Island-Fresh Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe: Taste The Aloha

Succulent shrimp dancing with Hawaiian garlic shrimp recipe magic create an irresistible seafood experience that transports you straight to island paradise.

Tender prawns bathed in a rich, buttery sauce burst with intense garlic flavor and zesty seasonings.

North Shore food trucks inspired this beloved dish, capturing the essence of tropical coastal cuisine.

Each bite promises a delectable blend of crisp, golden-edged shrimp and intense garlic notes that sing with bright, bold flavors.

Fresh ingredients and simple techniques unlock a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.

The recipe transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into a culinary escape, promising restaurant-worthy results that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Prepare to savor every mouthwatering moment of this Hawaiian classic.

Why Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Feels Like Vacation

• Capture the essence of Hawaiian cuisine with this simple yet incredibly tasty shrimp dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen.
• Prepare a gourmet meal using just a few pantry staples, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Impress family and friends with a protein-packed dish that works perfectly as a main course, appetizer, or party snack that everyone will absolutely love.
• Master essential cooking techniques like searing and creating a rich butter sauce, all while feeling confident in the kitchen with this foolproof recipe that guides you step by step.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

• Shrimp: Large, fresh seafood that serves as the star of this Hawaiian-inspired dish.

• Flour, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper: A spice mixture that coats the shrimp and adds depth of flavor and slight heat to the recipe.

• Unsalted Butter, Olive Oil: Create a rich, golden base that prevents burning and adds luxurious taste to the shrimp.
• Garlic: Provides a powerful, aromatic punch that defines the classic Hawaiian garlic shrimp flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, citrusy notes that balance the richness of the butter.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a fresh, herbal finish to the dish.

• White Rice: A classic accompaniment that absorbs the delicious garlic butter sauce.

How to Cook Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp for Cooking

Pat each shrimp completely dry using paper towels.

Removing excess moisture helps create a perfect golden sear when cooking.

The drier the shrimp, the better the flavor absorption and caramelization.

Step 2: Create Flavor Coating

• Flour
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently toss to ensure every shrimp gets an even, delicious coating.

Step 3: Create Cooking Base

Combine butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Let the fats melt together, creating a golden cooking foundation that prevents burning and adds rich flavor.

Step 4: Initial Shrimp Searing

Place seasoned shrimp in a single layer across the skillet.

Cook undisturbed for approximately 2 minutes until bottom edges turn pink.

Maintain consistent heat for perfect caramelization.

Step 5: Complete Shrimp Cooking

Carefully flip each shrimp.

Cook an additional 2 minutes until shrimp become completely opaque.

Watch closely to prevent overcooking, which can make shrimp tough.

Step 6: Infuse with Garlic

Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet.

Saute for 30 seconds, allowing garlic to release its aromatic flavors into the butter sauce.

Step 7: Final Flavor Boost

Remove skillet from heat.

Gently toss shrimp with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.

These bright ingredients balance the rich garlic butter and add a fresh dimension.

Step 8: Plate and Serve

Transfer shrimp over steamed white rice.

Pour remaining garlic butter sauce from the pan directly over the dish.

The rice will soak up the incredible flavors, creating a complete Hawaiian-inspired meal.

Tips to Get Juicy Garlic Shrimp

• Pat shrimp with paper towels to remove moisture, ensuring a crisp, golden sear and maximum flavor absorption during cooking.
• Combine butter and olive oil to create a stable, rich cooking base that prevents scorching and adds depth to the dish.
• Watch shrimp closely while cooking, aiming for 2 minutes per side until they turn opaque to avoid rubbery texture and maintain tender, juicy meat.
• Add minced garlic at the end of cooking for 30 seconds to release aromatic oils without burning, creating a robust and fragrant sauce.
• Finish the dish with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to brighten flavors, cut through richness, and add a vibrant, fresh dimension to the Hawaiian garlic shrimp.

Store and Reheat Garlic Shrimp Properly

• Transfer cooled shrimp to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover completely to prevent odor transfer and maintain freshness.
• Wrap shrimp tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or vacuum seal. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Label with date to track storage time.
• Place shrimp on microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 15-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking. Stir gently between intervals.
• Gently reheat shrimp in a skillet over low-medium heat. Add small pat of butter or splash of olive oil to restore moisture. Cook quickly, stirring occasionally, until heated through without becoming rubbery.

Pairings for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the rich garlic butter and complement the shrimp's delicate flavor. The wine's bright acidity will refresh your palate between bites.
• Enhance with Tropical Slaw: Create a tangy coleslaw with pineapple chunks, red cabbage, and a light citrus dressing. This side dish adds crunch, balances the buttery shrimp, and echoes the Hawaiian theme.
• Match with Coconut Rice: Upgrade the plain steamed rice by cooking it with coconut milk, which adds a subtle sweetness and creamy texture that perfectly harmonizes with the garlicky shrimp.
• Serve with Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a light, crisp Hawaiian or Belgian-style wheat beer that won't overpower the dish. The beer's effervescence will cleanse the palate and highlight the shrimp's delicate seasoning.

New Takes on Garlic Shrimp Recipes

• Gluten-Free Hawaiian Shrimp: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour to create a crispy coating that's safe for gluten-sensitive individuals. This variation maintains the classic flavor profile while accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Coconut Hawaiian Shrimp: Add a splash of coconut milk and increase cayenne pepper for a tropical heat-infused version. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes to enhance the island-inspired taste and texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Option: Swap traditional white rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative. The garlic butter sauce will still provide incredible flavor while keeping the dish diet-friendly.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute shrimp with firm tofu or king oyster mushrooms, using plant-based butter and maintaining the original seasoning blend. This version offers a similar texture and allows vegetarians to enjoy the Hawaiian-style cooking method.

FAQs

• What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal because they stay juicy and provide a meaty texture. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for the easiest cooking experience.

• Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning. Removing excess moisture helps achieve that perfect golden sear and prevents steaming instead of browning.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the amount to your preference. If you want more kick, add extra cayenne or include some red pepper flakes during cooking.

• How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and form a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked and might become rubbery. Cooking should take about 4 minutes total.

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Hawaiian garlic shrimp brings island flavors straight to your kitchen with bold, buttery goodness. Crisp garlic notes and succulent shrimp create a quick, mouthwatering meal that transports you to tropical paradise with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup minced fresh garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
• White rice for serving

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly pat shrimp dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring optimal searing potential during cooking.
2. Combine flour, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, gently coating each shrimp with the seasoning blend to maximize flavor infusion.
3. Heat medium skillet, blending unsalted butter and olive oil over medium temperature until smoothly integrated, creating a golden cooking foundation.
4. Carefully arrange seasoned shrimp in single layer across skillet, allowing 2-3 minutes of undisturbed cooking until bottom surfaces transform to pinkish hue.
5. Gently rotate shrimp, cooking additional 2 minutes until completely opaque and achieving consistent golden-pink coloration throughout.
6. Introduce remaining butter and minced garlic, sautéing 30-45 seconds until aromatic and garlic releases its intense fragrance.
7. Immediately remove from heat, delicately incorporating fresh lemon juice and finely chopped parsley, which brightens and balances the rich garlic butter sauce.
8. Transfer shrimp atop steamed white rice, generously drizzling remaining garlic butter sauce to enhance overall flavor profile and create a luxurious Hawaiian-inspired dining experience.

Notes

• Pat shrimp completely dry to achieve a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Use high-quality fresh shrimp for maximum flavor and tender texture in the final dish.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal spice tolerance to customize heat level.
• Consider using gluten-free flour alternatives like almond or rice flour for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg