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Tasty Garlic Shrimp Rice

Category: Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion

Fast 20-minute meal mixing garlicky shrimp and rice in a fancy stack. Casual enough for weekdays but elegant for company. Simple yet flavorful.
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Mena
Updated on Mon, 21 Apr 2025 17:20:04 GMT
Rich buttery shrimp over rice stack Save
Rich buttery shrimp over rice stack | delishdocket.com

The mouthwatering mix of juicy shrimp with garlicky butter sauce poured over soft, fluffy rice creates an amazing meal that turns basic ingredients into something you'd expect at a fancy restaurant. This stacked shrimp and rice dish combines sweet, fresh seafood with a rich, buttery mix that soaks right into the rice, making every forkful totally addictive.

I've cooked this so many times and it always gets rave reviews from everyone who tries it. Just last week, I made it for a few friends who came over, and they couldn't believe such simple stuff could taste so amazing. The magic happens in that garlic butter sauce – it's absolutely incredible when it mixes with the rice and makes those crunchy bits at the bottom that everyone always fights to get.

Essential Components

  • Large shrimp (fresh or frozen): Go for ones marked 16/20 per pound for the right size in each bite. Try to buy them already deveined to cut down on prep work
  • White rice (long-grain): Basmati or jasmine work best thanks to their nice smell and how they stay separate while soaking up all that tasty sauce
  • Real garlic cloves: Don't even think about using the powdered stuff – only fresh cloves will give you that amazing smell and taste
  • Premium unsalted butter: If you can find European-style with extra fat, your sauce will be much richer and more luxurious
  • Real lemon: Pick ones that are bright yellow, feel heavy, and give a little when you squeeze them for the most juice
  • Fresh parsley leaves: Get bunches that look bright green and crisp with no droopy parts

Step-By-Step Cooking Guide

Getting Your Rice Just Right
Wash the rice several times until you don't see cloudy water anymore
Mix your rice with water using a 1 to 1.5 measurement for the best texture
After cooking, don't touch it for 10 minutes, then use a fork to gently separate all the grains
Making That Amazing Sauce
Begin with garlic and butter in a pan before turning on any heat
Warm everything up gradually so the garlic flavor gets into every bit of butter without burning
You'll know it's ready when the butter looks slightly gold and smells wonderfully nutty
Cooking Shrimp Perfectly
Make sure to thoroughly dry your shrimp with paper towels before they hit the pan
Don't crowd them – leave room between each one when you put them in
They're done when they've just turned pink and curved into a loose 'C' shape
Building Your Stack
Heat your ring mold first so the food doesn't stick to it
Push the rice down firmly but carefully so it holds its shape
Arrange your shrimp in a circle pattern to make it look extra fancy
Putting It All Together
Pour the warm sauce on slowly so it doesn't all run to the plate
Add your fresh herbs right before serving
Take it straight to the table while everything's still hot
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe Save
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe | delishdocket.com

My kids can't get enough of the crunchy rice that forms at the bottom of each stack. My little girl always asks me to throw in extra garlic, and I totally get it – I think more is definitely better too!

Flavor Balancing Magic

Getting the taste just right in this dish means knowing how each ingredient adds to the final flavor. Salt brings out the sweetness in the shrimp naturally, while a bit of black pepper gives you that mild heat that works so well with the garlicky butter.

Making The Perfect Sauce

The real trick to an amazing garlic butter sauce is not rushing it. When you let the garlic slowly cook into the butter, you get this deep, rich taste that can't be hurried. It's worth the wait when you see how that golden liquid coats every bit of rice.

Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Save
Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack | delishdocket.com

I've been tweaking this recipe for years, and I can honestly say it's one of those meals that brings everyone to the table smiling. There's something special about the way these basic ingredients come together into such a fancy-looking dinner. Whether you're cooking for a big occasion or just want to treat yourself to something nice, this garlic butter shrimp and rice stack always hits the spot.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prep this ahead of time?
It tastes best fresh, but you can cook the rice and shrimp separately the day before. Reheat carefully and assemble to serve.
→ What can I substitute for shrimp?
Scallops, chicken chunks, or even tofu work great. Just tweak the cook times to suit your choice.
→ Do I need special equipment for stacking?
Nope! Use a small bowl, cookie cutter, or greased measuring cup to mold your rice stacks.
→ What kind of rice should I use?
Jasmine or medium-grain white rice works well. Slight stickiness helps hold the shape but avoid overcooking.
→ How can I add heat to this dish?
Turn up the spice with red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce in the butter sauce.

Garlic Shrimp Rice

Tender shrimp with garlicky butter sauce on fluffy rice—quick, impressive, and weeknight-ready in just 20 minutes.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
20 min
By: Mena

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Seafood-American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 neat stacks)

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Core Ingredients

01 2 cups of warm cooked white rice (swap with jasmine for added taste)
02 1 pound of large shrimp, shells off and cleaned up

→ Flavors & Sauces

03 4 minced garlic cloves
04 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
05 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
06 A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (if that's your thing)
07 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 Salt and black pepper, adjust to your taste

→ Toppings

09 Fresh parsley, chopped finely (about 1/4 cup)
10 Lemon wedges for squeezing on top

Steps

Step 01

In a big pan, heat up a mix of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter at medium-high. Toss the shrimp in—with some salt and pepper—and cook for 2–3 minutes per side. Once they turn pink and look cooked through, scoop them out and set them aside.

Step 02

Take the same pan and add the last bit of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and let it simmer gently for about a minute or two—keep an eye so it doesn't burn. After that, mix in the lemon juice and (if you'd like) the red pepper flakes.

Step 03

Split the rice into four even parts. Take a small bowl or a ring mold, press some rice into it until it's nice and packed. Flip the mold to release a tidy stack and pop it onto your serving dish.

Step 04

Set the shrimp carefully over each rice stack. Drizzle the buttery garlic mixture all over the top.

Step 05

Sprinkle the chopped parsley across the plates and squeeze the lemon wedges on the side for extra zing.

Notes

  1. If you want lower carbs, try cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
  2. Turn up the spice by adding more red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce.
  3. You can easily swap shrimp for chicken or scallops if you'd like.
  4. Brighten the dish by throwing in sautéed veggies like bell peppers or spinach.

Required Tools

  • A roomy skillet
  • Mold or small bowl to shape the rice
  • Plates for serving

Allergy Information

Check every ingredient for allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains shrimp (shellfish).
  • Butter is a dairy product.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes and don't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 330
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbs: 20 g
  • Proteins: 26 g