If you’re craving a dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and butter with succulent shrimp and creamy avocado, you’re in for a real treat. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe is a mouthwatering celebration of simple ingredients that come together in vibrant layers, creating a dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to your taste buds. Each bite bursts with garlicky goodness, a hint of citrus brightness, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes that make it absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re looking for an elegant weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this stack is sure to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun with this Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe. Each element plays a crucial role—from the creamy avocados which mellow the bold garlic butter shrimp, to the fresh parsley that adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.
- Large shrimp (1 lb): Choose peeled and deveined shrimp for easy cooking and a tender bite.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): This is the star that creates a luscious garlic butter sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4): Fresh garlic gives that signature fragrant and savory punch.
- Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds just the right amount of heat if you like a little kick.
- Fresh lemon, juiced (1): Lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (1/4 cup): For a burst of herbaceous freshness and beautiful green color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Avocados (2, halved and pitted): The creamy base and natural “bowl” for stacking shrimp and vegetables.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Adds juiciness and a sweet contrast to the savory shrimp.
- Fresh lemon wedges: Perfect for extra citrus zing when serving.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Start by melting four tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly, cooking for one to two minutes until the garlic releases its irresistible aroma but doesn’t brown. This fragrant garlic butter forms the heart of your dish, infusing every shrimp with rich, buttery flavor enhanced by a subtle spicy hint if you included the red pepper flakes.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Add your peeled and deveined shrimp right into the skillet with your garlic butter. Season them with salt and pepper to taste — this simple seasoning really lets the natural juices of the shrimp shine. Cook the shrimp for about two to three minutes on each side until they turn an inviting pink and become opaque. This quick sauté ensures the shrimp stay juicy and tender, soaking up all that garlicky butter goodness.
Step 3: Finish with Lemon and Parsley
Next, stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. The lemon juice adds a vibrant brightness that cuts through the richness, while the parsley contributes a fresh, earthy note along with a pop of green color. Let this mixture cook together for another minute, then remove the skillet from heat. Your garlic butter shrimp are now ready to be stacked.
Step 4: Prepare the Avocados
While the shrimp are cooking, gently scoop out some of the flesh from each avocado half to create a little bowl or cavity for your stacks. This step is not just about presentation; the creamy texture of the avocado pairs perfectly with the warm shrimp and tangy garlic butter, adding a luscious base that completes each bite. If you like, mash some of the avocado flesh to create a smooth bed within the halved skins.
Step 5: Assemble the Stacks
Layer the cooked shrimp over each avocado half. Then, add a generous handful of halved cherry tomatoes on top, which give a fresh burst of juiciness and subtle sweetness that beautifully contrasts with the richness of the garlic butter shrimp. Don’t let those leftover garlic butter drippings go to waste—drizzle them generously over the stacks for an extra touch of flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, garnish your Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side. The lemon wedge invites everyone to add a squeeze of fresh citrus if they want an additional zing, brightening up the dish even more. These garnishes not only enhance the flavor but add stunning visual appeal that makes this dish perfect for sharing with friends and family.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley and lemon wedges are classic garnishes that elevate the Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe to a restaurant-quality presentation. The parsley adds a splash of vibrant green, while the lemon wedges are great for diners who want a lively citrus boost. You can also add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a few more red pepper flakes for a colorful and flavorful finish.
Side Dishes
This shrimp stack pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides. Think a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness, or a serving of fluffy couscous or quinoa to help soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce. If you want to keep it low-carb, steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach would be excellent. The key is to choose sides that complement the layers without overwhelming the delicate shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress guests, try stacking your shrimp on the avocado halves within a colorful serving platter, adding layers of contrasting textures and colors. Another fun idea is to serve individual portions on small, elegant spoons for a stylish appetizer. You could also turn this into a casual lunch by placing the shrimp stacks atop toasted baguette slices for an open-faced sandwich vibe. The Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe lends itself wonderfully to a variety of presentations, enhancing both taste and style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the shrimp and the avocado separately in airtight containers to maintain their freshness. Refrigerate the shrimp in their garlic butter sauce for up to two days, but keep the avocado halves chilled and covered tightly to prevent browning. Combining them just before serving is best to enjoy the dish at its peak.
Freezing
Freezing this dish isn’t the best option because the delicate texture of the shrimp can become rubbery, and the avocado does not freeze well, turning mushy and brown. For the best experience, it’s better to make this Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe fresh to fully enjoy the contrasting textures and bright flavors.
Reheating
When reheating the shrimp, do it gently in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through, to avoid overcooking. Avoid reheating the avocado; instead, fresh avocado or a quick mash is the ideal way to accompany leftover shrimp if you want to recreate your stack.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe?
Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture and ensure they sear nicely in the garlic butter.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes for a gentle heat, but they are optional. You can adjust or omit them entirely depending on your spice preference.
Can I replace avocados with something else?
You can experiment with other creamy bases like roasted eggplant or a dollop of hummus, but avocado’s creamy texture and mild flavor make it a perfect partner for this dish.
How long does this Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe take to prepare?
The whole recipe comes together in about 25 minutes, making it a quick but elegant choice for weeknights or special occasions.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in the Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe are naturally gluten-free, perfect for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe enough if you want a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. The way the garlicky shrimp, creamy avocado, and vibrant cherry tomatoes come together in each stacked bite is pure magic. This recipe never fails to impress my friends and family, and I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your favorites too.
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Stack is a quick and flavorful seafood dish perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Tender shrimp cooked in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes are layered atop creamy avocado halves and juicy cherry tomatoes, creating a delicious and visually appealing meal in just 25 minutes.
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
- Make the garlic butter sauce: 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 with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, ensuring they are fully cooked but tender.
- Add lemon and parsley: Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley, cooking for an additional minute to combine flavors. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare the avocados: While the shrimp cooks, scoop out some of the avocado flesh to create a bowl shape in each half. Optionally, mash some avocado to create a base layer in each half for easier stacking.
- Assemble the shrimp stacks: Layer the cooked shrimp on top of each avocado half, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes to add fresh sweetness and color.
- Garnish and serve: Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the shrimp stacks. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty finish.
Notes
- You can omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder dish.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor; frozen shrimp can also be used if thawed properly.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their tender best and the avocados fresh.
- This dish pairs well with a light salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
