If you’ve ever dreamed of tasting the tropical breeze in a dish, then this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe is your perfect getaway on a plate. Bursting with garlicky, buttery goodness balanced by a hint of spice, every bite feels like a celebration of island flavors. This recipe brings together simple ingredients that transform everyday shrimp into a sensational dish, making it a beloved favorite worth sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe lies in its simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each one plays its part to create the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color that defines this dish.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on): Using large shrimp ensures a juicy, satisfying bite while keeping the tails on adds a lovely presentation.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This helps the shrimp get that delicate, crispy coating without overpowering the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful warm color.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just the right kick to enhance the shrimp without overwhelming them.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the seasonings perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a mild bite and complements the garlic’s pungency.
- 8 garlic cloves, finely minced: The heart of this recipe, delivering the signature fragrant, savory punch.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Gives richness and a silky sauce to coat the shrimp beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps elevate the butter’s flavor and keeps the shrimp from sticking.
- Chopped parsley and lemon wedges for serving: Freshness and acidity add a vibrant finishing touch.
How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
Begin by combining the all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. This flavorful blend becomes the shrimp’s light but crispy coating, creating a wonderful contrast with the juicy interior. Dredge each shrimp thoroughly in this mixture, then shake off any excess for the perfect balance.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic Butter
In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter together with the olive oil. The olive oil prevents the butter from burning and adds depth. Once melted, add the finely minced garlic and cook gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the kitchen fills with that intoxicating garlic aroma—just be careful not to brown the garlic, as it would become bitter.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Place the dredged shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn gorgeous golden and opaque. As they cook, spoon the garlicky butter over the shrimp repeatedly to infuse flavor and keep them moist. This step is essential in making the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe truly shine.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to your favorite serving plate. Sprinkle generously with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and serve alongside lemon wedges. The fresh citrus cut through the richness, brightening every bite.
How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped parsley is a classic and delightful garnish that adds a refreshing herbaceous note and visual appeal. Lemon wedges are a must-have, inviting each person to squeeze fresh juice that enhances the garlic butter’s buttery depth with vibrant acidity.
Side Dishes
This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe pairs beautifully with simple steamed white rice, which soaks up the garlicky butter sauce perfectly. For a light contrast, a crisp green salad or sautéed seasonal vegetables offer balance and variety on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an island-style feast, serve the shrimp over a bed of coconut rice or alongside grilled pineapple slices to amp up the tropical vibe. Another fun idea is to incorporate the shrimp into warm, soft tortillas with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of creamy sauce for shrimp tacos with a Hawaiian twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making it a convenient and tasty option for next-day meals or snacks.
Freezing
While shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. For best quality, consume within 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat your shrimp on the stovetop over low heat to maintain their tenderness. Adding a splash of butter or olive oil helps keep the shrimp moist, ensuring that the flavors remain rich and delicious without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry, and proceed as usual. Dry shrimp will help the flour coating stick better and achieve that perfect golden crust.
Is it okay to use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is key to this recipe’s vibrant flavor and aroma, but in a pinch, a pinch of garlic powder can work. Just remember it won’t provide the same fresh intensity that minced garlic delivers.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! You can increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic butter to dial up the heat without overpowering the dish.
What can I substitute for butter if I want a lighter version?
Olive oil alone can substitute for butter to reduce saturated fat, but the flavor profile will be a bit different. For a middle ground, try using a blend of butter and olive oil as the recipe suggests.
Is Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe traditionally served with rice?
Yes, serving this shrimp with steamed white rice is a classic Hawaiian plate lunch tradition. It creates a satisfying, balanced meal where the rice soaks up all the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe that makes it a standout at any table. It’s straightforward to make but packed with layers of flavor that feel both indulgent and fresh. Whether you’re aiming for a quick weeknight dinner or a lively meal to impress guests, this dish is sure to bring warmth, joy, and a bit of island magic straight to your home kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first garlicky 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
Description
This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe offers a flavorful and easy-to-make seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp coated in a spiced flour mixture, sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick main course, it embodies the classic island flavors and can be served with lemon wedges and parsley for a fresh finish.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 8 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Serving
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give the shrimp a flavorful, lightly spiced crust.
- Dredge the Shrimp: Coat the peeled and deveined shrimp thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess to avoid clumping.
- Heat the Butter and Oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter together with the olive oil until fully combined and hot.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the finely minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant but not browned, to infuse the butter with rich garlic flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp: Lay the coated shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn golden and are cooked through. While cooking, spoon the garlic butter over the shrimp to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top to brighten the dish.
Notes
- For a more authentic Hawaiian flavor, consider cooking shrimp with shells on and whole.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice for a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch.
- Ensure garlic is cooked just until fragrant to avoid bitterness from browning.
- Shrimp can be substituted with other shellfish for variation.
