If you’re craving a dish bursting with bold flavors and that irresistible garlicky charm, you’re going to love this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe. This is one of those dishes that’s incredibly quick to whip up but never short on taste. Juicy shrimp get bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce enhanced with zesty lemon and a touch of smoky paprika, making every bite a perfect balance of savory and bright. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special treat, this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe brings the sunny vibes of the islands right to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s beautiful about this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is how the ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a vital role in creating that unforgettable flavor and luscious texture. These pantry staples come together effortlessly to create a dish that looks as vibrant as it tastes!
- 1 pound large uncooked shrimp: Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil (divided): Adds a silky richness and helps carry the garlic’s flavor.
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter (divided): For that creamy, luscious sauce that clings to every shrimp.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): The star ingredient that gives the dish its fragrant, savory punch.
- Juice from half of a large lemon: Brightens the dish and balances the richness perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse Hawaiian sea salt (or regular coarse sea salt): Adds crunch and emphasizes the oceanic flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A subtle kick that rounds out the seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Delivers a mild smokiness and beautiful color to the sauce.
How to Make Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Warm Your Butter and Oil
Start by heating 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. This gentle warming lets the butter melt smoothly into the oil, creating a rich base for your sauce. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it releases its intoxicating aroma and starts to caramelize slightly—this step is key for building that deeply flavorful garlicky foundation.
Step 2: Build the Bright and Savory Sauce
Next, stir in the fresh lemon juice along with the coarse sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. The lemon juice adds a zesty lift that balances the richness beautifully, while the salt and paprika bring depth and a hint of smoky complexity. Then, add the remaining olive oil and butter. This slow cooking lets the flavors meld gently, preparing the perfect sauce for the star of the show.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection
Now, carefully add your shrimp to the skillet, making sure they’re nestled in the fragrant sauce. Cook them for just about 2 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous orange-pink color. Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them—overcooking can make them rubbery, and you want tender, juicy bites every time.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve your shrimp with the sauce spooned generously over the top. This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe tastes fantastic over a bed of fluffy white rice that soaks up all the buttery, garlicky goodness. Grab a fork and dig in—it’s a dish that invites you to savor every last bite.
How to Serve Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
While the shrimp themselves are the star, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of fresh color and brightness that makes the presentation pop. If you’re feeling adventurous, a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can give a subtle heat that wakes up your palate beautifully without overpowering the garlic flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement rather than compete. Traditional Hawaiian white rice is a classic for soaking up all the garlicky butter sauce. For a fresher, lighter take, try steamed broccoli, sautéed greens, or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the richness. Even a side of grilled pineapple will tie into that Hawaiian vibe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve your Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe in a hollowed-out pineapple bowl—talk about island flair! Another fun idea is to serve the shrimp tacos with a sprinkle of cabbage and a drizzle of creamy sauce for handheld bites packed with flavor. No matter how you present it, this dish always shines.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and are best eaten within 2 days. The flavors remain delightful, though the shrimp might lose some of their fresh texture, so enjoy them sooner rather than later.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp cooked in sauce can be done, but it’s best to freeze them separately from any rice or sides. Use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. For optimum quality, consume frozen shrimp within 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid toughening the shrimp. Add a splash of water or a little extra butter to keep the sauce silky. Avoid the microwave if possible, as shrimp can turn rubbery quickly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely and don’t release too much water, which can dilute the sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish spicy?
Yes! Adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during the garlic sauté stage will give your Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe a lovely kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I prepare this recipe without butter?
You can substitute butter with a bit more olive oil or a dairy-free spread, but butter adds that signature richness and mouthfeel, so it’s worth using if possible.
What kind of rice works best as a side?
Traditional steamed white or jasmine rice works beautifully, soaking up the garlicky sauce perfectly. For a healthier twist, brown rice or cauliflower rice can also be great alternatives.
How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
Each side cooks very quickly—about 2 minutes—until the shrimp turns that lovely vibrant orange-pink color. Cooking too long will make the shrimp tough, so keep an eye on them!
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is an absolute delight, showing that a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. It’s perfect for when you want a fast, flavorful meal that feels like a mini vacation on your plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy of bright, garlicky shrimp with your family and friends!
Print
Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic-butter sauce infused with fresh lemon juice and traditional Hawaiian sea salt. Perfectly seared in a skillet, the shrimp are tender and juicy, offering a perfect balance of buttery richness, bright citrus, and subtle smoky paprika, ideal for a fast weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large uncooked shrimp
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- juice from half of a large lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse Hawaiian sea salt (or regular coarse sea salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare skillet and sauté garlic: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add 4 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons salted butter. Warm and stir until the butter melts completely. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly caramelized, enhancing its sweetness and aroma.
- Add seasoning and remaining fats: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, coarse Hawaiian sea salt, black pepper, and paprika into the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Continue to cook and stir gently for about 2 minutes to combine the flavors and let the sauce slightly thicken.
- Cook the shrimp: Carefully add the uncooked shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side until the shrimp turn opaque and orange-pink in color, indicating they are fully cooked but still juicy.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the garlic shrimp immediately over cooked rice or your choice of side, spooning the buttery garlic sauce over the top for maximum flavor. Enjoy your quick and delicious Hawaiian style garlic shrimp!
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp as it can become tough and rubbery; shrimp cook very quickly and are done when turning orange-pink.
- Use coarse Hawaiian sea salt for an authentic flavor but regular coarse sea salt is an acceptable substitute.
- Serve the shrimp over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- Garlic can be adjusted to taste if you prefer a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
