If you are searching for a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delightful dish that combines zesty flavors with creamy textures, look no further than the cado Rice Stack with Cilantro Lime Sauce. This recipe pairs perfectly cooked rice, succulent honey lime shrimp, and creamy avocado into a stunning layered stack that bursts with bright flavors. The star of the dish, the tangy and herbaceous cilantro lime sauce, brings everything together, making each bite unforgettable. It’s not only a feast for your taste buds but also a beautiful presentation that will impress anyone lucky enough to sit at your table.

cado Rice Stack with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this cado Rice Stack with Cilantro Lime Sauce recipe is simple yet essential to creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each item plays a crucial role, from the juicy shrimp to the creamy avocado and the zesty, fresh sauce that ties it all together.

Large shrimp (1 lb): Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp bring a tender, slightly sweet seafood flavor that pairs beautifully with lime and honey.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps cook the shrimp to a golden, juicy perfection while adding a subtle richness.
Honey (2 tbsp): Adds a natural sweetness that balances the tangy lime and savory shrimp.
Lime zest and juice (from 1 lime plus 1 tsp): Brightens the entire dish with its refreshing citrus notes, essential in both the shrimp marinade and the rice.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced plus optional small clove): Gives a flavorful punch, especially in the shrimp and sauce.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing every component.
Cooked jasmine or basmati rice (2 cups): The fluffy base for the stack, infused with lime and a pinch of salt for subtle zestiness.
Ripe avocado (1, diced): Creamy, buttery texture that contrasts beautifully with the tangy shrimp and citrusy rice.
Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup): Gives the sauce its vibrant, herbal flavor that lifts the whole dish.
Greek yogurt (2 tbsp): Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the cilantro lime sauce without overpowering the flavors.
Optional garnishes: Extra lime wedges, chili flakes, and fresh cilantro make each plate pop with color and a hint of spice.

How to Make cado Rice Stack with Cilantro Lime Sauce

Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Honey Lime Shrimp

The magic begins with the shrimp. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss your peeled shrimp until they are thoroughly coated. This marinade creates a wonderful balance of sweet, citrusy, and garlicky flavors that will soak into every bite. Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and emit a mouthwatering aroma. Cooking shrimp quickly keeps them tender and juicy, which is critical for a perfect stack.

Step 2: Prepare the Lime-Infused Rice

While cooking shrimp, take your fluffy cooked jasmine or basmati rice and gently toss it with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt. This step is subtle yet incredibly important—it wakes up the rice with citrus brightness and elevates the overall flavor of the dish. The slight tang cuts through the richness of both shrimp and avocado, creating a refreshing base layer for the stack.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce

To bring a fresh finish and creamy texture, blend fresh cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, and salt in a food processor or blender until smooth. For an extra flavor kick, you can add a small clove of garlic here as well. This vibrant sauce is the soul of the cado Rice Stack with Cilantro Lime Sauce, adding herbaceous zest and luscious creaminess in every drizzle.

Step 4: Assemble the Stack

Building the stack is where the dish transforms into a feast for the eyes and palate. Start by layering the lime-infused rice on your serving plate or mold to hold shape. Next, add the beautifully cooked honey lime shrimp, then top this with diced avocado seasoned lightly with lime juice and salt. Finally, generously drizzle the luscious cilantro lime sauce over the entire stack to bring all the flavors home. This stacking method lets you savor each component individually or combined.

How to Serve cado Rice Stack with Cilantro Lime Sauce

Garnishes

Extra lime wedges, chili flakes, and more fresh cilantro are fantastic garnishes to add a final pop of color, flavor, and a hint of heat. These little touches invite guests to customize their bite and heighten the dish’s vibrant personality.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crunchy cucumber salad, grilled vegetables, or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. These sides add texture and complement the bright, zesty profile of the rice stack.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, try assembling individual stacks using a ring mold for neat layers. Alternatively, serve it family-style on a large platter and let everyone create their own stack. You could also serve in small clear glasses for a fun, layered appetizer approach—either way, the vibrant colors of the cado Rice Stack with Cilantro Lime Sauce will steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the components separately for best results: keep cooked shrimp, rice, avocado, and sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The avocado may brown slightly, so adding lime juice helps preserve its bright green color during storage.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing avocado and the sauce may compromise texture and vibrancy. However, you can freeze cooked shrimp and rice separately for up to one month. Thaw them in the fridge when ready to use and reassemble fresh with avocado and sauce.

Reheating

Reheat rice and shrimp gently in a skillet or microwave, avoiding drying out the shrimp. Add avocado and cilantro lime sauce fresh after reheating to maintain their creamy texture and bright flavors. This method ensures every bite tastes like it just came off the stove.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for the cado Rice Stack with Cilantro Lime Sauce?

Absolutely! Jasmine or basmati rice are recommended for their fragrant, fluffy texture, but you can swap in brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a healthier twist. Just make sure the rice is cooked and cooled for best stacking results.

Is the cilantro lime sauce spicy?

The cilantro lime sauce itself is mild and creamy, with bright citrus notes. If you enjoy some heat, adding chili flakes as a garnish brings a nice kick without overpowering the fresh flavors.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Swap the shrimp for grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas and use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the sauce. The stacks will still be vibrant and flavorful, perfect for plant-based diets.

How long do leftovers last in the fridge?

Stored properly, leftovers can last 1 to 2 days. For best taste, enjoy the avocado and sauce fresh and reheat the shrimp and rice shortly before serving again.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt for the sauce?

You can substitute with sour cream or a creamy vegan yogurt alternative. The key is a smooth and tangy base to balance the cilantro and lime perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Cooking the cado Rice Stack with Cilantro Lime Sauce is like bringing a burst of sunshine to your table. It’s fresh, flavorful, and fun to assemble, making it a fantastic choice for both everyday meals and special occasions. The marriage of juicy honey lime shrimp, creamy avocado, and that addictive cilantro lime sauce is a combination you’ll reach for again and again. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become one of your new favorites to share with friends and family.