Honey Lime Shrimp & Avocado Rice Stack with Cilantro Garlic Sauce
Honey Lime Shrimp & Avocado Rice Stack with Cilantro Garlic Sauce is a fresh, colorful dish that delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. Sweet honey and bright lime glaze the shrimp, creating a balance of savory and citrusy notes that pair beautifully with fluffy rice and creamy avocado. Layered into an elegant stack, this meal looks impressive but comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining. The cilantro garlic sauce ties everything together with freshness and depth, adding a smooth, herby finish. Each bite offers contrast in texture and flavor, making this dish both satisfying and light.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2 large servings
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: 1 lb (450 g)
Olive oil: 1 Tbsp
Honey: 2 Tbsp
Fresh lime juice: 2 Tbsp
Lime zest: 1 tsp
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Salt: 1/2 tsp
Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
For the Rice Layer
Cooked white or brown rice: 2 cups
Olive oil: 1 tsp
Salt: 1/4 tsp
Lime juice: 1 Tbsp
For the Avocado Layer
Ripe avocados: 2 medium
Lime juice: 1 Tbsp
Salt: 1/4 tsp
For the Cilantro Garlic Sauce
Fresh cilantro leaves: 1 cup, packed
Greek yogurt or sour cream: 1/2 cup
Olive oil: 2 Tbsp
Garlic: 1 clove
Lime juice: 1 Tbsp
Salt: 1/4 tsp
Water: 2–3 Tbsp, to thin
Instructions
In a bowl, combine honey, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Add shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp with marinade.
Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and lightly caramelized.
Remove shrimp from heat and set aside.
In a bowl, mix cooked rice with olive oil, lime juice, and salt.
Mash avocados with lime juice and salt until creamy but slightly chunky.
Blend all cilantro garlic sauce ingredients until smooth.
To assemble, press rice into a ring mold or bowl, followed by avocado.
Top with shrimp, drizzle with sauce, and serve immediately.
Tips
Use large shrimp for the best presentation and texture.
Do not over-marinate shrimp to avoid mushy texture.
Cook shrimp in a hot pan for caramelization.
Fresh lime juice provides brighter flavor than bottled.
Rinse rice before cooking for fluffier grains.
Adjust honey based on sweetness preference.
Blend sauce until very smooth for clean layering.
Assemble stacks just before serving for best structure.
Use a measuring cup if you don’t have a ring mold.
Garnish with extra cilantro or lime zest for freshness.
Variations
Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or jalapeño to shrimp marinade.
Low-carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice.
Dairy-free sauce: Use avocado or cashew cream instead of yogurt.
Mango addition: Add diced mango to avocado layer.
Grilled shrimp: Grill shrimp instead of pan-searing.
Coconut rice: Use coconut milk to cook the rice.
Protein swap: Use salmon or chicken instead of shrimp.
Herb swap: Replace cilantro with parsley or basil.
Meal prep: Keep layers separate until serving.
Family style: Serve layered in bowls instead of stacks.
Q & A
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw and pat dry before marinating.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes, store refrigerated for up to 3 days.
What rice works best?
Jasmine or basmati rice works very well.
Can I serve this cold?
Yes, it works well as a chilled rice bowl.
Is this good for weight management?
Yes, it’s balanced with protein, healthy fats, and carbs.
Can I skip honey?
You can reduce or replace it with maple syrup.
How long do leftovers last?
Up to 2 days refrigerated.
Can kids eat this?
Yes, reduce garlic and lime for milder flavor.
What can I serve alongside it?
A light salad or grilled vegetables pair well.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 620 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fat: 28 g
Fiber: 9 g
Sugar: 12 g
Conclusion
Honey Lime Shrimp & Avocado Rice Stack with Cilantro Garlic Sauce is a dish that brings together freshness, color, and bold flavor in a balanced and satisfying way. The sweet-citrus shrimp, creamy avocado, and herby sauce create layers of taste and texture that feel restaurant-quality but are easy to achieve at home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, this recipe delivers a memorable meal that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is to prepare.