If you are craving a dish that brings the vibrant flavors and laid-back charm of the islands right to your kitchen, this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining tender, succulent shrimp cooked to perfection in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, it captures a perfect balance of savory, zesty, and buttery goodness in every bite. It’s quick to prepare yet delivers a rich taste that feels like a special occasion, making it a favorite not only in Hawaii but for shrimp lovers everywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients form the heart and soul of the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe. Each one is simple but essential, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and that beautiful golden color that makes this dish irresistible.
- Large shrimp (1 pound): Peeled and deveined with tails on, these are the star of the dish, offering delicate texture and taste.
- Garlic (6 cloves): Finely minced to infuse the shrimp with a wonderfully aromatic, savory punch.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Helps create a light coating that crisps up beautifully when cooked.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smokiness and a lovely reddish hue.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor in the dish perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle heat that balances the buttery richness.
- Olive oil or neutral oil (1/4 cup): Provides the perfect cooking base for a crispy, golden finish.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Melts into a silky garlic sauce that coats the shrimp with irresistible flavor.
- Lemon wedges and chopped parsley (optional): Brighten and freshen the dish when served, adding pops of color and zest.
How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Coating
Start by combining the all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This dry mix is what will give your shrimp a light, flavorful crust. Toss your peeled and deveined shrimp in this blend so that each piece is evenly coated but not overloaded—this ensures a perfect golden exterior once cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil or a neutral cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Lay the shrimp out in a single layer to prevent overcrowding and cook them for about 2–3 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a golden color and just opaque shrimp. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and add the butter to the same skillet. Stir it gently until it melts completely, then toss in the finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 30 to 60 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to let it brown or burn to maintain that perfect mellow flavor. This step transforms the dish into the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe you love.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Toss them gently in the luscious garlic butter sauce, making sure each piece is coated with that beautiful, flavorful glaze. This quick toss here balances the crispy goodness with the rich, garlicky sauce perfectly.
How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Lemon wedges are classic and essential here. A squirt of fresh lemon juice right before eating lifts the dish with its bright acidity, cutting through the richness of the butter. Sprinkle on some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green and a touch of herbal freshness—it’s a simple addition that makes your plate look vibrant and inviting.
Side Dishes
This shrimp pairs beautifully with steamed white rice to soak up every drop of that garlicky butter sauce. For a tropical twist, serve alongside chunks of juicy pineapple or a fresh mango salsa. A crisp green salad or grilled vegetables also provide a delightful contrast of texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this dish into a fun, casual meal by serving the shrimp on toasted garlic bread or nestled in warm tortillas with a drizzle of creamy sauce for a shrimp taco variation. You can also plate it over a bed of linguine or angel hair pasta for an island-inspired take on seafood pasta that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe can be transferred into an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 2 days. It’s best to cool the shrimp to room temperature first before refrigerating to keep them tender and prevent them from becoming rubbery.
Freezing
While fresh shrimp is ideal, you can freeze cooked shrimp by laying them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen garlic butter shrimp will keep well for up to 1 month, but the texture does change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or a little butter to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp tough. Heating slowly retains the dish’s fresh, garlicky flavor and buttery finish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but it’s best to thaw them completely and pat dry before coating and cooking. This helps prevent excess moisture which can interfere with getting that perfect crispy coating.
What type of garlic works best for this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Fresh garlic cloves minced finely are ideal for maximum flavor and aroma. Avoid pre-minced or powdered garlic here since the fresh taste is key to the overall success of this dish.
Is it possible to make this dish less rich?
Absolutely! You can reduce the butter by half and use all oil for cooking instead, or use a light olive oil. Adding more fresh lemon juice at the end also brightens the flavors and cuts some richness.
Can I add spice to the shrimp?
Definitely! Feel free to sprinkle in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture to introduce a spicy kick. The warmth balances beautifully with the garlic butter base.
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked perfectly?
The shrimp should turn opaque and pink with firm texture but still slightly tender to touch. Overcooking shrimps makes them rubbery, so aim for just cooked through, usually about 2–3 minutes per side depending on size.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe is one of those magical dishes that manages to be both incredibly simple and extraordinary in flavor. It’s quick enough for busy nights but special enough to impress guests. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a beloved recipe for so many. Go ahead and dive into these garlicky, buttery shrimp—you’ll feel like you’re on a sunny Hawaiian beach with every bite.
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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 features succulent, large shrimp coated in a lightly seasoned flour mixture, pan-fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce. It’s a quick and flavorful dish that captures the essence of island cooking, perfect served with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for a bright finish. Ideal for a main course, this shrimp dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice and pineapple, bringing a taste of Hawaii to your table.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking
- 1/4 cup olive oil or neutral oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
Garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the flour mixture: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Coat the shrimp: Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in the flour mixture, making sure each shrimp is lightly and evenly coated with the mixture.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the garlic butter: Lower the heat to low and add the butter to the same skillet. Once the butter melts, add the finely minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Toss shrimp in garlic butter: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat with the garlic butter sauce evenly.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter shrimp immediately. Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley as desired. This dish pairs ideally with steamed white rice and pineapple on the side for a complete Hawaiian-inspired meal.
Notes
- Use wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- For extra garlic flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder to the flour mixture before coating the shrimp.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic in the butter; cooking over low heat ensures it remains fragrant without becoming bitter.
