Indulgent Spicy California Shrimp Stack: A Layered Delight
This Spicy California Shrimp Stack is a flavorful and customizable dish that combines shrimp and fresh veggies for a delightful dining experience.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- small bowl
- plates or stack molds
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb cooked shrimp Substitute with grilled chicken, crab, or tofu for variations.
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil Can be substituted with another cooking oil like avocado oil.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder Adjust quantity for desired heat.
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika Contributes a smoky note.
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder Enhances flavor depth.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt Essential for seasoning.
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Adds heat and depth.
- pinch cayenne pepper Optional for additional spiciness.
Base
- 2 cups chopped iceberg or romaine lettuce Forms the base of the stack, providing crunch.
- 1 cup diced cucumber Adds refreshing crunch and moisture.
- 1 cup diced tomatoes Provides sweetness and moisture.
- 1 whole diced avocado Offers richness and creaminess.
- 0.5 cup shredded carrots Contributes color and crunch.
- 0.25 cup sliced red onion Adds sharpness and flavor.
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt Creates a creamy dressing base; Greek yogurt offers a healthier option.
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce Adds heat to the dressing; adjust based on preference.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice For acidity and brightness.
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave Adds sweetness to balance flavors.
Optional Garnishes
- to taste chopped cilantro or parsley For garnish and freshness.
- to taste lime wedges For serving and extra zing.
- to taste sesame seeds For garnish and added texture.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, toss peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) until well-coated.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, sriracha, lime juice, and honey until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste for a well-balanced flavor.
- Divide chopped lettuce among plates or stack molds, creating a firm base that will support the delightful layers.
- On top of the lettuce, layer diced cucumber, tomatoes, avocado, shredded carrots, and sliced red onion evenly, making sure to distribute them for variety in every bite.
- Arrange seasoned shrimp over the beautiful vegetable layers, giving each stack a hearty and delicious topping.
- Drizzle the spicy dressing generously over the shrimp stacks, enhancing the flavors and tying everything together delightfully.
- Optionally garnish with chopped cilantro, parsley, sesame seeds, and lime wedges for a burst of freshness and color. Serve immediately for the best texture experience.
Notes
For an added crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts on top before serving. Ensure shrimp are fully cooked if using raw; undercooked shrimp can be unsafe and ruin the dish. Layer vegetables in the order of firmness to prevent sogginess and maintain a delightful crunch. Drizzle the spicy dressing only right before serving to keep all components fresh and crisp. Customize heat levels to suit your spice preference. Store leftovers separately to maintain freshness.