Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Get ready to bring the flavors of the Hawaiian North Shore straight to your kitchen with this irresistible Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe. Picture plump, juicy shrimp enveloped in a garlicky butter sauce, kissed with a hint of spice and finished with a fresh pop of lemon—all in just 20 minutes! Each bite is bursting with flavor, from the crunchy coating to the luscious garlic that clings to every shrimp. If you’re dreaming of savory beach-side food truck vibes, this homemade version will absolutely transport you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What truly makes Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp shine are its simple, honest ingredients—each one serving its purpose, enhancing aroma, color, or flavor with every handful. Gather these pantry staples, and you’ll be surprised at how something so easy can taste so extraordinary!
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled & deveined, tails on): Go for the freshest shrimp you can find for that plump, meaty texture and natural sweetness that’s the heart of the dish.
- Garlic (10 cloves, finely minced): This is the essential flavor base—use fresh garlic for robust, aromatic punch!
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup): This light coating helps the shrimp crisp up and hold onto all that garlicky flavor.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds an inviting color and gentle smokiness to the coating.
- Cayenne pepper (½ teaspoon, optional): Lends a subtle but addictive heat—you can adjust or omit based on your spice comfort zone.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the bright flavors.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Creates a rich, silky sauce that melds together every element.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps crisp and caramelize the shrimp while infusing the butter with savoriness.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds just the right zing to brighten the garlic and butter.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): For a pop of color and fresh herbal finish.
- Steamed white rice and lemon wedges (for serving): The absolute classic pairing that soaks up every last drop of that golden garlic sauce.
How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels—this simple step is your ticket to that perfectly crisp, golden exterior. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so don’t skip it! If using frozen shrimp, make sure they’re fully thawed and blotted, then set them aside while you get your dredging station ready.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, cayenne (if you like things with a little kick), salt, and black pepper. Dredge each shrimp lightly in this flour mixture, making sure to coat evenly but shaking off any excess. This thin layer will catch all the garlic butter action in the next step!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and swirl in the butter and olive oil. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add in that mountain of minced garlic. Stir constantly and cook for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant and golden, but not browned. This is the soul of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp—you want it deeply aromatic, not bitter.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Lay the dredged shrimp in the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, flipping once, until they’re just opaque, golden, and slightly curled. The flour will create a crispy crust that soaks up all the sizzling garlic butter goodness.
Step 5: Add the Bright Finishing Touches
Right as the shrimp finish cooking, drizzle over the lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley if using. Give the shrimp a quick toss in the skillet so every morsel gets coated in lemony, garlicky butter. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Garnishes
A shower of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice over the top inject brightness and color, making each plate pop visually and in taste. Add a few extra lemon wedges on the side—guests will love the fresh, citrusy finish!
Side Dishes
Traditionally, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is piled high alongside fluffy steamed white rice, which soaks up every last drop of incredible sauce. If you want the true Hawaiian plate lunch experience, serve with a scoop of creamy macaroni salad as well—digging in feels like a mini vacation!
Creative Ways to Present
Step outside the box by serving the shrimp over a bed of garlicky noodles, tucked into fresh lettuce cups, or even folded into tacos with a pineapple salsa. However you plate it, make sure there’s ample sauce—it’s pure gold!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp (rare, but possible!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavor deepens as it sits, soaking every shrimp with even more garlicky goodness.
Freezing
While shrimp dishes are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp in a well-sealed freezer bag for up to one month. For optimum results, freeze just the shrimp and cook up a fresh batch of garlic butter when ready to serve!
Reheating
Gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter or olive oil, just until warmed through—avoid the microwave, which can turn shrimp rubbery. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving to wake up the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked or frozen shrimp for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?
For the best flavor and texture, raw, tail-on shrimp are ideal, but if you only have pre-cooked, simply cut the sautéing time in half. Just be careful not to overcook so the shrimp stay juicy.
Is it necessary to leave the tails on when cooking?
Leaving the tails on is traditional for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp and adds extra flavor (plus makes for a great presentation), but if you prefer, you can remove them for easier eating.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely! If you’re sensitive to heat or serving kids, just omit the cayenne pepper altogether. The dish is still wonderfully flavorful from all that garlic and lemon.
What type Main Course
Large, wild-caught shrimp (16–20 count per pound) are perfect, as they stay juicy and have a satisfying bite. Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp are both excellent—just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Definitely! Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend or even cornstarch. You’ll get the same crisp, golden crust without any gluten.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a taste of the islands, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is pure sunshine on a plate—you’ll fall head over heels for the bold flavors and juicy shrimp. Invite your friends over, pile up the rice, and get ready to savor a true taste of Hawaii at home!
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Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Succulent shrimp are coated in a seasoned flour mixture, pan-seared with garlic-infused butter, and finished with a touch of lemon juice and parsley.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
Seasoning Mixture:
- 10 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Serving:
- Steamed white rice
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry and dredge in seasoned flour.
- Cook Garlic: Saute minced garlic in butter and olive oil.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until golden.
- Finish: Drizzle with lemon juice and parsley. Serve with rice and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- You can adjust cayenne to your preference.
- For an authentic Hawaiian plate lunch feel, serve with rice and macaroni salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup shrimp
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
