If you are craving a burst of garlicky goodness with a tropical twist, this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with buttery, savory flavors, tender shrimp, and just the right amount of heat, this dish brings the island vibes straight to your plate. Whether you’re dreaming of a Hawaiian shrimp truck experience or want to impress friends with a seafood dinner that’s both quick and irresistibly tasty, this recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is delightfully simple at its core, using just a handful of ingredients that each play an essential role. From the fresh shrimp providing a succulent base to the garlicky butter sauce that dazzles with flavor, every element comes together to create a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 1 pound large shrimp: Peeled and deveined with tails on for easy eating and presentation.
- 10 cloves garlic, finely minced: The heart of the dish that adds vibrant, pungent flavor.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Creates the luscious, rich sauce that coats every shrimp.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps cook the shrimp evenly without overwhelming the butter.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Lightly coats the shrimp to help thicken the sauce slightly.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds warm, smoky notes and beautiful color.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Delivers a subtle kick that heightens the garlic’s intensity.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers mild heat and depth.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Provides bright acidity to balance the richness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Adds fresh, herbaceous color and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps create that signature light garlic butter sauce.
How to Make Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels; this is key to getting a nice sear and preventing a watery sauce. Toss the shrimp with flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper until they’re just lightly coated—it’s this light dusting that gives a subtle crust and helps the sauce cling beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic Butter Base
Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and hot, add the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly—this releases its aroma while keeping the garlic from burning, which is crucial for that perfect garlicky flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes without moving them; this allows for a nice sear. Flip them carefully and cook for another 2 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through but still juicy.
Step 4: Finish with Sauce and Seasoning
Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes for that gentle heat kick. Add water and lemon juice to the skillet to create a light, silky garlic butter sauce. Toss the shrimp gently in this sauce for about 30 seconds, ensuring each piece is coated with that luscious blend. Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is classic, but consider adding a few lemon wedges on the side to let everyone jazz up their shrimp with a sassy citrus squeeze. A light scattering of extra red pepper flakes can also please those who love a little extra bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice, soaking up that garlicky butter sauce in the best way possible. For a more vibrant plate, serve alongside grilled vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad to cut through the richness with refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your shrimp over garlic-fried rice or nestle them into warm, toasted buns for an island-inspired shrimp slider. For a more festive vibe, plate the shrimp atop a bed of coconut rice with a side of mango salsa for a sweet and savory tropical treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover shrimp in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to two days. The shrimp will absorb more of the sauce flavors overnight, making for a tasty, ready-made lunch or quick dinner addition.
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen, it’s best to freeze them raw before cooking for quality’s sake. If you must freeze cooked shrimp from this recipe, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and use within one month to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems dry. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery and the butter sauce separate.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry, and drain any excess liquid before cooking. This helps achieve the perfect sear and prevents a watery sauce.
What if I don’t have paprika on hand?
While paprika adds beautiful color and mild smokiness, you can substitute it with a small pinch of chili powder or smoked salt for a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.
Is this dish very spicy?
The crushed red pepper flakes give a gentle warmth, but you can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference. Leave them out entirely for a milder version that still tastes amazing.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The flour is used to lightly coat the shrimp and thicken the sauce. Substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to keep the dish gluten-free without losing that silky texture.
What’s the best way to peel and devein shrimp quickly?
Using kitchen shears to cut along the back of each shrimp and pulling out the vein is fast and easy. If you prefer, many grocery stores sell pre-peeled and deveined shrimp, saving you prep time.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about diving into a plate of garlicky, buttery shrimp packed with bright lemon and gentle spice. This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe brings that magic straight to your kitchen with simplicity and big flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight or a special gathering, give it a try—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!
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Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp recipe featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce with a hint of spice and fresh parsley. Perfectly seasoned and ready in under 20 minutes, this dish captures the essence of shrimp truck-style dining in Hawaii.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Sauce and Garnish
- 10 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp seasoning: Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels. Place in a bowl and sprinkle the flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the shrimp. Toss well to coat each shrimp evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Heat the butter and oil: In a large skillet, combine olive oil and unsalted butter. Heat over medium until the butter is melted and the mixture is hot but not smoking.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but does not brown or burn.
- Cook the shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side without moving them to achieve a nice sear.
- Flip and finish cooking: Turn the shrimp over and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Add heat and sauce: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the skillet. Add water and lemon juice to create a light garlic butter sauce. Toss the shrimp gently in this sauce for about 30 seconds to coat.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp. Serve immediately, ideally with steamed white rice and lemon wedges.
Notes
- This dish is inspired by the famous garlic shrimp served on Hawaiian shrimp trucks.
- Serve with steamed white rice and lemon wedges for a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch experience.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes as needed for milder or spicier flavor preferences.
- Use fresh shrimp for best results and optimal flavor.
