cado Rice Stack with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe

If you love vibrant flavors and crave a dish that looks as spectacular as it tastes, the cado Rice Stack with Cilantro Lime Sauce is going to be your new obsession. This delightful layered creation brings together tender honey lime shrimp, creamy avocado, and fragrant cilantro-lime rice, all crowned with a luscious, tangy cilantro lime sauce. It’s refreshing, full of texture, and perfect for impressing friends or enjoying a special dinner at home without fuss. Let me take you through making this stunning dish that’s as fun to assemble as it is to devour!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the cado Rice Stack with Cilantro Lime Sauce lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s adding punch, creaminess, or a burst of freshness. These basics come together to create a harmonious balance of flavors and lovely layers of texture and color.

• Large shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined, they soak up the sweet and tangy marinade beautifully.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps the shrimp caramelize perfectly.
• Honey (2 tbsp): Brings a natural sweetness that balances the acidity of lime.
• Fresh lime juice (several tbsp): Vital for that signature zesty brightness throughout the dish.
• Garlic cloves (3 total): Infuses the shrimp marinade and cilantro lime sauce with aromatic depth.
• Spices: smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper: These seasonings give the shrimp a warm, smoky, and slightly spicy kick.
• Cooked jasmine or basmati rice (1 ½ cups): Fluffy and fragrant, it’s the perfect base to soak up flavors.
• Fresh cilantro (chopped and whole): Brings a fresh, herbaceous note that ties the entire dish together.
• Ripe avocados (2): Creamy and luscious, balancing the spicy heat.
• Red onion (1 tbsp finely diced): Adds a subtle crunch and sharpness to the avocado layer.
• Greek yogurt (½ cup) and mayonnaise (¼ cup): Together create the rich, creamy base of the cilantro lime sauce.
• Optional garnishes: Cherry tomatoes, lime wedges, and crushed tortilla chips add pops of color, acidity, and delightful crunch.

How to Make cado Rice Stack with Cilantro Lime Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by whisking olive oil, honey, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Toss your peeled and deveined shrimp in this vibrant marinade and let them soak up all those flavors for 15 to 20 minutes. This step is where the shrimp absorb that irresistible balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky notes.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they’re just pink and slightly caramelized. The honey caramelizes wonderfully, creating a gorgeous glaze on the shrimp that’s packed with flavor. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly before assembling your stack.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice Layer

While the shrimp are cooking, warm your cooked jasmine or basmati rice. In a bowl, mix the rice with fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. This step infuses the rice with a gentle citrus lift and herbaceous aroma that’s essential for the cado Rice Stack with Cilantro Lime Sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Avocado Layer

Gently toss diced ripe avocados with lime juice, a pinch of salt, and the finely diced red onion. This creamy, tangy, and slightly crisp avocado mixture forms the luscious middle of your stacked dish, adding wonderful texture and richness that complements both the shrimp and rice perfectly.

Step 5: Make the Cilantro Lime Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh cilantro, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, then thin with one to two tablespoons of water to reach a drizzling consistency. This vibrant sauce will bring all layers together with an irresistible zesty creaminess.

Step 6: Assemble the cado Rice Stack with Cilantro Lime Sauce

Using a food ring mold or carefully freehand, layer the rice mixture first into your serving plate, pressing lightly to form a solid base. Next, spoon on the avocado mixture, again pressing gently. Finally, top your stack with the beautifully cooked honey lime shrimp. For the grand finish, drizzle generously with the cilantro lime sauce and add your favorite garnishes.

How to Serve cado Rice Stack with Cilantro Lime Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like diced cherry tomatoes, extra cilantro leaves, and lime wedges elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise. A sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips adds fantastic crunch and contrast to the softness of the avocado and shrimp. These little touches make serving this dish feel like a celebration every time.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple and fresh with a light, crisp salad or roasted vegetables alongside. A zesty black bean salad or charred corn pairs beautifully, balancing flavors without overpowering the delicate layers of the cado Rice Stack with Cilantro Lime Sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform this stack into individual portions by assembling them in small glasses or mini food rings for an elegant appetizer. Or, turn it into a family-style platter by layering all ingredients in a large trifle dish for a colorful showstopper at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers to preserve their freshness. The shrimp and avocado do best kept apart to avoid over-softening, and keep your cilantro lime sauce chilled to maintain its bright flavor.

Freezing

Freezing the shrimp is possible before assembling the dish but avoid freezing the avocado and sauce as their texture and flavor can degrade. For meal prep, cook and freeze shrimp in the marinade, then quickly thaw before reheating and stacking fresh ingredients.

Reheating

Gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet or microwave, avoiding high heat to keep them tender. The rice can be warmed separately, while the avocado layer should be added fresh to keep its creamy texture. Drizzle the sauce just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for the stack?

Absolutely! While jasmine or basmati rice is recommended for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, you can use any rice you prefer. Just ensure it’s well-cooked and fluffy to hold the layers nicely.

Is this dish spicy?

The seasoning in the shrimp has a mild smoky warmth thanks to smoked paprika and chili powder but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust the level by adding more chili for heat or skipping it altogether for a gentler flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the shrimp for grilled tofu, roasted mushrooms, or even black beans to keep the delicious layers and textures intact. The cilantro lime sauce ties everything together wonderfully for vegetarians.

How long does the cilantro lime sauce keep?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the sauce stays fresh for up to 3 days. Always give it a good stir before using, as ingredients might settle or thicken slightly over time.

Is the cado Rice Stack with Cilantro Lime Sauce suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Prepare each component and store separately in containers for up to two days. Assemble just before eating to enjoy maximum freshness and vibrant flavors without soggy layers.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor and that stunning layered presentation to wow anyone at your table, the cado Rice Stack with Cilantro Lime Sauce checks every box. It’s fun to prepare, absolutely delicious, and perfect to make any meal feel a little extra special. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

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