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
Scale
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.
