Teriyaki Shrimp Pineapple Rice Stack is a delicious, sweet-savory fusion of shrimp, pineapple, rice, and teriyaki—perfect for a quick meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Teriyaki Shrimp Pineapple Rice Stack so special is how each component contributes its own unique pop of taste, texture, and color. Gather these simple but essential ingredients for a mouthwatering meal that builds layer upon layer of deliciousness.
- Shrimp: Opt for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for maximum tenderness and easy eating.
- Olive Oil: A touch is all it takes to add flavor and prevent sticking during cooking.
- Salt and Pepper: The classic duo enhances shrimp flavor without overpowering it.
- Teriyaki Sauce: Sweet, sticky, and savory—this is the star that ties everything together.
- Pineapple Rings: Fresh or canned, pineapple caramelizes beautifully on the grill for natural sweetness.
- Cooked White or Jasmine Rice: Fluffy rice acts as the sturdy base for the stack and soaks up all those flavors.
- Rice Vinegar: Just a splash brightens up the rice with tangy complexity.
- Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil infuses the rice with aromatic nuttiness.
- Soy Sauce: Brings a subtle umami kick to the rice that’s truly irresistible.
- Green Onion: Fresh herbs on top deliver a pleasant crunch and extra color.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkled at the end, they add both nuttiness and visual flair.
- Optional Toppings: Sriracha, cilantro, or lime wedges if you want to customize your stack even more.
How to Make Teriyaki Shrimp Pineapple Rice Stack
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Begin by patting your shrimp dry with a paper towel—this ensures a beautiful sear in the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper, then toss them with olive oil until they’re evenly coated and glistening. The seasoning is simple, but it really sets up those big, clean shrimp flavors you want front-and-center.
Step 2: Sear and Glaze the Shrimp
Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat so your shrimp cook quickly and retain their juiciness. Place the shrimp in a single layer and let them sear for two to three minutes on each side until they turn a lovely pink and become opaque. Immediately pour in the teriyaki sauce and toss to coat the shrimp thoroughly, letting it simmer for just a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to every curve. Your kitchen should smell amazing at this point!
Step 3: Grill the Pineapple
While the shrimp finish cooking, fire up a grill pan or another skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pineapple rings and let them cook for about two minutes per side—just enough to get those irresistible caramelized edges. This simple step intensifies the fruit’s natural sweetness and makes it utterly juicy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Step 4: Create the Sesame Rice Base
In a mixing bowl, combine your cooked rice with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Give it a gentle but thorough stir; you want the rice to soak up every drop of flavor, turning fluffy grains into a crave-worthy, savory base that perfectly balances out the bright pineapple and glaze.
Step 5: Assemble the Teriyaki Shrimp Pineapple Rice Stack
This is where the Teriyaki Shrimp Pineapple Rice Stack really comes to life! Grab a round food mold or use a small bowl lined with plastic wrap. Spoon in a generous layer of the sesame rice, press down gently, add a golden pineapple ring, and pile those glossy, teriyaki-drizzled shrimp on top. Carefully lift the mold or invert the bowl onto a plate for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
Top your stacks with a shower of fresh green onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a drizzle of sriracha, a scattering of chopped cilantro, or squeeze a lime wedge over the whole thing. These finishing touches amp up both the color and the complexity of your Teriyaki Shrimp Pineapple Rice Stack.
How to Serve Teriyaki Shrimp Pineapple Rice Stack
Garnishes
A splash of green onion and sesame seeds adds lively crunch and visual contrast, but don’t hesitate to add extra flair with a squiggle of sriracha or a scatter of fresh cilantro. Lime wedges on the side let everyone brighten their plate to taste. These garnishes don’t just look beautiful—they’re a final flavor booster that makes every bite pop!
Side Dishes
Since the Teriyaki Shrimp Pineapple Rice Stack is already bursting with sweet and tangy flavors, it pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides. Try a crisp cucumber salad, a tangle of sautéed bok choy, or lightly steamed edamame tossed with flaky salt. Even a simple miso soup works great to round out your meal without overwhelming those gorgeous stacks.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get playful, serve each Teriyaki Shrimp Pineapple Rice Stack on individual plates with a ring of hoisin or sriracha sauce for dipping. For parties, you can make mini stacks in muffin tins for a fun appetizer. Or, go family-style and let everyone assemble their own stack at the table—that interactive twist is always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply move the stacks (or their individual components) into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to two days. Keep garnishes separate until just before serving, so they stay bright and refreshing. The flavors meld even more overnight, making the dish uniquely tasty the next day.
Freezing
While teriyaki shrimp and rice freeze well on their own, pineapple can sometimes lose its fresh texture when thawed. If you want to freeze this dish, pack rice and shrimp separately in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Add fresh pineapple and new garnishes when ready to serve for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat your Teriyaki Shrimp Pineapple Rice Stack, warm the shrimp and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to revive their moisture. Add freshly grilled pineapple and garnishes right before serving for that just-cooked freshness. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can get rubbery if heated too long.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Teriyaki Shrimp Pineapple Rice Stack?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps you achieve a perfect sear and prevents excess moisture from diluting the teriyaki glaze.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with extra-firm tofu or even grilled portobello mushroom slices. Marinate them in the teriyaki sauce and cook as directed for a plant-based twist on this vibrant stack.
What’s the best way to get that perfect rice stack shape?
Using a round food ring or small bowl lined with plastic wrap works wonders. Press the rice firmly but gently, add the pineapple, then shrimp, and invert it onto your plate. If you don’t have a mold, shaping it freehand still yields a deliciously rustic result!
Can I make the rice portion in advance?
Definitely! Prepare the sesame rice up to a day ahead and store in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature or reheat briefly before stacking for the best texture and flavor integration.
Which type of teriyaki sauce is recommended for this recipe?
Both homemade and store-bought teriyaki sauces work well. If using store-bought, choose one that’s thick and intense rather than watery, so it clings beautifully to the shrimp in your Teriyaki Shrimp Pineapple Rice Stack.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that feels as joyful as it tastes, give this Teriyaki Shrimp Pineapple Rice Stack a well-deserved spot on your table. With its irresistible flavors and playful presentation, it’s a recipe that draws a “wow” from everyone who tries it. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a household favorite!
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Teriyaki Shrimp Pineapple Rice Stack Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Teriyaki Shrimp Pineapple Rice Stack is a delicious, sweet-savory fusion of shrimp, pineapple, rice, and teriyaki—perfect for a quick meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
Pineapple
- 2 pineapple rings, fresh or canned
Rice
- 1 cup cooked white or jasmine rice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Garnishes
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Optional: sriracha, cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper. Toss the shrimp in olive oil until well coated.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through.
- Add Teriyaki Sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the shrimp in the skillet. Stir to evenly coat and let simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken and glaze the shrimp. Remove from heat.
- Grill the Pineapple Rings: While the shrimp cooks, grill or sear the pineapple rings in a separate pan or on a grill over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side, until caramelized and golden.
- Prepare the Sesame Rice: In a bowl, combine cooked rice with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Mix thoroughly so the rice is evenly flavored and glossy.
- Assemble the Stack: Using a round food mold or a small bowl, layer the seasoned rice at the bottom, followed by a grilled pineapple ring, and finally a generous portion of teriyaki shrimp on top.
- Plate and Garnish: Carefully lift the mold off (or invert the bowl onto a plate). Garnish the stack with chopped green onion, sesame seeds, and any desired toppings like sriracha, fresh cilantro, or lime wedges.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked shrimp to save time; just add to heated sauce to warm through.
- If you don’t have a food mold, shape the stack using a ramekin or press layers gently with a spoon.
- Double the recipe for a crowd or meal prep—just multiply ingredients as needed.
- Try brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired