If you are craving a taste of the islands right at home, this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe is a total game-changer. It balances tender, juicy shrimp with a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s bursting with flavor, while a hint of citrusy lemon juice brings a refreshing brightness. What makes this dish so special is how simple ingredients come together to deliver that authentic Hawaiian vibe — it’s quick to make, comforting, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a weekend gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a vital role in crafting the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color in this dish. From the spicy paprika and cayenne to the fragrant garlic and creamy butter, every element builds the unique character of this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on): The star of the dish, shrimp should be fresh and firm for the best texture and taste.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Lightly coats the shrimp to create a slight crispy crust when cooked.
- 1 tablespoon paprika: Adds a warm color and a mild smoky kick that’s key to that island flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Brings just enough heat to make the dish exciting without overpowering the garlic.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle spicy note to deepen the flavor profile.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: The rich base that carries garlic’s aroma and adds indulgent creaminess.
- 10 cloves garlic, finely minced: The heart and soul of the recipe, garlic delivers a pungent and earthy depth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps blend flavors and prevents the butter from burning during sautéing.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Introduces a fresh and tangy contrast that brightens the whole dish.
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal touch to finish.
- Steamed white rice and lemon wedges for serving: The perfect canvas to soak up every bit of that garlicky sauce.
How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Coating
Start by mixing your all-purpose flour with paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This seasoned flour mixture not only flavors the shrimp but also helps give it a delicate crispy texture when cooked. Lightly toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in this mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Set them aside and get ready for the magic in the skillet.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter and Olive Oil
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter along with the olive oil. This combo prevents the butter from burning, allowing it to gently infuse with the garlic. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and golden but not browned. This step releases the essential oils in the garlic, creating the signature aroma of this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe that fills your kitchen and teases your taste buds.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection
Turn up the heat to medium-high and arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and develop a subtle crust, locking in their juicy tenderness. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan so each shrimp gets that perfect sear. Once cooked, gather all the shrimp back into the skillet, ready for the final luscious touch.
Step 4: Add Lemon Juice and Toss
Pour in the fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and give everything a good toss in the garlicky butter sauce. This vibrant splash of acidity cuts through the richness and ties together all those complex flavors beautifully. Once the shrimp are well coated, remove the skillet from heat to keep them tender and juicy. Your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe is now ready for plating and savoring.
How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top instantly elevates the dish, adding a lively green color and a hint of fresh, herbaceous brightness. These garnishes also provide a subtle crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender shrimp and buttery sauce, making every bite a little more exciting and visually inviting.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe shines when paired with fluffy steamed white rice, which serves as the perfect absorbent base for the savory sauce. You can also add a side of sautéed vegetables or a crisp green salad to introduce some freshness and balance out the richness. For a more authentic island experience, consider serving it alongside grilled pineapple or a light slaw dressed with citrus vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the shrimp on a bed of coconut rice or inside crisp lettuce cups for a fun handheld option. You might also try plating the shrimp with colorful Hawaiian-style grilled corn or alongside tropical fruit salsa for a sweet and savory twist. These creative ideas make your meal more festive and sure to delight guests at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days. To help preserve the texture, it’s best to keep the sauce separate from any rice until ready to eat, preventing the rice from becoming soggy.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp cooked in a buttery garlic sauce is not the best idea because it can affect texture and flavor, especially the delicate garlic butter. However, if you want to freeze, place the shrimp in a freezer-safe container and consume them within a month. Thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating gently to minimize toughening the shrimp.
Reheating
To reheat leftover Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe, warm them slowly over low heat in a skillet until just heated through. Avoid microwaving at high power, as this can overcook the shrimp and cause them to become rubbery. Adding a little butter or olive oil during reheating will help keep the shrimp moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before coating with the flour mixture to get the best texture and flavor for your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe.
How spicy is this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
The cayenne pepper gives it a gentle kick, but the heat is very mild and balanced by the buttery garlic sauce. You can always adjust the cayenne to suit your spice preference.
What can I substitute if I don’t have olive oil?
If you’re out of olive oil, a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil works fine. Just remember olive oil adds a subtle fruity note that complements the garlic beautifully.
Is it necessary to peel the shrimp?
Peeling and deveining shrimp makes eating easier and allows the flavors to penetrate better. However, for a more authentic Hawaiian flavor, you can cook the shrimp with shells on, which adds deeper flavor but requires a bit more hands-on eating.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to keep that nice coating on the shrimp while maintaining the recipe’s integrity.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe is truly a celebration of bold yet familiar flavors that come together in a fast and easy dish. It’s a perfect way to bring a tropical taste to your table with ingredients you likely already have. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or sharing with friends, I encourage you to give this vibrant, garlicky shrimp a try—you might just find your new go-to recipe that’s as delicious as a vacation in Hawaii.
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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: Pescatarian
Description
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a flavorful skillet dish featuring large shrimp coated in a spicy seasoned flour, sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, and served with steamed rice and lemon wedges. This iconic island recipe balances bold spices with the sweetness of shrimp, delivering a quick and satisfying meal perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Garnish
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Serving
- Steamed white rice
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoned flour: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful dredge for the shrimp.
- Coat the shrimp: Lightly toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture until each shrimp is evenly coated. Set aside to allow the coating to adhere.
- Sauté the garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter together with the olive oil. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, ensuring the garlic flavor infuses the butter.
- Cook the shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high and arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and develop a lightly crispy exterior.
- Toss in lemon juice: Return all cooked shrimp to the skillet and drizzle with the lemon juice. Toss to coat the shrimp thoroughly with the garlic butter sauce, blending the tangy citrus with the rich flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired. Serve the Hawaiian garlic shrimp immediately alongside steamed white rice and lemon wedges for squeezing.
Notes
- For authentic Hawaiian-style shrimp, use shell-on shrimp and cook with shells to enhance the flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level for a milder or spicier dish.
- This dish is best served fresh right off the skillet to enjoy its full flavor and texture.
