Garlic Herb Shrimp Rice Stack with Avocado & Creamy Herb Sauce

Juicy garlic butter shrimp layered over fluffy herb rice and creamy avocado, finished with a fresh tomato salad and a silky green herb sauce. A restaurant-style dish made easily at home.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Garlic Herb Shrimp:

• 500g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Herb Rice:

• 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice

• 2 cups water or chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

For the Avocado Layer:

• 1–2 ripe avocados, diced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Pinch of salt

• 1 tablespoon chopped herbs (parsley or cilantro)

For the Fresh Tomato Salad:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (red & yellow), halved

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Fresh chopped parsley

For the Creamy Herb Sauce:

• ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small garlic clove, grated

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

• 1 tablespoon chopped dill (optional)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin if needed)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Herb Rice

1. Rinse rice until water runs clear.

2. In a pot, bring water or broth to a boil.

3. Add rice, salt, and butter.

4. Cover and cook on low heat for 12–15 minutes.

5. Turn off heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.

6. Fluff with fork and mix in chopped parsley and cilantro.

7. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Herb Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper.

2. Add a little water to reach a smooth pourable consistency.

3. Chill until ready to serve.

Step 3: Make the Tomato Salad

1. Combine cherry tomatoes and red onion.

2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

3. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.

4. Toss gently and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Avocado Layer

1. Dice avocado into small cubes.

2. Toss gently with lemon juice, salt, and herbs to prevent browning.

3. Set aside.

Step 5: Cook the Garlic Herb Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.

2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Add garlic and sauté for 20–30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add shrimp in a single layer.

5. Season with paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.

6. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly caramelized.

7. Finish with lemon juice and chopped parsley.

8. Remove from heat immediately to avoid overcooking.

🍽 Assembly (Restaurant-Style Stack)

1. Place a round food mold (or small bowl) in the center of the plate.

2. Add a layer of herb rice and gently press down.

3. Add a layer of diced avocado on top.

4. Carefully remove the mold.

5. Arrange garlic shrimp on top of the stack.

6. Spoon creamy herb sauce around the base of the plate.

7. Scatter tomato salad around the rice stack.

8. Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.

🔥 Optional Enhancements

• Add grilled corn for sweetness.

• Sprinkle feta cheese for extra richness.

• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for deeper flavor.

• Serve with toasted flatbread on the side.