Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe

If you love bold flavors and island vibes, you are in for an irresistible treat! Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is bursting with garlicky, buttery goodness—just like the famous food truck plates on Oahu’s North Shore. This recipe brings tropical sunshine straight to your kitchen, with juicy shrimp and that signature savory garlic sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of honest, hardworking ingredients to make this incredible Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp. Each one plays its part—bringing texture, savoriness, and that unmistakable tropical flair. Here’s why they matter!

• Extra Large Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): The star of the show! Larger shrimp soak up all the sauce and stay nice and tender.
• Fresh Garlic (1/4 cup, minced): Nearly a full head! This gives the dish its signature robust, aromatic kick. Don’t be shy.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 Tbsp): Lightly coats the shrimp for a slight crust that grabs onto every drop of garlicky butter.
• Paprika (1 1/2 tsp): Adds sun-kissed color and a gentle smokiness that’s classic for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp.
• Cayenne Pepper (1/8 tsp, optional): Just a pinch for subtle heat—use more or less to match your spice preference.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Season to bring all the flavors together and amplify the savory shrimp.
• Unsalted Butter (6 Tbsp): Makes the sauce decadently rich and glossy. Butter is essential for the flavor and mouthfeel!
• Olive Oil (2 Tbsp): Blends with butter to help sauté the garlic and create a luscious sauce with a touch of fruitiness.
• Fresh Lemon Juice (1 Tbsp): Wakes up the shrimp and balances the richness with a bright, zesty finish.
• Fresh Parsley, minced (1 Tbsp, optional): For an herbaceous pop of color and freshness to finish.

Variations

This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe is delicious as written, but it’s also so much fun to play with! You can easily adapt the flavors or ingredients to make it your own—perfect if you want to tweak for allergies, special diets, or simply to try something new.

• Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for rice flour or a gluten-free blend for the same crispy coating.
• Turn Up the Heat: Double the cayenne or add a splash of chili oil if you love things spicy!
• Citrusy Twist: Use lime juice and zest instead of lemon for a fun, tangy alternative.
• Shrimp Swap: Try this garlic-butter magic with scallops or cubes of firm white fish for a tasty, non-shrimp version.

How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Gently pat your peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is key—the less moisture, the better the light coating sticks. Transfer the shrimp to a bowl so you can toss them easily with the seasonings.

Step 2: Season and Coat

Sprinkle the shrimp with flour, paprika, cayenne (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Toss them together until each piece is evenly coated—this is where the shrimp get those gorgeous red-gold edges during cooking.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Melt the butter with olive oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the mixture is shimmering, add your mound of minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Stir constantly so the garlic doesn’t brown (burnt garlic = bitter sauce!).

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed until the first side is a lovely pink and the coating starts to crisp, about 2 minutes. Flip gently and cook the other side for another 2 minutes, just until the centers are opaque. Resist overcooking—they’ll finish with carryover heat.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon & Parsley

Remove from the heat and immediately squeeze in fresh lemon juice, tossing the shrimp in all that garlicky butter. Garnish with parsley for a burst of green. Be sure to spoon any extra sauce from the pan over the shrimp—that’s pure flavor you don’t want to miss!

How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Garnishes

Sprinkle your finished Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp with extra fresh parsley—or try a bit of sliced green onion for a fun twist! A few lemon wedges on the side look lovely and let everyone add their own zesty hit. If you love a little crunch, a dusting of toasted sesame seeds can be a surprising upgrade.

Side Dishes

Traditionally, these shrimp shine alongside fluffy white rice, which soaks up every drop of the garlicky butter sauce. Want to take it up a notch? Add a scoop of Hawaiian-style macaroni salad, grilled pineapple, or crisp steamed veggies for a complete plate lunch experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp in a wide bowl piled high with rice and garnishes for a classic “shrimp truck” look. For parties, offer mini skewers or lettuce cups filled with shrimp and a dash of sauce—perfect finger food! Or, layer the shrimp on a platter with fresh pineapple rings for a show-stopping island spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any left, place cooled Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors actually get even more intense as they sit, making leftovers seriously craveable!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze cooked shrimp—but for the very best texture, it’s best enjoyed fresh. If needed, freeze cooled shrimp (in sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp over low heat on the stovetop until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you can—gentle stovetop reheating keeps the shrimp juicy and the garlic sauce lush (not greasy or rubbery)!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a platter of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp with the people you love—those big flavors, the irresistible aroma, and the sunny feelings it brings to the table. If you’re ready to add a pinch of paradise to your weeknight, you just have to give this recipe a try. Enjoy every last saucy bite!

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