Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe
If you are craving a dish that combines elegance with explosive flavor, the Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful creation layers succulent, garlicky shrimp over creamy avocados and juicy cherry tomatoes, offering a perfect harmony of textures and vibrant colors. Whether you want a light dinner or an impressive appetizer for guests, this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste to your own kitchen with just a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make this Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe sing. Each element plays a crucial role in balancing richness, freshness, and a touch of heat, resulting in a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Large shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined for convenience and quick cooking—this is the star protein of the dish.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Creates the luscious, silky sauce that coats everything with garlicky goodness.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the butter with an irresistible aroma and flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- Lemon (1, juiced): Brightens the dish and balances the buttery richness with refreshing acidity.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Offers a herbaceous note and a pop of inviting green.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor.
- Avocados (2, halved and pitted): Creamy base providing a mild, buttery texture that complements the shrimp.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Adds juicy sweetness and vibrant color contrast.
- Fresh lemon wedges (for garnish): Perfect for an extra zesty squeeze just before enjoying.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Butter
Begin by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic along with red pepper flakes if you like a little spice. Let the mixture cook gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic releases its fragrant aroma but doesn’t brown. This step builds the flavor foundation that will coat the shrimp beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, signaling they are cooked just right—firm yet tender. Be careful not to overcook as shrimp can get rubbery.
Step 3: Brighten with Lemon and Parsley
Once the shrimp is perfectly cooked, stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped parsley. Let it cook for another minute so the shrimp soak in the citrusy freshness and herbal notes. Then remove the pan from the heat to preserve the garlic butter sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Avocado Base
While the shrimp cooks, carefully scoop some flesh from each avocado half to create a small bowl, or mash a portion on the plate to serve as a creamy bed. The avocado’s buttery smoothness balances the zesty shrimp and adds a satisfying mouthfeel.
Step 5: Assemble the Stack
Layer the garlicky shrimp on top of each avocado half, followed by halved cherry tomatoes. These bursts of red add freshness and a subtle sweetness, lifting the entire dish.
Step 6: Drizzle and Garnish
Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the stacks to ensure every bite is coated with flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side for that perfect final touch of brightness.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate the presentation and taste of the Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe. Sprinkle fresh parsley generously for a burst of green and an herbal punch. Add extra lemon wedges on the side to allow everyone to add as much tang as they prefer; the citrus makes the dish feel lively and fresh.
Side Dishes
Pair this shrimp stack with light, complementary sides that won’t overpower its delicate flavors. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, some roasted asparagus, or even a crusty baguette to soak up the buttery sauce will complete your meal beautifully. The goal is to keep the overall experience balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try building mini shrimp stacks using endive leaves or serve the shrimp avocado mixture on toasted crostini for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Alternatively, arrange several stacks on a large platter with colorful edible flowers and microgreens for a festive gathering or dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp should be consumed within 2 days for the best texture and flavor, while avocados are best freshly served but can be stored tightly wrapped to slow browning.
Freezing
The shrimp portion can be frozen, but the avocado and tomatoes do not freeze well due to their high water content which affects texture. Freeze cooked shrimp in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover shrimp gently on the stovetop in a small pan with a bit of butter to retain moisture. Avoid the microwave as it tends to overcook shrimp and make it rubbery. Serve immediately after reheating, ideally with fresh avocado and tomatoes added at the time of serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess liquid in the skillet. This helps the shrimp sear properly in the garlic butter.
How spicy is this recipe?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that you can easily adjust to your preference or omit entirely if you want a milder dish.
What can I substitute for avocados if I’m allergic?
Try using cucumber slices or small rounds of creamy mozzarella cheese for a similar fresh and creamy contrast to the shrimp.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe contains no gluten ingredients, making it a safe and tasty option for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
For a vegan twist, replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or tofu and swap butter for a plant-based alternative. Keep the garlic, lemon, and herbs to maintain the vibrant flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe that makes you feel like a gourmet chef without the stress. Its simplicity, combined with bold flavors and beautiful presentation, means you’ll want to make this dish again and again. Trust me, once you try it, this will be your new go-to recipe for impressing friends or treating yourself to a deliciously satisfying meal.
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack is a quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a garlic and butter sauce, served atop creamy avocado halves with fresh cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a light, elegant meal ready in just 25 minutes, combining rich buttery garlic shrimp with the creamy texture of avocado and a zesty lemon finish.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 2 avocados, halved and pitted
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the garlic butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Add lemon and parsley: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped parsley, letting it cook for an additional minute to meld the flavors. Then remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare the avocado base: While the shrimp cook, scoop out some avocado flesh from each half to create a small bowl or mash a portion of the avocado to form a creamy base for the stack.
- Assemble the stacks: Layer the cooked garlic butter shrimp on top of each avocado half, then add the halved cherry tomatoes over the shrimp.
- Garnish and serve: Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the top of the stacks. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra citrusy kick.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes.
- The avocado can be mashed slightly to create a creamier texture.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the shrimp hot and the avocado fresh.
- Leftover garlic butter can be stored and used as a dipping sauce or for bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
