If you are craving a dish that strikes the perfect balance of bright, savory, and creamy flavors, then you absolutely must try the e Stack with Creamy Cilantro Chili Sauce. This irresistible honey lime shrimp and avocado rice stack brings together tender shrimp glazed with zesty honey lime marinade, fluffy jasmine rice, and fresh avocado, all crowned with a luscious, tangy creamy cilantro chili sauce that elevates every bite. It’s a feast for the eyes and the palate that feels like a special occasion meal but is surprisingly simple to put together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the e Stack with Creamy Cilantro Chili Sauce plays a vital role in creating its vibrant layers of flavor and texture. From the sweet and tangy shrimp to the fluffy rice and creamy avocado, each component is simple yet essential to the overall harmony of this dish.
- Large shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined for quick cooking and perfect texture.
- Olive oil (4 tablespoons total): Adds richness and helps develop flavor while cooking.
- Honey (3 tablespoons total): Brings a natural sweetness that balances the tangy lime and spicy chili notes.
- Limes (juice of 4, zest of 1): Provide refreshing acidity that brightens the dish.
- Garlic (4 cloves): Infuses a warm, aromatic depth throughout.
- Chili powder and smoked paprika (1 tsp & ½ tsp): Give a smoky spiciness to the shrimp.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- Jasmine or long-grain white rice (1½ cups): Fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious juices.
- Ripe avocados (2): Add buttery creaminess and fresh color.
- Fresh cilantro (3 handfuls total): Brings herbal brightness and is a star ingredient in the sauce.
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (¾ cup): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and tangy.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Blends with yogurt to create the perfect sauce texture.
- Chili flakes (½ teaspoon): Add a gentle heat to the creamy sauce.
- Optional garnishes (cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, red chili slices): For extra freshness and visual appeal.
How to Make e Stack with Creamy Cilantro Chili Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by rinsing your rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, ensuring a fluffy final texture. Boil water or broth with olive oil and salt, then add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes. After cooking, remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork to maintain each grain’s integrity — this makes a perfect, light base for your stack.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Mix olive oil, honey, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a beautifully balanced marinade. Toss the shrimp in this vibrant mixture and let it soak in all those flavors for just 15 to 20 minutes, which is enough time for the shrimp to transform into a juicy, tangy delight without overpowering their natural sweetness.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn bright pink and become opaque. Don’t forget to spoon the drippy pan juices back over the shrimp — that extra coating is a fantastic flavor booster that keeps things moist and delicious.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cilantro Chili Sauce
In a blender, combine Greek yogurt or sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh cilantro, lime juice, honey, garlic, chili flakes, and salt, then blend until silky smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning or thickness if needed. This dreamy, herbaceous sauce is the showstopper that brings the e Stack with Creamy Cilantro Chili Sauce to life with every creamy, zesty drizzle.
Step 5: Prepare the Avocado Layer
Gently toss diced ripe avocados with fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Keep the avocado chunkier rather than pureed to add a soft, buttery texture that contrasts beautifully with the other layers without losing its fresh character.
Step 6: Assemble the Stack
Using a bowl or ring mold, firmly press a layer of the warm rice as the base. Next, layer on the honey lime shrimp, followed by a generous portion of the avocado mixture. Carefully lift the mold to reveal a perfectly shaped tower. Now, the magic: drizzle the creamy cilantro chili sauce over the top, scatter with extra cilantro, green onions, and a squeeze of lime for brightness. This presentation feels fancy but is so easy to do, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and when you want to impress friends.
How to Serve e Stack with Creamy Cilantro Chili Sauce
Garnishes
Top your stack with bright green cilantro leaves and thinly sliced green onions for freshness and a pop of color. A few thin red chili slices add a beautiful hint of heat and make the dish look vibrant and inviting. Don’t forget a wedge of lime for that fresh squeeze of citrus just before eating — it wakes up all the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish is satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad, a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables. If you’re feeling indulgent, some warm, soft flatbreads or garlic naan work wonders for scooping up every bit of the creamy cilantro chili sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch things up? Try serving this stack in individual glasses or wide, shallow bowls for a casual yet elegant look. You can also layer the ingredients in a jar for a portable lunch option. The e Stack with Creamy Cilantro Chili Sauce lends itself well to customization, so feel free to experiment with adding sliced mango or pickled red onions for a different flavor twist that keeps things exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the shrimp, rice, avocado mixture, and creamy cilantro chili sauce separate to maintain their textures and freshness. The avocado layer can brown a bit, so sprinkle a little lime juice on it before refrigerating.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and rice (without the avocado or sauce). Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently. Avoid freezing the avocado mixture or sauce, as their textures may change unfavorably.
Reheating
Rewarm the shrimp and rice in a skillet or microwave until heated through, making sure not to overcook the shrimp. Add the avocado mixture fresh after reheating and drizzle with the creamy cilantro chili sauce just before serving to maintain their fresh, vibrant qualities.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for the e Stack with Creamy Cilantro Chili Sauce?
Absolutely! While jasmine or long-grain white rice is recommended for its fluffy texture and subtle fragrance, you can swap in basmati, brown rice, or even quinoa depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is the creamy cilantro chili sauce spicy?
The sauce has a gentle kick from chili flakes but is mostly creamy and mild. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less chili flakes, making it suitable for all spice tolerance levels.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The creamy cilantro chili sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good stir before serving.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream is an excellent substitute. You can also try a dairy-free yogurt if you prefer a vegan version, but the consistency and flavor might vary slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the e Stack with Creamy Cilantro Chili Sauce is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth or water for cooking the rice and check the mayonnaise ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This e Stack with Creamy Cilantro Chili Sauce is a wonderfully fresh, colorful dish that brings joy with every mouthful. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special but comes together with ease, making it perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself. Once you try it, this stack will quickly become one of those comforting favorites you return to again and again. So why wait? Dive into the vibrant flavors and creamy textures of this delightful stack today!
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