Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Introduction

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a mouthwatering dish inspired by the famous shrimp trucks of Hawaii’s North Shore. These golden, buttery shrimp are loaded with garlicky goodness and a hint of lemon, making them an irresistible treat. The shrimp are pan-fried to perfection with plenty of garlic and served with a side of hot rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. This dish is quick, simple, and bursting with bold flavors that will transport you straight to the islands.

I remember my first taste of Hawaiian garlic shrimp during a trip to Oahu. The combination of tender shrimp, rich garlic butter, and that splash of citrus was unforgettable. Once I tried recreating it at home, it quickly became a family favorite. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up in under 30 minutes.

What makes this dish so special is the balance of flavors—the savory butter and garlic, the fresh pop of lemon juice, and just a touch of spice from red pepper flakes. Serve it with steamed rice or a fresh green salad, and don’t forget to have extra napkins on hand because these shrimp are deliciously messy in the best way. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical escape or just want to try something new for dinner, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp will not disappoint!

Perfect for:

• Quick weeknight dinners
• Backyard barbecues
• Seafood lovers
• Tropical-themed meals
• Family gatherings

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Here’s why Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp will be your new go-to shrimp dish:

• Packed with Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a fast meal.
• Authentic Taste: Inspired by the famous shrimp trucks of Hawaii, this dish brings a taste of the islands to your kitchen.
• Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of ingredients, you can create an unforgettable meal.
• Customizable: Adjust the garlic, spice level, and lemon to your taste preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 22g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 22g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 10 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
• Steamed white rice for serving

Ingredient Highlights

• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen large shrimp work well. Leave the tails on for a more authentic feel.
• Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor—don’t skimp on it!
• Butter and Olive Oil: This combination adds richness and helps prevent the garlic from burning.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and color to the shrimp.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp:

Prepare the Shrimp:

1. Clean the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Season and Coat: In a small bowl, combine the flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Lightly coat the shrimp with the flour mixture.

Cook the Shrimp:

3. Heat the Oil and Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and melt the butter.
4. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
5. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp are golden and cooked through.
6. Add Lemon Juice: Drizzle the lemon juice over the shrimp and give it a quick toss to combine.

Serve:

7. Garnish and Plate: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately with steamed white rice.

How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is best served hot and fresh. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Over Rice: The traditional way is to serve the shrimp over a bed of steamed white rice, allowing the rice to soak up all the garlicky butter sauce.
• With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a lighter meal.
• As a Taco Filling: Stuff the shrimp into soft tortillas and top with cabbage slaw for a tropical shrimp taco.
• With Grilled Pineapple: Add some grilled pineapple on the side for a sweet and savory combination.
• For a Party Platter: Serve the shrimp with toothpicks as an appetizer at your next gathering.
• As a Sandwich or Po’ Boy – Stuff the shrimp into a toasted baguette or roll with lettuce, tomatoes, and garlic aioli.
• Over Mashed Potatoes – Serve the shrimp on creamy mashed potatoes, topped with the buttery garlic sauce.
• With Grilled Vegetables – Plate the shrimp alongside grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and corn for a light meal.
• In a Pasta Dish – Mix the shrimp into linguine or fettuccine, with a white wine garlic butter sauce.
• As an Appetizer – Serve the shrimp on skewers with lemon wedges and extra garlic butter for dipping.

Additional Tips for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Here are some tips to ensure your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp turns out perfect every time:

• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor. Avoid using pre-minced garlic from a jar.
• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Keep the heat on medium to avoid burning the garlic, which can turn bitter.
• Use Large Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for this recipe, as they’re easier to cook evenly.
• Adjust the Lemon Juice: Add more or less lemon juice to suit your taste.
• Add Some Heat: For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. As soon as they turn pink and curl up, they’re done.

Recipe Variations for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Here are 10 variations you can try for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp:

1. Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
2. Coconut Garlic Shrimp: Cook the shrimp in coconut oil and garnish with toasted coconut flakes.
3. Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: Add cooked pasta and extra butter for a scampi-style dish.
4. Curry Garlic Shrimp: Stir in a teaspoon of curry powder for a flavorful twist.
5. Garlic Lime Shrimp: Swap the lemon juice for lime juice for a different citrus flavor.
6. Herb Garlic Shrimp: Add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for an aromatic touch.
7. Honey Garlic Shrimp: Drizzle honey over the shrimp for a sweet and savory flavor.
8. Pineapple Garlic Shrimp: Add pineapple chunks for a tropical touch.
9. Garlic Parmesan Shrimp: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp just before serving.
10. Gluten-Free Garlic Shrimp: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free version.

Freezing and Storage for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

• Freezing: While it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months. Allow them to cool, then store in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a skillet.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to preserve the texture.

Special Equipment for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Here are some helpful tools for preparing Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp:

• Large Skillet: A non-stick or cast-iron skillet works well for cooking the shrimp evenly.
• Tongs: Use tongs for flipping the shrimp easily.
• Microplane: For finely mincing the garlic and zesting citrus.
• Citrus Juicer: Makes juicing lemons quick and easy.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensure precise seasoning measurements.
• Rice Cooker: For perfectly cooked rice to serve alongside the shrimp.
• Food Scale – To measure shrimp and ingredients accurately.
• Citrus Juicer – For fresh lemon juice to finish the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, thaw them completely and pat dry before using.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
   Yes, replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as olive oil or coconut oil.
3. What type of shrimp should I use?
   Large shrimp (16/20 count per pound) are ideal for this recipe.
4. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
   It’s not recommended, as the shrimp may become rubbery when reheated.
5. Can I make this spicy?
   Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.

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Conclusion

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that brings the tropical flavors of the islands right to your table. Each bite of tender, juicy shrimp coated in a rich garlicky butter sauce will transport you straight to a Hawaiian food truck. It’s the perfect balance of savory and aromatic, making it hard to resist.

Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight meal or at a summer gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Pair it with steamed rice, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and a sprinkle of parsley for a complete island-inspired feast.

Can’t wait to see your version of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creation! Happy cooking!