If you’re looking to shake up your midweek routine with a showstopper that’s bright, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to pull off, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: do Rice Stack with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce. This mouthwatering creation combines honey-lime shrimp, sweet and smoky from the marinade, with creamy avocado, fluffy jasmine rice, and a tangy, herby cilantro yogurt sauce that ties it all together. Each stack is as inviting to look at as it is to devour, delivering layers of color and contrasting textures. Trust me, do Rice Stack with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce will become your go-to when you want to impress with minimal fuss and maximum flavor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its fresh, uncomplicated ingredients. Each one is chosen for its impact—bold flavors, creamy textures, and vibrant colors all come together to make do Rice Stack with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce a true feast for the senses.
- Shrimp: Use peeled, deveined shrimp for quick cooking and a sweet, tender bite that holds up perfectly in a stack.
- Cooked Jasmine or Basmati Rice: Choose fragrant jasmine or basmati rice for a slightly sticky base that’s easy to layer and soak up all the delicious sauces.
- Ripe Avocado, Diced: Adds creamy richness and beautiful green color—pick one that yields slightly under gentle pressure for perfect texture.
- Honey: Natural sweetness helps caramelize the shrimp and balances the zesty lime.
- Lime Juice: Brings brightness and a little acidity—use freshly squeezed for best results.
- Olive Oil: Helps the marinade bind and adds a lush finish to both the shrimp and the sauce.
- Smoked Paprika: Introduces deep smoky notes that take the marinade from good to unforgettable.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning all the elements, bringing out every nuance of flavor.
- Greek Yogurt: The creamy, tangy base for the cilantro yogurt sauce—use whole-milk for extra richness.
- Fresh Cilantro, Chopped: Lends freshness and a pop of herbal flavor right into the sauce (plus extra for garnish, if you like!).
- Garlic, Minced: Infuses the sauce with a subtle pungency—don’t skip it!
How to Make do Rice Stack with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with honey, lime juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This ten-minute rest transforms the shrimp—infusing it with sweet, smoky, and zippy flavors that sing in every bite of your do Rice Stack with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Let them sizzle and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Try not to overcrowd the pan so they caramelize instead of steaming. Once done, remove the shrimp from the heat—they’ll be juicy and deeply flavorful.
Step 3: Make the Cilantro Yogurt Sauce
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chopped fresh cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Whisk or stir until it’s smooth and flecked with green. This sauce is more than just a topping—it’s the cool, tangy counterpart that brings the entire do Rice Stack with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce to life.
Step 4: Assemble the Rice Stacks
Now for the fun part! Grab a ring mold if you have one (or use a small ramekin, or even build it freehand). Start with a layer of fluffy rice, pressing it down gently so it holds together. Top with diced avocado for creaminess, then crown it with a generous pile of warm shrimp. Drizzle a good amount of cilantro yogurt sauce over the top and allow it to cascade down the sides for an irresistible finish.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Carefully remove the mold if you used one, and sprinkle with a little extra chopped cilantro or a thin wedge of lime. Serve your do Rice Stack with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce right away, while everything is still wonderfully fresh and the shrimp are just warm. You’ll be amazed at how showy (and satisfying) each stack looks and tastes!
How to Serve do Rice Stack with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce
Garnishes
A flourish of chopped fresh cilantro is a must, but you can also add paper-thin slices of radish or a wedge of lime for a burst of color. A sprinkle of mild chili flakes or a dusting of smoked paprika amps up the flavor and makes each do Rice Stack with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Since the stack has such a sunny personality, keep your side dishes simple and fresh. A quick cucumber salad, thinly sliced mango, or even some crispy tortilla chips are ideal. The creamy, zesty do Rice Stack with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce matches beautifully with anything light and crunchy on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Besides the classic stack using a ring mold, you can try layering everything in a mason jar for fun picnic eats or assembling mini-stacks as elegant appetizers for a party. However you style it, do Rice Stack with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce always turns heads!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
For the freshest flavor, try to assemble just what you plan to eat immediately. If you have leftovers, store the components separately—shrimp, rice, avocado, and cilantro yogurt sauce. This prevents sogginess and lets you rebuild the do Rice Stack with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
While the rice and shrimp can be frozen individually in airtight containers for up to a month, the avocado and the sauce don’t freeze well. Plan on using those fresh for best texture and taste in your do Rice Stack with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce.
Reheating
Gently rewarm the cooked shrimp and rice in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to freshen them up. Avocado and sauce should always be added cold and fresh when rebuilding your do Rice Stack with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce for the best contrast of temperatures and textures.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for do Rice Stack with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before marinating so the seasonings really stick, and don’t forget to pat them dry for a better sear in the pan.
What can I substitute for jasmine or basmati rice?
If you’re out of jasmine or basmati, just use any white or brown rice you like. Sushi rice also works beautifully for the stack’s structure and slightly sticky consistency.
Can I make do Rice Stack with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce dairy-free?
Yes! Use your favorite non-dairy yogurt in place of Greek yogurt. Coconut or almond-based options are especially delicious with the lime and cilantro flavors.
Is there a way to make the recipe vegetarian?
You bet. Try swapping the shrimp for pan-seared tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms. The marinade and the stack’s basic structure are flexible and will taste great with plant-based proteins too.
Do I need a ring mold to make do Rice Stack with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce look good?
While a ring mold gives that pro look, you can definitely shape the layers by hand or use a small bowl lined with plastic wrap. The focus is on the colorful layers—no matter how you create them, the results are always eye-catching!
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely special about do Rice Stack with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce—the combination of flavors, colors, and textures just feels celebratory every time. Give it a try, have fun with the assembly, and make it your own. I know you’ll wow yourself (and anyone lucky enough to share a plate with you) with this irresistible, vibrant stack!
Print
do Rice Stack with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Honey Lime Shrimp & Avocado Rice Stack with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Succulent shrimp marinated in a sweet and tangy mixture, paired with creamy avocado and fragrant jasmine or basmati rice, all topped with a zesty cilantro yogurt sauce.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 400g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Rice Stack:
- 1 cup cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
For the Cilantro Yogurt Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with honey, lime juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Make the cilantro yogurt sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the rice stacks: Using a ring mold (or freehand), layer rice at the bottom, followed by diced avocado, then cooked shrimp on top. Drizzle with cilantro yogurt sauce.
- Serve immediately: Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying, Assembling
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
