Description
Honey Lime Shrimp & Avocado Rice Stack is a vibrant, fresh dish that combines succulent, honey-lime marinated shrimp with creamy avocado and fragrant cilantro-infused rice. Perfect as a light lunch or elegant appetizer, this recipe layers cooked shrimp and avocado rice into an attractive stack, garnished with jalapeños and lime wedges for a zesty finish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Avocado Rice
- 1 cup cooked rice (jasmine or basmati works well)
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- Pinch of salt
For Garnish
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Optional: Sliced jalapeños
- Additional chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a flavorful shrimp marinade.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour to infuse maximum flavor.
- Make the Avocado Rice Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine cooked rice with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, finely diced red onion, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold the ingredients together to preserve the creamy texture of the avocado without mashing it.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Take care not to overcook to keep the shrimp tender and juicy.
- Assemble the Stack – Layer 1: Using a round ring mold or small bowl, place it on a serving plate and add a scoop of the avocado rice mixture at the bottom. Press gently to compact it evenly.
- Assemble the Stack – Layer 2: Add a layer of cooked shrimp over the avocado rice. Arrange shrimp attractively, stacking a few to add height and visual appeal.
- Optional Second Layer: If desired, repeat layering another scoop of avocado rice and shrimp on top to create a taller stack.
- Remove Mold: Carefully lift off the ring mold or bowl to reveal a neat, structured stack maintaining its shape.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with additional chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños if using, and lime wedges arranged around the plate. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors.
Notes
- Marinating the shrimp for up to 1 hour enhances the flavor but do not exceed as acidity can start to cook the shrimp.
- Use jasmine or basmati rice for fluffier rice texture and fragrant aroma.
- For a spicier dish, add sliced jalapeños inside the stack or as garnish.
- The avocado should be ripe but firm to hold shape and texture in the rice mixture.
- This dish is best served immediately after assembly to maintain freshness and optimal texture.
