If you’re craving a big, sunshiny bite of the islands, look no further than Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. This dish delivers a bold punch of flavor with juicy, garlicky shrimp in a luscious lemon-butter sauce—plus the perfect hit of gentle heat. Inspired by the famous shrimp trucks on Hawaii’s North Shore, it’s a breeze to make at home but tastes like you hopped a plane straight for Oahu. Sticky rice soaks up every last drop of that savory sauce, and the glittering parsley on top is irresistible. Trust me, this one’s pure Aloha magic on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe is how easy the ingredients are to find, yet how each one plays a starring role in the flavor drama. From the mellow richness of butter to the lively pop of fresh garlic, every element works together to create something truly special.
- Large shrimp: Choose jumbo or large shrimp with tails on for that classic shrimp-truck feel—they soak up flavor while keeping a juicy bite.
- All-purpose flour: Lightly coats the shrimp, giving them a whisper of crust and helping the garlicky sauce cling.
- Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a beautiful golden color to the shrimp as they cook.
- Cayenne pepper: For just the right level of warmth and a little tingle with each bite; add more or less to taste.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for drawing out and heightening all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: This brings rich, silky depth to the sauce that’s the hallmark of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe.
- Garlic cloves: Finely minced garlic is not optional—more is better, and it infuses the whole dish with savory aroma.
- Olive oil: Adds fruitiness and raises the butter’s smoke point, letting you get a perfect sear on the shrimp.
- Chicken broth or water: Just enough to loosen the sauce and add an umami boost—broth is best, but water works in a pinch.
- Lemon juice: A quick squeeze brightens every bite and balances out the richness of the butter and garlic.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Fresh, green, and vibrant, parsley adds color and a little herbal pop at the end.
- Steamed white rice: A must-have for soaking up all the drool-worthy garlic sauce—don’t skip it!
How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp
Start by making sure those shrimp are ready for action! Pat them dry with paper towels—this simple step helps them brown beautifully. If you’ve just thawed them, give them a little extra blotting to ensure there’s no excess moisture. Tails on is the classic look, but you can remove them if you prefer.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoned Flour
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend gives the shrimp a gentle kick and helps build the awesome flavor crust you’ll love in the finished Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe.
Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp
Gently toss the shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture until each one is just coated. Shake off any excess—too much flour can make the dish heavy instead of light and crispy. You’re aiming for a super-thin, flavorful layer that locks in juiciness.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the butter and olive oil. As they melt together, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds. Stir constantly—garlic burns quickly, and you want it golden and fragrant but not brown. This is the moment your kitchen will smell absolutely glorious!
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Crank the heat up to medium-high and add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, just until pink and opaque. The shrimp will soak up the garlicky butter, while the flour coating melds into a perfect, subtle crust. Avoid overcooking—they turn rubbery fast!
Step 6: Add the Lemon Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and squeeze in all the fresh lemon juice. Give everything a good toss, letting the shrimp bathe in the tangy, buttery sauce for 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will bubble and reduce a bit, turning lush and slightly thickened—the true hallmark of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the shrimp to plates piled high with steamed white rice, spoon all that bright, garlicky sauce over the top, and shower with fresh parsley. Serve immediately to lock in all those incredible flavors and aromas. Get ready to swoon!
How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley brings color and freshness, but don’t stop there! Add wedges of lemon on the side for an extra squeeze, or sprinkle on a little more cracked black pepper if you want a bolder edge. This simple touch transforms the plate from ordinary to truly dazzling.
Side Dishes
Steamed white rice is classic and absolutely essential—it soaks up every drop of sauce. For a full Hawaiian plate-lunch experience, add a scoop of creamy macaroni salad and maybe some sweet pineapple chunks for a hint of contrast. A crisp green salad or sautéed greens also complement the richness of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Embrace the island spirit and serve your shrimp in bright, shallow bowls or on banana leaves for an authentic vibe. Pile the shrimp over rice in takeout-style lunch boxes, or turn them into lettuce wraps for a modern twist. However you serve it, let the colorful ingredients shine—they’re the star of this culinary show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any left (good luck!), store the shrimp and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Shrimp are best eaten within 2 days, since seafood doesn’t keep forever. The sauce may firm up, but a quick reheat brings it right back to life.
Freezing
While Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp in a pinch. Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a resealable bag. Freeze for up to a month, but expect the texture to soften slightly when thawed.
Reheating
Gently rewarm shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave is possible, but stove-top preserves the texture best—heat until just warmed through, and be careful not to overdo it, or the shrimp will toughen.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully and pat very dry. Frozen shrimp work just as well as fresh and make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe even more weeknight-friendly.
Is there a gluten-free version of this dish?
Yes! Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour, and you’ll still get that lovely light coating. Every other ingredient is naturally gluten-free, making it easy to share with everyone.
How can I make this less spicy?
If you prefer mild heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or skip it altogether. The recipe shines thanks to the garlic and lemon, so you won’t lose that signature Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe flavor.
Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar?
Freshly minced garlic is much more aromatic and gives a cleaner flavor, but in a pinch, you can use pre-minced. You may want to add a little extra to crank up the impact, since jarred garlic is milder.
What else can I serve with this besides rice?
While white rice is traditional, these garlicky shrimp are equally delicious over brown rice, quinoa, or even tossed with pasta. Try piling them onto a crunchy salad or spooning them into tortillas for a shrimp taco twist!
Final Thoughts
Let yourself be transported to island paradise with Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. It’s bold, buttery, and bursting with zesty, garlicky goodness, yet easy enough for any night of the week. Whip up a batch soon—you’re just twenty minutes away from a little Aloha at your own table!
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Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of Hawaii with this incredible Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe. Succulent shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce, served with steamed white rice—a dish that’s bursting with tropical flavors!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- Juice of 1 lemon
For Serving:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Steamed white rice
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and coat with a mixture of flour, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Shrimp: Sauté garlic in butter and olive oil. Add shrimp and cook until pink. Pour in broth and lemon juice, simmer until thickened.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve with steamed rice.
Notes
- For an authentic Hawaiian plate-lunch style, serve the shrimp over rice with lemon wedges.
- Use plenty of garlic for the best flavor.
- You can substitute part of the butter with more olive oil for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-seared, stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 225 mg
