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
Scale
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.
