If you are craving a vibrant and bold seafood dish that bursts with garlic flavor and tropical charm, this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine succulent, golden shrimp coated with a fragrant garlic butter sauce, kissed by a hint of zesty lemon, and ready in just 20 minutes. It perfectly captures the spirit of island cooking with simple ingredients that come together for a taste you won’t forget. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight meal or treating friends, this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe brings a lively and comforting dish straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the plump shrimp providing meaty texture to the fresh garlic infusing pungent aroma and flavor. The flour mix offers a delicate crust, while butter and olive oil create the rich base for the luscious sauce. Let’s dive into these basic yet vital ingredients that will make every bite irresistible.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on): Choose fresh or thawed shrimp with tails on for flavor and presentation.
- 1 head garlic (10–12 cloves), finely minced: Fresh garlic is the star, delivering bold, fragrant intensity.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: This creates a light coating to help achieve a crispy exterior when cooked.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the shrimp.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): A pinch for those who want a gentle kick of heat.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly balanced.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides mild earthiness and warmth.
- 4 tablespoons butter: The foundation of the garlic butter sauce, infusing richness and silkiness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Assists in cooking the shrimp evenly and adds fruity notes.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens and lifts the overall flavor with citrus freshness.
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Enhance each bite with an extra squeeze of zesty brightness.
How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Coating
Start by mixing the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper if you like it spicy, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This blend will give the shrimp that irresistible golden crust. Next, lightly coat each shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess so you get a light and even covering without clumps. This step might seem minor, but it adds an amazing texture that makes every bite a delight.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil along with half of the butter (2 tablespoons). Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer—crowding the pan will steam rather than fry. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden and opaque. Then, carefully remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside to rest while you prepare the garlic butter sauce.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the remaining butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir constantly and sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can turn bitter. This step fills your kitchen with the intoxicating aroma that defines this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe. The sauce will be silky and fragrant, setting the stage for the next step.
Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss them in the garlic butter sauce to coat evenly. Add the lemon juice and stir gently to blend all the flavors together. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, giving the shrimp time to soak up those buttery, garlicky notes and to meld with the lemon’s bright acidity.
How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Though optional, garnishing your dish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a refreshing herbal note and a burst of green vibrancy that livens up the plate. Lemon wedges are also a must-have; they invite everyone to add a fresh, tangy splash that perfectly balances the richness of the garlic butter.
Side Dishes
The classic way to enjoy this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe is over a bed of steaming white rice, which soaks up all the wonderful garlic butter sauce. You can also serve it alongside a crisp green salad or lightly steamed vegetables to keep the meal bright and balanced. For a heartier option, try sweet potato fries or roasted pineapple for a taste of the islands.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the shrimp in mini cast-iron skillets or on a platter lined with banana leaves for that authentic island vibe. For casual fun, try it as a filling for soft tacos with a drizzle of creamy sriracha mayo. No matter how you plate it, this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavor holds well, but for best taste, enjoy it as soon as possible since seafood can lose its texture with time.
Freezing
Though this recipe tastes best fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp in their sauce by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Be sure to cool completely before freezing to maintain quality.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Add a splash of water or a small knob of butter if the sauce seems dry. Avoid microwaving if possible, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before coating and cooking. This helps the flour stick better and prevents excess moisture during cooking.
Is there a substitute for all-purpose flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour blends if you want to make this dish gluten-free. Cornstarch or rice flour also works well to create that light, crispy coating.
How spicy is this recipe with cayenne pepper added?
The cayenne pepper adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the garlic and lemon flavors. You can adjust the amount or omit it altogether depending on your heat preference.
Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
It’s best to make the sauce fresh with the shrimp to keep the garlic vibrant and avoid it turning bitter. However, you can prepare the garlic butter mix a few hours ahead and gently reheat it when cooking.
What do I do if my garlic burns while sautéing?
If the garlic turns brown or black, it will taste bitter. It’s better to discard it and start over with fresh garlic, cooking on a lower heat next time. Stirring constantly helps prevent burning.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something incredibly special and vibrant. It’s easy to make, packed with flavors that feel like a sunny escape, and perfectly suited for any day you want to treat yourself or loved ones. Go ahead, bring a little island magic into your kitchen—you’ll be so glad you did!
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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
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp sautéed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, delivering a bold, island-inspired flavor. Perfectly seasoned with paprika, cayenne, and lemon juice, this quick and easy stovetop dish is traditionally served over white rice and garnished with fresh parsley or green onions for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1 head garlic (10–12 cloves), finely minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish and Serving
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Lightly coat the shrimp in this flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour to ensure even cooking and a light crust.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside, keeping them warm.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the finely minced garlic. Sauté gently for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to release the garlic’s aroma.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce. Add the lemon juice and stir to coat the shrimp evenly. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the garlic shrimp hot over a bed of white rice. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and lemon wedges for an added touch of freshness and zest.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic to ensure the most vibrant and bold flavor in the garlic butter sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- This dish is traditionally served with white rice to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder taste.
