Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack: A Flavor-Packed Dish for Every Occasion

If you’re craving a meal that’s quick, flavorful, and a total crowd-pleaser, look no further than Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack. This dish combines succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, layered over perfectly seasoned rice, and stacked beautifully for an elegant presentation. It’s a delightful fusion of savory, buttery goodness and tender shrimp, making it the perfect dish for everything from a weeknight dinner to a special occasion.

This easy-to-make recipe brings together simple ingredients in a stunning way, making it feel like a gourmet meal without a lot of effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing guests, or treating yourself to something special, this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack will surely satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Ingredients:

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Assembly:

• 4 small rings or food molds (optional, for stacking)
• Extra lemon wedges (for serving)

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!

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