If you’re craving a tropical escape, look no further than Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp! This iconic dish is inspired by the beloved shrimp trucks on Oahu’s North Shore, featuring plump, juicy shrimp tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, kissed with a little heat, and finished with a sunny squeeze of lemon. The aroma alone will have everyone running to the kitchen. Whether you’re recreating vacation favorites or just need a quick, feel-good dinner, this recipe brings island flavors straight to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
At the heart of every unforgettable Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp dish are a handful of simple, high-impact ingredients that create big flavor. These pantry staples and fresh picks work together to deliver that luscious, buttery, garlicky taste you’ll find at the best island shrimp stands.
- Shrimp (1 lb, large, peeled and deveined, tails on): The star of the show—look for fresh or thawed wild-caught shrimp for the best bite and sweetness.
- Garlic (10 cloves, finely minced): Loads of garlic amplify the savory factor and give this dish its signature punch.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Lightly dusting the shrimp makes them crisp up beautifully—substitute rice flour for a gluten-free version.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smokiness and a pop of color to the coating.
- Cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers just the right amount of spicy kick; adjust to your heat preference.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for brightening all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For a gentle background warmth that balances the garlic.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Ensures a luxurious, silky sauce—use unsalted so you can control the seasoning.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps keep the butter from burning and lends a light, fruity note.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Just a splash to wake up all the rich, buttery flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Brings freshness and color; sprinkle on just before serving.
- Steamed white rice and lemon wedges: Classic accompaniments that soak up all that garlicky goodness.
How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Flour Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This coating is simple but crucial—it creates the perfect crust on your shrimp that will soak up all the garlicky butter sauce later on. Give everything a quick whisk to ensure even distribution of those spices.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
Add the cleaned and patted-dry shrimp to the bowl with the seasoned flour. Gently toss them until every shrimp is evenly coated. Don’t be afraid to use your hands—just make sure there’s a light, thorough dusting on each one for the best texture.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter along with the olive oil. Once the butter has melted and is bubbling lightly, add all that minced garlic. Stir constantly and sauté for about 30 seconds; you want the garlic to become fragrant but never brown or burn. The aroma alone will have your mouth watering!
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet—don’t overcrowd them. Let each side cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until pink and barely crisp at the edges. Flip them gently to ensure even cooking. As the shrimp cook, they’ll pick up not just the crust but all those fantastic garlic butter flavors.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
With your shrimp cooked through, drizzle in the lemon juice and stir everything together so that each piece glistens. If you love a burst of color and a hint of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top right before serving. Plate it up piping hot and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Garnishes
The finishing touch for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is all about bright simplicity—think fresh chopped parsley for a bit of vibrance, extra lemon wedges to squeeze over each bite, or even a pinch more cayenne if you want extra heat. These little accents give every plate a special, ‘just-dressed’ look.
Side Dishes
To truly channel traditional island fare, serve your shrimp over a mound of fluffy steamed white rice. The rice soaks up any extra sauce and tones down the heat just enough. For an authentic Hawaiian plate lunch experience, add a scoop of creamy macaroni salad on the side—it’s the classic combo for good reason!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try serving Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp in small bowls for an appetizer course, or tuck them into toasted buns for savory shrimp rolls. They also shine on a laid-back platter for sharing, with plenty of toothpicks and napkins for dipping into the buttery sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors actually deepen as they rest—but for the freshest taste and best texture, enjoy them as soon as you can. Always refrigerate promptly to keep the shrimp tender and safe.
Freezing
If you want to freeze extras, lay the cooked and cooled shrimp flat in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the most succulent result.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat, just until warmed through. You can drizzle in a splash of water or lemon juice to revive the sauce. Avoid the microwave when possible, as it can toughen the shrimp and dull out those wonderful flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them very dry before tossing in the flour mixture. Excess moisture will keep the coating from crisping up properly.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
It’s easy—simply swap the all-purpose flour for rice flour. You’ll get the same lightly crisp texture and all the garlicky sauce without any gluten, so everyone can enjoy Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp!
Is this recipe spicy?
The 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper gives a subtle kick, but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. Adjust the amount up or down depending on your preference—or even leave it out entirely for a mild version.
What’s the best way to peel and devein shrimp?
I like to run a small paring knife along the back of each shrimp and remove the vein. Leaving the tails on adds flavor and looks great, but you can remove them for easier eating if you prefer.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just make sure not to overcrowd the skillet—cook the shrimp in batches so they get that addictive crust and stay perfectly tender. Keep cooked batches warm in a low oven until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a plane ticket to enjoy the flavors of Oahu—Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a true taste of aloha right from your own kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and a few quick steps, you can whip up a meal that brings sunshine to any night of the week. Invite friends or family and dive in, because this dish just might become your new favorite!
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Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Bring a taste of the islands to your dinner table with this flavorful Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe. Succulent shrimp are coated in a garlicky butter sauce and served with steamed rice for a delicious meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 10 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- steamed white rice and lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Toss the shrimp in the flour mixture until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly crispy.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle lemon juice over the shrimp and stir to coat. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste.
- For a traditional touch, serve with macaroni salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 225mg
