The Teriyaki Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Stack is a delightful dish that perfectly blends savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. With marinated shrimp, sweet pineapple chunks, and soy-infused rice, this vibrant meal is ideal for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Not only is it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights, but it also impresses guests with its tropical flair and restaurant-quality taste. Let’s dive into how you can create this beautiful and flavorful dish at home.
Why This Recipe Works
The Teriyaki Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Stack is an excellent recipe because of its balance of flavors and textures. The savory teriyaki-marinated shrimp paired with the sweet and juicy pineapple creates a harmonious bite every time. The rice, infused with soy sauce and sesame oil, acts as the perfect base, offering a neutral yet flavorful canvas for the shrimp and pineapple to shine.
Here’s why this recipe works so well:
- Quick Cooking: Shrimp cooks fast, making this dish perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Balanced Flavors: The combination of sweet and savory ingredients makes it incredibly satisfying.
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easy-to-find grocery items, meaning you can whip this up without much fuss.
- Versatile: You can easily swap out rice for other grains, or even add some heat if you’re in the mood for a spicier kick.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
To create the Teriyaki Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Stack, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients for the rice, shrimp, and pineapple components.
Ingredients:
For the rice:
- 2 cups rice – Jasmine or basmati rice work best for this recipe due to their fragrance and ability to absorb flavors.
- 3 cups chicken broth – Adds depth and richness to the rice, making it more flavorful than using water alone.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce – Use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Adds a nutty, aromatic quality to the rice.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – For a subtle hint of garlic flavor.
For the shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined – Fresh or frozen shrimp work; just be sure to fully thaw frozen shrimp before cooking.
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce – You can use store-bought or make your own teriyaki sauce.
- 1 tablespoon honey – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger – Fresh ginger enhances the flavor of the marinade with a spicy, earthy note.
For the pineapple:
- 1 (15 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained – You can substitute fresh pineapple if you prefer a more vibrant, natural sweetness.
How to Make Teriyaki Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Stack
Follow these simple steps to bring this vibrant dish to life.
1. Cook the Rice
Start by preparing the rice, as this will take the longest to cook. In a large pot, bring 3 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Once boiling, stir in 2 cups of rice, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Once everything is mixed, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is fully cooked. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
2. Marinate the Shrimp
While the rice is cooking, it’s time to marinate the shrimp. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger. Whisk together until smooth. Add the 1 pound of shrimp to the marinade and stir to coat them evenly. Let the shrimp sit for at least 15 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors.
3. Grill the Shrimp
After the shrimp have marinated, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked through and slightly charred. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when done.
If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat until they’re cooked through.
4. Assemble the Stack
Now comes the fun part—assembling the Teriyaki Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Stack. Start by layering the soy-infused rice on the bottom of each serving dish. Next, add the grilled teriyaki shrimp on top of the rice. Finally, add the drained pineapple chunks as a sweet and refreshing finishing touch.
5. Serve
Serve the dish immediately while it’s still warm and fresh. The combination of flavors—savory rice, juicy pineapple, and sweet teriyaki shrimp—will be a hit!
Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success
Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Teriyaki Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Stack turns out perfectly every time.
- Marinate the Shrimp Longer for More Flavor: If you have time, marinate the shrimp for up to 30 minutes to allow the teriyaki sauce and honey to really soak in.
- Use Fresh Pineapple: If you want a brighter, fresher flavor, swap out canned pineapple for fresh. You can even grill the pineapple to add a caramelized touch.
- Rice Substitutes: Not a fan of rice? You can swap it out for quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Make It Spicy: Add some heat by including a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha in the teriyaki marinade for a spicy twist.
- Meal Prep: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to store the shrimp, rice, and pineapple separately to prevent the rice from becoming soggy.
How to Serve Teriyaki Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Stack
The Teriyaki Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Stack can be served on its own as a complete meal. However, if you’d like to make it more substantial, you can add a side dish or two.
Serving Suggestions:
- Fresh Salad: A light cucumber or mixed greens salad with a citrusy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of the teriyaki shrimp.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve the dish with steamed broccoli, snow peas, or asparagus to add more color and nutrition.
- Grilled Veggies: Complement the grilled shrimp by grilling up some vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even onions.
Time to Make Teriyaki Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Stack
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
This dish is perfect for a quick dinner or a relaxed weekend meal, and it’s impressive enough to serve at gatherings or family dinners.
Final Thoughts
The Teriyaki Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Stack is a vibrant and mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances the savory flavors of teriyaki shrimp with the sweetness of pineapple. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to impress your family or guests. Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight dinner or something a bit special for a weekend treat, this dish will deliver. Try it out, and enjoy the delightful mix of teriyaki shrimp, pineapple, and rice!
Recipe Card
Teriyaki Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Stack
Ingredients
For the rice:
- – **2 cups rice** – Jasmine or basmati rice work best for this recipe due to their fragrance and ability to absorb flavors.
- – **3 cups chicken broth** – Adds depth and richness to the rice making it more flavorful than using water alone.
- – **1/4 cup soy sauce** – Use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
- – **1 tablespoon sesame oil** – Adds a nutty aromatic quality to the rice.
- – **1/4 teaspoon garlic powder** – For a subtle hint of garlic flavor.
For the shrimp:
- – **1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined** – Fresh or frozen shrimp work; just be sure to fully thaw frozen shrimp before cooking.
- – **1/4 cup teriyaki sauce** – You can use store-bought or make your own teriyaki sauce.
- – **1 tablespoon honey** – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- – **1/2 teaspoon grated ginger** – Fresh ginger enhances the flavor of the marinade with a spicy earthy note.
For the pineapple:
- – **1 15 oz can pineapple chunks, drained** – You can substitute fresh pineapple if you prefer a more vibrant, natural sweetness.
Instructions
1.Cook the Rice
- Start by preparing the rice, as this will take the longest to cook. In a large pot, bring **3 cups of chicken broth** to a boil. Once boiling, stir in **2 cups of rice**, **1/4 cup soy sauce**, **1 tablespoon sesame oil**, and **1/4 teaspoon garlic powder**. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Once everything is mixed, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is fully cooked. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
2. Marinate the Shrimp
- While the rice is cooking, it’s time to marinate the shrimp. In a medium-sized bowl, combine **1/4 cup teriyaki sauce**, **1 tablespoon honey**, and **1/2 teaspoon grated ginger**. Whisk together until smooth. Add the **1 pound of shrimp** to the marinade and stir to coat them evenly. Let the shrimp sit for at least **15 minutes**, allowing them to absorb the flavors.
3. Grill the Shrimp
- After the shrimp have marinated, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for about **2-3 minutes per side**, or until they are fully cooked through and slightly charred. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when done.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat until they’re cooked through.
4. Assemble the Stack
- Now comes the fun part—assembling the **Teriyaki Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Stack**. Start by layering the **soy-infused rice** on the bottom of each serving dish. Next, add the **grilled teriyaki shrimp** on top of the rice. Finally, add the **drained pineapple chunks** as a sweet and refreshing finishing touch.
5. Serve
- Serve the dish immediately while it’s still warm and fresh. The combination of flavors—savory rice, juicy pineapple, and sweet teriyaki shrimp—will be a hit!