If you’re craving bold island flavors, this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe is a must-try. Inspired by the famous shrimp trucks of Hawaii’s North Shore, this dish combines juicy shrimp, rich garlic butter sauce, and a touch of spice for a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Served over fluffy white rice, it’s a satisfying seafood dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with rich garlic butter flavor
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Easy ingredients and simple preparation
- Perfect for busy weeknight dinners
- Inspired by authentic Hawaiian shrimp recipes
- Delicious served with rice and fresh lemon
- Family-friendly with customizable spice levels
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup minced fresh garlic
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
- White rice, for serving
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the shrimp and toss until evenly coated.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on the first side until lightly pink.
- Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes, or until just cooked through.
- Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic.
- Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Add the lemon juice and parsley, then toss to coat.
- Serve the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe immediately over steamed white rice, spooning the extra garlic butter sauce from the pan over the top.
Tips & Tricks
- Use extra-large shrimp for the best texture and presentation.
- Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning to help create a better sear.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp; they should be opaque and tender.
- Fresh garlic delivers the most authentic flavor.
- For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
- Add a squeeze of extra lemon before serving for brighter flavor.
- Serve with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Seafood, Nut-Free
Notes
- Substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Brown rice or coconut rice pairs beautifully with the shrimp.
- Garnish with extra parsley, lemon wedges, or sliced green onions.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
FAQ
What makes Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp unique?
The combination of generous amounts of fresh garlic, buttery sauce, and tender shrimp creates the signature flavor associated with Hawaii’s famous shrimp trucks.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to achieve the best texture and flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
The cayenne pepper adds mild heat. You can increase or decrease it based on your preference.
What should I serve with Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?
Steamed rice is traditional, but it also pairs well with roasted vegetables, pineapple salsa, or a fresh green salad.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Fresh garlic is recommended for the most authentic flavor, but pre-minced garlic can be used if needed.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Warm gently in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Avoid overheating to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
Similar Recipes
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra large shrimp peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup minced fresh garlic
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
- White rice for serving
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the shrimp and toss until evenly coated.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on the first side until lightly pink.
- Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes, or until just cooked through.
- Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic.
- Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Add the lemon juice and parsley, then toss to coat.
- Serve the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe immediately over steamed white rice, spooning the extra garlic butter sauce from the pan over the top.
Notes
- Substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Brown rice or coconut rice pairs beautifully with the shrimp.
- Garnish with extra parsley, lemon wedges, or sliced green onions.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
Conclusion
This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Tender shrimp, rich garlic butter sauce, and bright lemon come together in a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Once you try this island-inspired favorite, it’s sure to become a regular addition to your dinner rotation.