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Bursting with buttery rice and juicy shrimp, Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack packs fancy vibes into an easy weeknight meal. The mix of tender shellfish, cozy grains, and plenty of rich butter instantly became a go-to at our place. We keep stacking it up—those cozy flavors just deliver every time.
One chilly evening I threw this together because I needed something warm and easy. It totally hit the spot. My partner raves about that first forkful every single time we make it again.
Delicious Ingredients
- Sesame oil: just a dash rounds out the rice with nuttiness
- Soy sauce: brings some salty depth and boosts color
- Chicken broth: makes everything taste richer and cozier
- Black pepper: adds a little spicy zing at the end
- Rice: jasmine or basmati works best—keeps things light, not gluey
- Shrimp: pick ones that are plump and smell fresh—frozen or fresh is fine
- Salt: simple but really wakes up the seafood and grains
- Butter: grab unsalted, so you pick the salt level—makes everything silky
- Garlic powder: doubles down on flavor with every spoon
- Garlic: use fresh, chopped up small for big aroma—you need it here
Go for big, glossy shrimp and skip butter if it smells off or old. A little real garlic goes a long way and good broth lifts every bite.
Simple Step List
- Put Together and Plate:
- Drop fluffy rice onto plates and loosen it up with your fork so it stays airy. Stack all your buttery shrimp right over the top for max effect. Serve fast so everything stays steamy and each bite soaks up those buttery drippings.
- Make the Shrimp:
- Get your pan hot and swirl in butter until it's bubbly. Toss in that fresh garlic and let it gently sizzle—don't let it burn. Add shrimp in one layer and leave them for two or three minutes to change color, then flip. Cook both sides until they're pink and curling. Pull them when glossy and opaque so they're not tough.
- Start the Rice:
- Boil chicken broth in a big pot first so your rice turns out even. Mix in rice, garlic powder, soy sauce, and sesame oil, spreading them around so nothing clumps. Turn to a low simmer, cover up, and leave it be for twenty to twenty-five minutes. Check at the end for soft fluffy grains and no leftover liquid.
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Leftover sesame oil hanging around? Toss it in the rice—it levels up the whole stack. Every time I've brought this to the table, the family can't wait for that first taste of buttery, shrimp-loaded rice again.
Storing
Got extras? Throw shrimp and rice into separate containers and chill them so flavors stay bold and nothing gets mushy. Heat leftovers in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep things moist or pop them in the microwave with a damp paper towel—keeps 'em steamy and soft.
Swaps and Changes
No shrimp? Go for scallops or diced white fish—they'll soak up all that garlicky butter. Swap in brown rice or use quick-cooking couscous for a fast fix. Extra flavor? Stir in green onions or a shot of lemon juice just before you serve.
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How To Serve It
This pairs up great with crisp greens or a citrus-dressed salad. Steamed broccoli works for a quick veggie side. For guests, scoop small bowls with layered rice and shrimp for a cute appetizer. Top with sesame seeds or some chopped parsley for color and crunch.
Tasty Inspiration
Shrimp and rice mix it up in dishes all over—from Spanish paella to Asian coconut shrimp bowls. Here, a good swipe of garlic butter makes it totally homey—just simple stuff coming together and tasting awesome.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What's the trick to getting shrimp just right?
Toss shrimp in a hot pan for about 2 or 3 minutes on each side. Take them off as soon as they're pink and not see-through anymore. Cook them too long and they end up chewy.
- → Can I swap out the rice for something else?
You bet! Try switching in couscous or quinoa for a similar flavor vibe but a new feel.
- → Got any good sides for this meal?
A crisp green salad or some fresh veggies work great next to this shrimp and rice stack. They help balance out all that tasty richness.
- → How do I dial up the spice in this?
When you're melting the butter with garlic, just toss in a little red pepper flake for a gentle kick.
- → Can you prep anything the day before?
Yep, you can have the rice ready and reheat it gently. Add the sizzling shrimp on top right when you're ready to eat for the best flavor.