Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack

๐†๐š๐ซ๐ฅ๐ข๐œ ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ญ๐ž๐ซ ๐’๐ก๐ซ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฉ ๐š๐ง๐ ๐‘๐ข๐œ๐ž ๐’๐ญ๐š๐œ๐ค ๐Ÿค๐Ÿง„๐Ÿš

Tender, juicy shrimp sautรฉed in fragrant garlic butter, layered over savory seasoned rice cooked in chicken broth โ€“ an elegant yet simple dish that transforms everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality comfort food.
Ideal for date nights, dinner parties, or a luxurious weeknight meal.

๐˜๐€๐˜ ๐Ž๐‘ ๐๐€๐˜ ๐…๐Ž๐‘ ๐“๐‡๐ˆ๐’ ๐‹๐€๐˜๐„๐‘๐„๐ƒ ๐†๐€๐‘๐‹๐ˆ๐‚ ๐’๐‡๐‘๐ˆ๐Œ๐ ๐๐Ž๐–๐‹?

Because thereโ€™s something magical about buttery shrimp paired with fragrant, fluffy rice. This dish looks gourmet, tastes incredible, and is surprisingly easy to make in one skillet and one pot.

โœจ ๐–๐ก๐ฒ ๐˜๐จ๐ฎโ€™๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐‹๐จ๐ฏ๐ž ๐ˆ๐ญ

This shrimp and rice combo is layered with garlicky richness, savory chicken flavor, and a pop of fresh herbs. The texture is perfectly balanced, with tender shrimp on top of fluffy, flavor-soaked rice. Plus, the whole thing comes together in about 30 minutes!

๐Ÿงพ Ingredients Youโ€™ll Need

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined ๐Ÿค

  • 2 cups jasmine or basmati rice ๐Ÿš

  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth ๐Ÿ—

  • 5 cloves garlic, minced ๐Ÿง„

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter ๐Ÿงˆ

  • 1 tbsp olive oil ๐Ÿซ’

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika ๐ŸŒถ

  • Salt & pepper, to taste ๐Ÿง‚

  • Juice of ยฝ lemon ๐Ÿ‹

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped ๐ŸŒฟ

  • Optional garnish: lemon wedges, extra butter drizzle, chili flakes ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿณ How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack

1. Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, combine rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15โ€“18 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Let rest, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Shrimp

While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sautรฉ until fragrant, about 1 minute. Season shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper, then add to skillet in a single layer. Cook 2โ€“3 minutes per side until opaque and golden. Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp and stir in remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to create a glossy finish.

3. Assemble the Stack

Using a round bowl or mold, press rice gently into the bottom, then invert onto serving plate to create a stack. Top with generous spoonfuls of garlic butter shrimp and drizzle remaining pan sauce over the top.

4. Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley on top, add lemon wedges and a dash of chili flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the buttery layers of flavor.

๐Ÿงก Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Donโ€™t overcook the shrimp โ€“ they turn rubbery quickly. As soon as theyโ€™re opaque, remove from heat.

  • For extra richness, stir 1 tablespoon of cream or white wine into the garlic butter sauce.

  • Use a small ramekin or measuring cup to form the perfect rice stack.

  • Add a fried egg on top for a brunch-style twist.

๐Ÿฅถ Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep rice moist and shrimp tender.

๐Ÿง  Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving โ€“ serves 4)

  • Calories: ~470

  • Protein: 26g

  • Carbs: 40g

  • Fat: 23g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 1g

๐Ÿ”„ Ingredient Substitutions

  • Swap shrimp with scallops or sliced chicken breast.

  • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for pescatarian version.

  • Add frozen peas or corn to the rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra texture.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ What to Serve With

  • Garlic naan or toasted baguette

  • Steamed broccoli or green beans ๐Ÿฅฆ

  • Fresh cucumber salad ๐Ÿฅ—

  • A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon ๐Ÿท

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ Why Everyone Loves It

  • Elegant yet easy to make.

  • Bursting with buttery garlic flavor.

  • Kid-friendly, dinner party-worthy.

  • Looks impressive with minimal effort!

๐Ÿ”„ Variations to Try

  • Add ยฝ teaspoon Cajun seasoning for spicy shrimp.

  • Top with shredded parmesan for extra umami.

  • Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

โค๏ธ Reader Rave

โ€œThis dish is BEAUTIFUL and tastes like something from a restaurant. My husband asked for it two nights in a row!โ€ โ€“ ๐Ÿ’ฌNatalie M.

๐Ÿ“ฆ Storage & Meal Prep Tips

  • Rice can be made 1โ€“2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

  • Shrimp is best cooked fresh, but leftovers reheat well.

  • For meal prep: store shrimp and rice in separate containers and reheat together when ready to serve.

๐Ÿง  FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Just thaw completely, then pat dry before cooking.
Q: Can I cook the rice in garlic butter instead of broth?
A: You can sautรฉ rice in garlic butter first, then add broth for added depth.
Q: How do I keep the rice stack from falling apart?
A: Press it firmly into a mold, then rest 1โ€“2 minutes before inverting onto a plate.

๐Ÿ“Œ Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack is a dish that delivers elegance, comfort, and flavor in every bite. Itโ€™s a beautiful presentation thatโ€™s simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for guests. One skillet + one pot = one unforgettable dinner.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Share Your Version!

Try this recipe? Tag your creations using #ZacRecipes and #GarlicButterShrimp โ€” we LOVE seeing your takes on our favorite dishes!

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๐Ÿ“ Conclusion

If you’re craving something rich, satisfying, and elegant, this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack checks every box. Simple ingredients layered with flavor, ready in under 30 minutes, and perfect for any occasionโ€”itโ€™s a must-add to your recipe lineup.

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