There’s something truly irresistible about this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe that brings the spirit of island life right into your kitchen. Tender, juicy shrimp coated in a perfectly seasoned garlic butter sauce with just a hint of heat and bright lemon juice make each bite a delightful burst of flavor. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or want to impress friends with a dish that feels like a mini-vacation, this recipe hits all the right notes with simplicity and bold taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to capturing the authentic taste and texture of this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe. Each component is simple yet essential, working together to create a balance of buttery richness, garlicky punch, and subtle spice that makes the dish shine.
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined with tails on: Opt for fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but fully thawed frozen shrimp work just fine too.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: A light dusting to help the crust form and hold the butter sauce better.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky depth and appealing color.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): A subtle kick to warm your taste buds without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For just the right peppery bite.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Rich and creamy, it’s the heart of that luscious sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Balances the butter and helps prevent burning the garlic.
- 8 cloves garlic finely minced: Fresh garlic is a must for that powerful aromatic punch.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and a touch of acidity that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, herbaceous finish and a pop of green color.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Optional, but perfect for an extra zesty squeeze.
How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the shrimp
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they caramelize nicely when cooked. Toss them gently in a bowl with the flour, paprika, cayenne if you like a little heat, salt, and black pepper. This coating protects the shrimp while adding flavor and a subtle crust.
Step 2: Heat your skillet and garlic
Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add your butter and olive oil. Once melted and shimmering, add the finely minced garlic. Cook just for 30 to 45 seconds, enough for the garlic to release its mouthwatering fragrance but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn—this step is crucial for that classic garlicky aroma.
Step 3: Cook the shrimp
Place the shrimp in a single layer, allowing room to brown evenly. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. This quick cooking preserves the shrimp’s juiciness and delicate texture.
Step 4: Finish with lemon and parsley
Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and gently toss them in the garlicky butter sauce to coat every piece perfectly. Sprinkle the chopped parsley for freshness and an attractive finish. Serve immediately and get ready to savor the island flavors!
How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Lemon wedges are an ideal garnish; they not only brighten the dish but also offer guests the option to customize the tanginess. A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley adds a vibrant color and fresh contrast to the rich garlic butter sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish shines served over steamed white rice, which soaks up every bit of that garlic butter goodness. For a more vibrant plate, a simple side of sautéed vegetables or a crisp green salad complements the shrimp beautifully without overwhelming the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate your presentation, try serving the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe in a pineapple boat or alongside grilled pineapple slices for a tropical twist. Wrapping the shrimp in buttered garlic bread or offering it as a protein topping for a fresh mixed greens bowl are fun variations to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp should be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use them within 2 days for the best flavor and texture. The shrimp and sauce will keep their vibrancy if handled properly.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked shrimp, but it’s best to separate the shrimp from the butter sauce to maintain texture. Freeze the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil or butter to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it tends to dry out the shrimp quickly and dull the garlic flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking to get the perfect sear and texture.
How spicy is this recipe?
The cayenne pepper is optional, so you can easily adjust the heat level to your preferred taste. It adds a gentle warmth without overwhelming the garlic butter flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative, this dish can easily be made gluten-free without compromising the texture.
What can I serve instead of rice?
Cauliflower rice, quinoa, or even a bed of buttery noodles are great alternatives that soak up the sauce wonderfully.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
While you can prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead, it’s best to cook the shrimp fresh to keep them tender and juicy. The garlic butter sauce can lose its vibrant flavor if stored too long.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe is a true gem that’s incredibly easy to make yet packed with bold and fresh flavors. Its quick preparation and irresistible taste make it a perfect go-to whenever you want to bring a little aloha spirit to your table. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
Print
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
A quick and flavorful Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley, perfect for a delicious island-style seafood dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined with tails on
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and place them in a bowl. Toss the shrimp with all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until they are lightly coated evenly.
- Heat Butter and Oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the unsalted butter and olive oil. Allow them to melt together and get hot but not smoking.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the finely minced garlic to the hot butter and oil mixture. Cook for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic to maintain its delicate flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the coated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until pink, then flip and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes on the other side until fully cooked through and opaque.
- Finish with Lemon and Parsley: Drizzle the shrimp with fresh lemon juice and gently toss to coat them in the garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp for a fresh herb finish.
- Serve: Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. For an authentic plate lunch experience, serve over steamed white rice with extra garlic butter spooned on top.
Notes
- For an authentic Hawaiian plate lunch style, serve the shrimp over steamed white rice with extra garlic butter sauce spooned on top for added richness.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your preferred level of spiciness, or omit it entirely for a milder dish.
- Fresh shrimp provide the best texture and flavor; if using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.
