Name: Rice Stack with Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
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 Greek yogurt or sour cream; 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves; 1 small jalapeño, seeded and chopped; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 clove garlic; Salt to taste; Extra cilantro; Lime wedges; Red chili flakes

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving something vibrant, fresh, and packed with flavor, this Rice Stack with Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce is about to become your new favorite dinner idea. Layers of fragrant garlic rice, tender honey lime shrimp, and creamy avocado all come together crowned with a bright and slightly spicy cilantro jalapeño sauce that adds a refreshing kick. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky that feels like a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, this dish is as stunning to look at as it is delightful to eat.

Rice Stack with Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating a dish bursting with contrasting textures and bold flavors. From the sweetness of honey to the brightness of lime and the creaminess of avocado, everything harmonizes beautifully.

Large shrimp (1 lb): Fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined for quick cooking and a tender bite.
Honey (3 tbsp): Adds a natural sweetness that balances the tang and spice perfectly.
Limes (2 zest and juice + ½ juice): Provides essential acidity that brightens the entire stack.
Olive oil (2 tbsp + 1 tbsp): For cooking shrimp and garlic rice, enhances flavor and mouthfeel.
Garlic (4 cloves total): Minced for a punchy aroma in shrimp, rice, and sauce.
Smoked paprika (½ tsp): Delivers subtle smoky warmth to the shrimp.
Salt and black pepper: To season perfectly throughout.
Cooked jasmine or basmati rice (1½ cups): Fluffy and fragrant as the base layer.
Butter or olive oil for rice (1 tbsp): Adds richness and helps garlic infuse its flavor.
Ripe avocados (2 diced): Creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the spiced shrimp.
Greek yogurt or sour cream (½ cup): Forms the creamy base of the cilantro jalapeño sauce.
Fresh cilantro (1 cup leaves): Brings herbal brightness and color.
Small jalapeño (1, seeded and chopped): Adds lively heat to the sauce without overwhelming.
Optional garnishes: Extra cilantro, lime wedges, and red chili flakes for that finishing touch.

How to Make Rice Stack with Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Begin by whisking together the honey, lime zest and juice, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss your shrimp in this vibrant marinade and let them soak up the flavors for 10 to 15 minutes. This step infuses the shrimp with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky notes that will make each bite unforgettable.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You are aiming for a beautiful caramelized exterior with juicy, tender insides. Once cooked, set the shrimp aside to keep warm while you prepare the rice and sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Rice

In a pan, warm the olive oil or butter over medium heat, then gently sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds just until fragrant. Add the cooked jasmine or basmati rice along with salt, stirring well to combine and heat through. This garlic rice will serve as a wonderfully aromatic and fluffy base for your Rice Stack with Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce.

Step 4: Toss the Avocado

In a small bowl, combine diced avocados with lime juice and a pinch of salt. This keeps the avocado fresh and adds a zesty creaminess that works beautifully against the spiced shrimp and rice.

Step 5: Make the Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce

Blend together Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro leaves, seeded jalapeño, lime juice, garlic, and salt until silky smooth. This sauce is a bright, cooling, yet spicy partner for the entire stack. Feel free to add some jalapeño seeds if you want a bit more heat.

Step 6: Assemble the Stack

Layer the garlic rice on the bottom, then pile on the honey lime shrimp, and finish with the diced avocado. Generously drizzle the luscious cilantro jalapeño sauce over the top, letting it cascade down the sides. You now have a colorful, flavorful masterpiece ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Rice Stack with Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes like extra cilantro leaves, a sprinkle of red chili flakes, and lime wedges on the side not only elevates the presentation but also allows each person to customize their flavor experience. The lime wedges add that final zesty brightness when squeezed just before eating.

Side Dishes

This stack shines well alongside roasted corn or black beans, which add a heartier element and complement the sweet and spicy layers. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs beautifully, keeping the overall meal fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or make a fun dinner, assemble individual stacks using a ring mold for clean, photogenic layers. Another idea is serving the components deconstructed, letting everyone build their own perfect stack. No matter how you present it, the Rice Stack with Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce will steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover shrimp, rice, avocado, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the avocado and sauce chilled to maintain their freshness and texture, ideally consuming within 2 days for the best quality.

Freezing

While the shrimp and rice freeze well, avoid freezing the avocado or cilantro jalapeño sauce as their textures do not hold up well after thawing. Freeze shrimp and rice in separate containers and use within 1 month for optimal flavor.

Reheating

Reheat shrimp and rice gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist. Fresh avocado and the cilantro jalapeño sauce are best added after reheating for maximum creaminess and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure they cook evenly and get nicely caramelized.

Is the cilantro jalapeño sauce very spicy?

The sauce has a mild to moderate heat depending on how much jalapeño you include. Removing the seeds keeps it gentle, while adding seeds amps up the spice to suit your taste.

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt in the sauce?

You can use sour cream or a dairy-free alternative if preferred. Both options will keep the sauce creamy and tangy while accommodating different dietary needs.

What type of rice works best for the stack?

Jasmine or basmati rice are ideal thanks to their fragrance and fluffy texture, but you can use any long-grain rice you enjoy.

How long does the marinade need to be?

Just 10 to 15 minutes is sufficient to infuse the shrimp with flavor without compromising their texture. If you leave them longer, avoid going past 30 minutes to prevent the citrus from “cooking” the shrimp.

Final Thoughts

This Rice Stack with Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce is an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. Each layer brings something special to the table, and the sauce ties it all together with a perfect punch of herbal heat. It’s a fun, fresh way to brighten up your dinner routine, and once you try it, I promise you’ll be excited to make it again and again. Go ahead and give it a whirl—you won’t regret it!