Name: ado Rice Stack with Cilantro Honey Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Fusion / American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tbsp honey; Zest and juice of 2 limes; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1½ cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ tsp salt; 2 ripe avocados, diced; Juice of ½ lime; Pinch of salt; ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves; 3 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp lime juice; ¼ tsp salt; 1–2 tbsp water to thin (optional); Lime wedges; Red chili flakes

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with flavor, texture, and a touch of sweetness balanced by vibrant citrus notes, then you absolutely must try the ado Rice Stack with Cilantro Honey Sauce. This recipe brings together tender honey lime shrimp, fluffy garlic-infused rice, creamy avocado, and a luscious cilantro honey sauce that ties everything together perfectly. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make, turning an ordinary meal into a delightful celebration of fresh ingredients and bold tastes.

ado Rice Stack with Cilantro Honey Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that make the ado Rice Stack with Cilantro Honey Sauce truly unforgettable. From the sweet honey in the shrimp marinade to the fresh zing of lime, each component is essential for capturing that signature balance.

Large shrimp: Choose peeled and deveined shrimp for quick cooking and perfect texture every time.
Honey: Use this natural sweetener to enhance the shrimp and sauce with a subtle floral note.
Limes: The zest and juice add brightness and acidity, uplifting all the flavors elegantly.
Olive oil: A good-quality olive oil brings richness and moisture, ideal for both cooking and marinating.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses savory warmth in the rice and shrimp, a true flavor powerhouse.
Smoked paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness that deepens the flavor profile without overpowering.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural tastes of all ingredients.
Cooked jasmine or basmati rice: Aromatic rice works best as the fluffy base for the stack.
Avocados: Fresh, ripe, and creamy for a buttery contrast to the zesty shrimp and rice.
Fresh cilantro: The herbaceous star of the cilantro honey sauce, giving a fresh, garden-fresh scent and taste.
Water (optional): Used to thin the cilantro honey sauce to your preferred consistency.
Optional garnishes: Lime wedges for extra tang and red chili flakes if you like a little kick.

How to Make ado Rice Stack with Cilantro Honey Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by whisking together honey, lime zest and juice, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add your peeled shrimp and toss them until every piece is beautifully coated. Letting the shrimp marinate for 10 to 15 minutes allows the flavors to seep in and tenderizes the shrimp for a juicy bite.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a skillet on medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn that perfect pink and get a slight caramelization from the honey. This simple cooking step locks in the marinade’s sweetness while giving the shrimp a luscious glaze.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Rice

In another pan, warm olive oil or butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic just until it’s fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the cooked jasmine or basmati rice, along with a pinch of salt, and heat it through. This garlic rice base will add savory depth and aromatic comfort to your stack.

Step 4: Prepare the Avocado Layer

Dice the ripe avocados and gently toss them with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt. This brightens the creamy avocado and prevents browning, giving your stack a fresh and silky contrast to the shrimp and rice.

Step 5: Make the Cilantro Honey Sauce

Blend fresh cilantro leaves, honey, lime juice, and salt until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches your ideal drizzle consistency. This vibrantly green sauce brings an irresistible herbaceous sweetness that lifts the whole dish.

Step 6: Assemble the Stack

Layer your garlic rice on the bottom as the foundation. Next, pile on the warm honey lime shrimp, then top with the creamy avocado mixture. Drizzle the cilantro honey sauce generously over the stack for that signature finish. It’s a stunning, colorful presentation that tastes just as good as it looks.

How to Serve ado Rice Stack with Cilantro Honey Sauce

Garnishes

Top your stacks with a sprinkle of red chili flakes to add a gentle heat and vibrant red color. Lime wedges on the side invite an extra squeeze of citrus that brightens every bite and complements the sweetness of the cilantro honey sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside simple roasted corn or black beans for a heartier meal that adds a smoky depth and satisfying texture. Fresh greens or a crisp salad with a citrus vinaigrette can lighten the plate and add a refreshing crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning dinner party impression, try stacking the layers inside small glass jars or building mini rice stacks using ring molds for individual servings. Drizzle the cilantro honey sauce artistically around the plate to invite curious eyes and hungry appetites!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover shrimp, rice, and cilantro honey sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days. Keeping each component distinct helps maintain the textures and flavors when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for the avo Rice Stack with Cilantro Honey Sauce because the avocado and the delicate shrimp texture can change when frozen. However, cooked shrimp and rice can be frozen separately, but fresh avocado and sauce are best made fresh.

Reheating

Reheat the shrimp and rice gently in a skillet or microwave until warm, then add fresh avocado and drizzle the cilantro honey sauce right before serving to keep everything vibrant and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating to get the best texture and flavor in your ado Rice Stack with Cilantro Honey Sauce.

Is there a substitute for jasmine or basmati rice?

You can use any fragrant long-grain rice or even brown rice if you prefer a nuttier flavor and more fiber, though jasmine or basmati gives the lightest, freshest result.

How spicy is the dish?

The recipe itself is mild with a touch of sweetness, but adding red chili flakes as garnish can give it a nice gentle kick, which you can adjust to your taste.

Can I prepare this dish vegan?

To make a vegan version of the ado Rice Stack with Cilantro Honey Sauce, swap shrimp for grilled or roasted marinated tofu, and the honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar in both the marinade and sauce.

What’s the best way to keep avocado from browning?

Mixing diced avocado with fresh lime juice helps prevent oxidation and keeps the color bright, maintaining the appealing look of your beautiful stack.

Final Thoughts

Trying the ado Rice Stack with Cilantro Honey Sauce is like discovering a new favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s vibrant, fun, and packed with flavor that feels both fresh and comforting. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a relaxed meal for friends, this recipe easily shines at any occasion. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this delicious, colorful rice stack sensation!