Garlic Herb Shrimp & Avocado Rice Stack

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

For the Garlic Herb Shrimp

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Herb Rice

• 1½ cups jasmine or basmati rice

• 3 cups water or broth

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley

• 1 tbsp chopped dill (optional)

• 1 tbsp lime juice

For the Avocado Layer

• 2 ripe avocados, diced

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro

• Pinch salt & pepper

• Optional: small pinch chili flakes

For the Creamy Herb Sauce (Base)

• 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, grated

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley + dill)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2–3 tbsp water (to thin slightly)

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Cherry Tomato Salad

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (mixed colors), halved

• 2 tbsp finely diced red onion

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

• Salt & pepper

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Herb Rice

1. Rinse rice until water runs clear.

2. In a saucepan, combine rice, water/broth, salt, and olive oil.

3. Bring to boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and let steam (covered) 10 minutes.

5. Fluff and fold in parsley, dill, and lime juice.

6. Let cool slightly so it holds shape when stacked.

2️⃣ Prepare the Creamy Herb Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayo, olive oil, garlic, herbs, lemon juice.

2. Thin with a little water until pourable but still creamy.

3. Chill until serving.

3️⃣ Make the Tomato Salad

1. Toss tomatoes, red onion, olive oil, vinegar, parsley, salt & pepper.

2. Let sit 10–15 minutes to marinate.

4️⃣ Prepare the Avocado Layer

1. Gently mix diced avocado with lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, salt & pepper.

2. Keep chilled and covered until ready to assemble.

5️⃣ Cook the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry.

2. Toss with olive oil, garlic, paprika, chili flakes, salt & pepper.

3. Heat a skillet over medium-high.

4. Cook shrimp 1½–2 minutes per side until golden and slightly caramelized.

5. Remove from heat and toss with lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and cilantro.

They should be glossy, lightly charred, and juicy.

🍽️ Assembly (Restaurant Style)

You’ll need a round food ring mold (or use a measuring cup).

1. Spoon creamy herb sauce onto the plate and spread in a circle.

2. Place ring mold in center.

3. Add herb rice layer (press firmly).

4. Add avocado layer (press gently).

5. Carefully top with shrimp.

6. Remove ring mold slowly.

7. Arrange cherry tomato salad around base.

8. Drizzle extra herb sauce and olive oil.

9. Garnish with fresh herbs.

🔥 Flavor Boost Tips

• Add a drizzle of chili oil for heat.

• Sprinkle flaky sea salt before serving.

• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon at the table.

• Grill shrimp instead of pan-searing for smoky flavor.

🥑 Make It Your Own

• Swap shrimp for salmon or grilled chicken.

• Make it low-carb by replacing rice with cauliflower rice.

• Add mango cubes for tropical sweetness.

• Use coconut rice for Caribbean vibes.