Name: e Stack with Creamy Cilantro Chili Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 21 min
Cuisine: American with Mexican-inspired flavors
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tbsp honey; Zest and juice of 1 lime; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt & black pepper, to taste; 2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice; 1 ripe avocado, diced; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced; Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tsp chili flakes or 1 small chili, minced; 1 tbsp lime juice; Salt, to taste

Jump to Recipe

You absolutely have to try the e Stack with Creamy Cilantro Chili Sauce—a dazzling combination of juicy honey lime shrimp, creamy avocado, and fluffy rice, all brought together by a zesty and smooth cilantro chili sauce that makes every bite burst with vibrant flavor. This dish is not just a feast for your taste buds but also a delight to the eyes, perfect for a casual dinner or impressing friends with a colorful, healthy option that feels indulgent yet fresh.

e Stack with Creamy Cilantro Chili Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but pack a punch in both flavor and texture, creating a harmonious balance in the dish. Each component—from the sweetness of honey acting as a natural glaze on the shrimp to the cool creaminess of Greek yogurt in the sauce—plays an essential role in making this recipe shine.

Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp are quick to cook and soak up marinade flavors beautifully.
Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the zesty lime and spicy chili.
Lime zest and juice: Brings fresh citrus brightness that elevates the shrimp and sauce flavors.
Olive oil: Helps infuse the marinade and keeps the shrimp juicy when cooking.
Smoked paprika: Provides a subtle smoky depth that complements the sweet and spicy notes perfectly.
Garlic powder: Adds savory warmth without overpowering the other tastes.
Cooked white or jasmine rice: Acts as a soft, comforting base that soaks up the sauce wonderfully.
Ripe avocado: Creamy chunks that add richness and a buttery texture to the stack.
Cherry tomatoes: Offer juicy pops of freshness and color contrast.
Red onion: Provides a sharp bite and crunch for balance.
Fresh cilantro: Both in the sauce and as garnish, it’s the herbaceous magic that ties the whole dish together.
Greek yogurt or sour cream: Creates the luscious base of the creamy cilantro chili sauce.
Chili flakes or fresh chili: Adds a spicy kick tempered by the yogurt’s creaminess.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the flavors.

How to Make e Stack with Creamy Cilantro Chili Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by tossing the shrimp in a vibrant mixture of honey, lime zest and juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This marinade infuses the shrimp with sweet, tangy, and smoky layers that will shine once cooked. Letting them rest for 10 to 15 minutes ensures they absorb all those tasty flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium heat, then sear the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn gorgeous pink and are perfectly cooked through. The quick cooking keeps them tender and juicy, making them the highlight of your stack.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cilantro Chili Sauce

Blend Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, chili flakes or minced chili, lime juice, and salt until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the secret weapon of the e Stack with Creamy Cilantro Chili Sauce, delivering just the right amount of spice and herbaceous zing while cooling your palate with its velvety texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Rice Stack

Using cooked rice as your base, layer diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely diced red onion in a tall stack. If you have a ring mold, this is the perfect time to use it—it makes your creation look restaurant-quality. The layers bring a vivid color palette and a satisfying mix of textures.

Step 5: Top and Serve

Place the honey lime shrimp on top of your beautifully built rice stack, then drizzle generously with the creamy cilantro chili sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves to finish. Serve immediately to enjoy every contrasting texture and bright flavor at its peak.

How to Serve e Stack with Creamy Cilantro Chili Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro adds vibrancy and freshness, while a few extra chili flakes scattered on top can amp up the heat for those who like a little extra kick. A wedge of lime on the side invites guests to add an extra splash of citrus to their liking, keeping the dish lively and bright.

Side Dishes

This stack shines on its own but pairs beautifully with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad or grilled seasonal vegetables. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside a bowl of black beans or a simple corn and mango salsa to complement the tropical flavors in the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress at a dinner party, present your e Stack with Creamy Cilantro Chili Sauce in individual glass jars or small clear bowls layered beautifully so guests can see the colorful ingredients. Alternatively, assemble mini stacks as bite-sized appetizers for a fun twist that gets everyone talking and tasting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the shrimp and rice stack separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture. The creamy cilantro chili sauce can be kept in a small jar or container, stirred before serving again.

Freezing

While the shrimp can be frozen after cooking, it’s best not to freeze the full assembled stack as the avocado and sauce won’t hold up well. Freeze cooked shrimp in portioned containers and thaw gently in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet or microwave on low power to avoid overcooking. Warm the rice separately and add fresh avocado and sauce afterward to keep the creamy sauce and fruits fresh and delicious. This method preserves the best textures and flavors.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white or jasmine rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber, making the dish even heartier while still pairing wonderfully with the creamy cilantro chili sauce.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

You can easily swap shrimp for roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu for a vegetarian version that still captures the zesty, creamy elements of the sauce and fresh layers of the stack.

How spicy is the creamy cilantro chili sauce?

The sauce delivers a mild to moderate heat depending on the amount and type of chili used. You can adjust the chili flakes or fresh chili up or down to suit your spice preference.

Can I prepare the creamy cilantro chili sauce in advance?

Yes! The sauce actually tastes even better after letting it chill for a couple of hours, allowing the flavors to deepen. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

What’s the best way to dice avocado for this dish?

Choose a ripe but firm avocado, slice it carefully, then dice into bite-sized cubes to maintain shape and creaminess in the stack without becoming mushy.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with the e Stack with Creamy Cilantro Chili Sauce. It’s a vibrant, feel-good dish that’s surprisingly simple yet packed with bold, fresh flavors. Give it a try for your next meal—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner or show-stopping lunch!