Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack is a quick and delicious main course featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, served atop fluffy jasmine or white rice. Infused with lemon and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, this elegant yet simple dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Rice Base
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or white rice
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce and Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant to bring out the garlic’s aromatic flavors.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, ensuring they are perfectly cooked and tender.
- Add Butter and Lemon Juice: Once the shrimp are cooked, add the remaining butter and the lemon juice to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp evenly in the flavorful garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Assemble the Rice Stack: Pack the cooked rice tightly into a small bowl or ramekin. Invert it onto a serving plate to create a molded rice base, providing an elegant presentation.
- Serve: Spoon the garlic butter shrimp and sauce over the rice stack, allowing some of the sauce to drizzle down for extra flavor. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges for a fresh citrus finish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, stir chopped green onions or a pinch of grated Parmesan into the rice before molding the stack.
- You can substitute brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier or gluten-free variant.
- To add more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
