If you are craving a dish that combines elegance with explosive flavor, the Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe is here to impress. This layered seafood delight effortlessly brings together tender, garlicky shrimp sautéed in rich butter, bright citrus notes, and fresh, creamy avocado, all perched atop a bed of velvety rice or mashed potatoes. It’s as stunning to look at as it is satisfying to eat, making it perfect for a special dinner or an indulgent treat any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial part in building flavor, texture, and vibrant color. From the buttery shrimp to the creamy avocado and zesty lemon, each element perfectly balances the others for an unforgettable taste experience.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for tender, juicy bites that soak up the garlic butter perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds rich creaminess and helps create that irresistible garlicky sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Balances the butter and helps prevent burning while cooking the shrimp.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with fragrant, savory depth that shrimp love.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Provides a bright, citrusy lift that enhances the seafood’s natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds tang and freshness to cut through the richness.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all those bold flavors.
- 2 cups cooked rice or mashed potatoes: A comforting, starchy base that provides texture and soaks up the luscious sauce.
- 1 avocado (sliced or mashed): Brings creamy, buttery smoothness that pairs beautifully with the shrimp.
- 1 cup diced cucumber or tomato (optional): Adds a refreshing crunch and vibrant color to each stack.
- Chopped parsley or chives for garnish: Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add a pop of green.
- Lemon wedges for serving: An extra squeeze of lemon enhances all the flavors just before taking a bite.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp
Start by heating the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. This quick sauté wakes up the garlic’s flavor without letting it burn. Toss in the shrimp, along with the lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Removing them from heat at this point keeps them tender and juicy, ready to steal the spotlight in your stack.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
While the shrimp are cooking, ensure your rice or mashed potatoes are hot and fluffy. These simple staples serve as the foundation for the stacks, adding heartiness and a subtle taste that complements the seafood. If you want a low-carb twist, cauliflower rice works wonderfully here too.
Step 3: Assemble the Shrimp Stacks
This is the fun part! Place a ring mold or a sturdy measuring cup on your plate to create neat, beautiful layers. Begin with about half a cup of your warm rice or mashed potatoes, pressing gently to form a solid base. Next, add a layer of mashed or sliced avocado, offering creamy contrast. If you like a little extra freshness, spoon on the diced cucumber or tomato now. Finally, top each stack with 4 to 5 perfectly cooked shrimp. Carefully lift the mold straight up to reveal the charming layered tower. Repeat until you have 4 stacks ready to wow your guests.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over each stack for that fresh green pop. For an added touch of indulgence, drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the shrimp before serving. Don’t forget to put a lemon wedge on the side—just waiting to squeeze some zesty brightness over the top!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley and chives are your best friends here, adding not only a splash of vibrant color but also a light herbal aroma that balances the richness. A wedge of lemon enhances every bite with a citrusy kick. If you want to elevate presentation, a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top can echo the smoky notes inside the shrimp and add warmth to the plate.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own but can be paired with a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables to round out the meal. A chilled cucumber salad or roasted asparagus works especially well, adding freshness or earthiness without overpowering the shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like turning the Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe into a showstopper? Try serving the stacks on rustic wooden boards for a casual vibe or elegant white plates to highlight their colors. You can also experiment by layering the ingredients in smaller, individual glasses or jars for a fun twist that guests can eat right from the container. Drizzling a little garlic butter sauce artfully around the plate is an instant upgrade that looks gourmet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep components like avocado separate if possible, as it can brown quickly. The shrimp maintain their flavor best when kept chilled but avoid stacking them too tightly to preserve texture.
Freezing
Because of the delicate texture of shrimp and avocado, freezing the entire Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe is not ideal. However, you can freeze the cooked shrimp (without avocado and rice) in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently when ready to serve.
Reheating
Warm leftover shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. If reheating the rice or mashed potatoes, microwave or heat them on the stove with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Add fresh avocado and herbs just before serving for that bright, creamy finish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the shrimp and pat them dry before cooking to get the best sear and flavor.
Is there a substitute for butter in this dish?
You can use ghee or olive oil if you prefer a dairy-free option, but butter really adds that classic garlicky richness that makes this recipe special.
What can I use instead of rice or mashed potatoes?
Cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb alternative, and polenta or quinoa also pair nicely if you want to mix things up.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Using lemon juice on the avocado and assembling just before serving helps maintain its bright green color and fresh flavor.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
It is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe, it’s bound to become a cherished favorite for your dinner rotation. The layers of buttery, garlicky shrimp, creamy avocado, and fluffy rice create a joyful eating experience that’s both elegant and approachable. Whether you’re impressing someone special or just treating yourself, this dish delivers comfort, flair, and incredible taste in every bite.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free, Pescatarian
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack is an elegant, flavorful main course featuring succulent shrimp cooked in garlic butter with a blend of lemon and smoked paprika. The shrimp are neatly stacked on a base of creamy mashed potatoes or rice, layered with fresh avocado and optional diced cucumber or tomato, making for a visually stunning and delicious dish perfect for special occasions or a refined weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stack Base and Toppings
- 2 cups cooked rice or mashed potatoes
- 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
- 1 cup diced cucumber or tomato (optional)
- Chopped parsley or chives for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter together with olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it. Then add the shrimp along with lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside the shrimp and sauce.
- Assemble the Stack: Place a ring mold or a measuring cup inverted on a serving plate. Add about half a cup of cooked rice or mashed potatoes into the mold and gently press it down to form a firm base layer. Next, add a layer of mashed or sliced avocado on top. If desired, add a spoonful of diced cucumber or tomato for freshness. Finally, arrange 4 to 5 cooked shrimp on top of the stack. Carefully lift the mold away to reveal the layered shrimp stack.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over each stack for a burst of color and fresh aroma. Serve each stack with a lemon wedge on the side. Optionally, drizzle some of the leftover garlic butter sauce from the pan over the shrimp right before serving for extra richness and flavor.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, substitute rice or mashed potatoes with cauliflower rice.
- Drizzling extra garlic butter sauce over the finished stacks adds an indulgent touch.
- This recipe is ideal for special occasions such as date nights or elegant dinners at home.
- Ensure shrimp are cooked just until pink to keep them tender and juicy.
- You can swap parsley or chives with fresh cilantro or basil for a different herbal note.
