. Pack it in gently (not too tight!), then quickly invert it onto your serving plate. Carefully lift off the bowl, and you’ll have a picture-perfect rice mound ready for its topping. This presentation is surprisingly easy, but it looks like something straight from your favorite restaurant.
Step 4: Assemble and Finish
Spoon a generous helping of the garlic butter shrimp, along with plenty of that irresistible pan sauce, right over the rice stack. Let the buttery sauce drizzle down the sides—trust me, you want every last drop. Finish everything off with an extra hit of parsley and serve with a wedge of lemon for that final pop of flavor. The Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack is ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle extra fresh parsley over the top. A wedge of lemon on the side lets diners add brightness to their liking. If you’re feeling extra, microgreens or a light dusting of smoked paprika make the plate pop and add a restaurant-worthy flair to your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack.
Side Dishes
Since the dish is rich and flavorful, I love pairing it with something fresh and green: think lightly sautéed spinach, crisp-tender green beans, or a simple arugula salad with a lemony vinaigrette. Crusty bread is also a fabulous choice for mopping up every bit of that decadent garlic butter sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack in individual stacks for an upscale dinner-party vibe, or pile everything family-style on a platter for easy sharing. If you want to go low-carb, swap in cauliflower rice for the base, or fold sautéed spinach or peas into the rice to amp up the color and nutrition. Get playful—this recipe is all about making a meal that feels as fun to serve as it is to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack, let everything cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. Keep the shrimp and rice separate to maintain the best texture. Refrigerate up to two days for the freshest flavor.
Freezing
While cooked rice freezes well, shrimp can become rubbery after freezing and reheating. If you must freeze, store the rice and shrimp (with sauce) separately in airtight containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the rice and shrimp gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or an extra knob of butter to restore moisture. Microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, works in a pinch. Just take care not to overcook the shrimp—they only need to heat through!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking for the best sear and flavor. Frozen shrimp are a super convenient shortcut for this dish.
What kind of rice works best for the stack?
Jasmine or basmati rice are my go-to choices because they’re fluffy and fragrant, making them the ideal base for the buttery shrimp. Brown rice or cauliflower rice are great alternatives if you want to mix things up or make it a bit healthier.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a hint of heat, but you can easily adjust or leave them out for a milder Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack. Taste as you go, and customize for your family’s preferences.
Can I prepare the rice ahead of time?
Yes! Making the rice in advance is a game-changer for busy nights. Just cook it, let it cool, then reheat right before assembling your stacks. The rice will soak up any extra pan sauce even better.
What veggies can I add to the dish?
Try folding in sautéed spinach, peas, or even diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. Fresh garden herbs like basil or chives also make a lovely addition to the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that dazzles with both flavor and looks, give the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack a try. It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and irresistibly elegant—the kind of meal that makes any night feel worthy of celebration. I know it’ll be making regular appearances at your table!
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of garlic butter shrimp served atop a bed of fragrant jasmine or basmati rice. This elegant dish is bursting with Mediterranean-inspired aromas and is sure to impress your dinner guests.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat until melted and hot.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- To assemble the stack, pack about 1/2 cup of warm cooked rice into a small bowl or ramekin. Press gently, then invert onto a plate.
- Garnish with extra parsley and serve with a lemon wedge on the side.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Stir in lemon juice and parsley, then remove from heat.
Spoon several garlic butter shrimp over the top, allowing some of the buttery sauce to drizzle over the rice.
Notes
- For added flavor, stir sautéed spinach or peas into the rice.
- You can make the rice ahead of time and reheat before assembling.
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rice stack with shrimp
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
