If you’re searching for a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily pull off at home, the Honey Lime Shrimp & Avocado Rice Stack with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce will absolutely wow you. Succulent shrimp glazed with sweet honey and a bright zing of lime, melting into pillowy rice and creamy avocado, then showered with a vibrant sauce that packs a punch—every bite is a little fiesta. Whether for a special dinner or a weeknight treat, this creative stack delivers stunning flavors and looks almost too good to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish is magical precisely because every ingredient pulls its weight—each one brings a unique splash of flavor, texture, or inviting color. You don’t need complicated pantry items, just a handful of fresh everyday staples to create your Stack with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce masterpiece.
- Shrimp (400g, peeled and deveined): Juicy, quick-cooking protein that soaks up all that honey lime magic.
- Jasmine or Basmati Rice (1 cup, cooked): Light, fragrant rice acts as the soft foundation for your stack.
- Ripe Avocado (1, diced): Adds creamy richness and beautiful, buttery green layers.
- Honey (2 tbsp): Glazes the shrimp for a luscious, lightly sweet finish.
- Lime Juice (1 tbsp for shrimp, 1 tsp for sauce): The citrusy freshness ties the shrimp and sauce together perfectly.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp for shrimp, 1 tsp for sauce): Gives shine, moisture, and healthy fats to both the shrimp and dressing.
- Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Adds that touch of smoky warmth, elevating the shrimp.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for rounding out and highlighting all the other flavors.
- Greek Yogurt (½ cup): Creamy and tangy base for that show-stopping cilantro sauce.
- Fresh Cilantro (½ cup, chopped): Brightens everything with its unmistakable herbal aroma.
- Garlic (1 clove): Gives the sauce its mellow, savory backbone.
How to Make Stack with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
In a mixing bowl, toss your shrimp with honey, freshly squeezed lime juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Let this sit for about ten minutes. Don’t skip the marinade—this quick bath lets the flavors soak in, making every shrimp irresistibly juicy and flavorful once it hits the pan. If you love bold taste, go the full ten minutes and even toss once or twice!
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. When the pan feels hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook each side for about two to three minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and have a beautiful caramelization from the honey. Take care not to overcook—shrimp are done as soon as they turn pink and plump up.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce
Grab your blender or food processor and combine Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, garlic clove, lime juice, a dash of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is ultra-smooth, flecked with gorgeous green bits. This is the sauce that brings the Stack with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce alive, adding creamy tang and aromatic green freshness.
Step 4: Assemble the Rice Stacks
Take out a ring mold (or just shape it by hand—it doesn’t have to be perfect!). Start with a layer of fluffy warm rice, then add a generous sprinkle of diced avocado, and finally the honey lime shrimp on top. Press each layer down gently as you go to help the stack hold its shape. This is where everything comes together, both visually and flavor-wise.
Step 5: Drizzle and Serve
Once your stacks are ready, liberally drizzle that creamy cilantro garlic sauce over the top. Watch it cascade down the sides—it’s okay if it gets a little messy! Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges for bonus flair, then serve immediately and bask in the delight of your gorgeous creation. Your Stack with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce is ready to impress.
How to Serve Stack with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce
Garnishes
A little extra attention to finishing touches can make the Stack with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce look and taste even more fantastic. Fresh cilantro sprigs, thinly sliced green onions, or lime wedges all add pops of color and extra zip. A sprinkle of smoked paprika across the top looks dramatic and ties the flavors together beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with bright, refreshing sides. Try a simple cucumber salad, lightly dressed greens, or corn on the cob for a summery touch. For a heartier meal, add some black beans or roasted vegetables alongside your Stack with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Take presentation up a notch by assembling mini stacks for appetizers, or create an elegant platter of deconstructed layers for a more casual, share-the-love family style meal. You can also spoon the rice, avocado, and shrimp into lettuce cups and finish with a drizzle of sauce for a playful, finger-food spin on Stack with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare), store each component separately in airtight containers—the shrimp, rice, and sauce can all be refrigerated for up to two days. Keep the diced avocado covered with plastic wrap and a squeeze of lime juice to prevent browning, so your next Stack with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce will look and taste just as fresh.
Freezing
The cooked shrimp and rice can be frozen for up to a month, but it’s best to make the avocado and sauce fresh just before serving. Freeze shrimp in a single layer to prevent sticking, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, you’ll be halfway to building another Stack with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce without much effort!
Reheating
Gently reheat shrimp and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to help the rice stay fluffy. Stir the creamy cilantro garlic sauce well before serving (don’t heat it), and add fresh avocado at the end for the best texture and taste in your next Stack with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This will help the flavors stick and ensure a nice caramelization when you cook them for your Stack with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce.
Is there a vegan or vegetarian alternative?
You can easily swap the shrimp for grilled or sautéed tofu, or even roasted chickpeas for a plant-based protein option. Substitute the Greek yogurt in the sauce with a non-dairy yogurt to keep your Stack with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce completely vegan.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
A splash of lime juice works wonders—just toss the diced avocado with the juice before stacking. If you’re prepping ahead, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the avocado to help keep your Stack with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce looking vibrant.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The creamy cilantro garlic sauce can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before using and enjoy how it elevates your Stack with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce with minimal last-minute fuss.
What if I don’t have a ring mold?
No worries—just use a measuring cup or even a small bowl to layer your ingredients, then gently unmold onto the plate. The results are charmingly rustic, and your Stack with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce will still taste incredible.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Lime Shrimp & Avocado Rice Stack with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce is genuinely one of those recipes that feels and tastes special, but is secretly so simple to pull off. Invite some friends, get stacking, and get ready to wow the table with layers of color, flavor, and love. Try it once, and I promise you’ll want to make Stack with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce again and again!
Print
Stack with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Honey Lime Shrimp & Avocado Rice Stack with Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp marinated in honey and lime, served atop a bed of jasmine or basmati rice and creamy avocado, finished with a zesty cilantro garlic 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 pepper, to taste
For the Rice Stack:
- 1 cup cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- Extra cilantro or lime wedges for garnish
For the Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 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 sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the rice stacks: Using a ring mold (or freehand), layer rice at the bottom, followed by diced avocado, and then the cooked shrimp on top. Drizzle with the creamy cilantro garlic sauce.
- Serve immediately: Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Blender
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stack
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
