If you’re craving a taste of paradise, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of the islands. This dish combines plump shrimp with a rich garlic-butter sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that is nothing short of irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: Each bite delivers a burst of garlic and buttery goodness, perfectly paired with the delicate sweetness of shrimp.
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner that feels sophisticated.
- Transportive: With each forkful, you’ll be whisked away to the sunny beaches of Hawaii, thanks to its authentic taste.
- Impressively Simple: A few key ingredients combine to create a dish that will have your guests asking for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role, from the shrimp that brings ocean richness to the zest of lemon juice adding that irresistible tang.
- Extra Large Shrimp: Opt for the plumpest you can find, as they will soak up the garlic butter beautifully.
- Minced Fresh Garlic: Nearly one medium head for a garlicky punch that defines this iconic dish.
- Unsalted Butter: Creates the creamy base for the sauce without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Paprika and Cayenne Pepper: These add a subtle depth and a touch of heat, optional, but recommended.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish, balancing the richness of the butter.
- Minced Fresh Parsley: Optional, but it adds a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness.
Variations
This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it, adjusting for dietary preferences or adventurous palates.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the cayenne pepper for those who love a bit of heat in their meals.
- Herbified: Add fresh thyme or basil for an additional layer of flavor that complements the existing ingredients.
How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Begin by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for a perfect sear. Place the shrimp in a bowl and sprinkle with the flour, paprika, cayenne, and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic
In a large 12-inch non-stick skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant but not browned. Monitor the heat closely to prevent burning.
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in an even layer. Cook them on the first side for about 2 minutes, or until you see the sides turn a pretty pink. Flip the shrimp and cook the opposite side for another 2 minutes until they are just cooked through.
Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and immediately toss the shrimp with fresh lemon juice, garnishing with parsley if desired. Serve immediately, drizzling the extra garlic butter sauce from the pan over the top for an added punch of flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
- Garlic Timing: Keep a close watch as you sauté garlic; too much heat will turn it bitter.
- Even Cooking: Ensuring all shrimp are similar in size helps them to cook evenly.
- Well-Seasoned Pan: A high-quality non-stick skillet ensures each shrimp gets that desirable sear while retaining moisture.
- Maximize Sauce: After cooking, take the extra time to scrape up the flavorful bits from the pan to amplify the sauce’s flavor.
How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Garnishes
For an extra splash of color and taste, sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving. A light dusting of lemon zest can also brighten the dish and enhance the shrimp’s flavor.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, this dish pairs beautifully with a side of fluffy white rice and a tangy pineapple slaw. For a healthier twist, consider serving it with quinoa and grilled vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your presentation by serving the shrimp in a carved-out pineapple for a fun and tropical touch. Alternatively, serve over a bamboo leaf for an authentic island feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp will stay fresh for up to two days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure the shrimp is cooled completely before storing.
Freezing
If you wish to keep them longer, freezing is an option. Place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat your shrimp gently to prevent overcooking. Warming them in a skillet over low heat will help maintain their juicy texture. Add a splash of additional butter if necessary to keep them luscious.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp! Just ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before you start cooking.
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Is there a non-spicy version?
You can skip the cayenne pepper entirely for a milder garlic butter shrimp that’s equally delicious and child-friendly.
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What can I substitute for parsley?
If parsley isn’t available, fresh cilantro or even a mix of chives and dill could work wonderfully to deliver a different but delightful flavor undertone.
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How can I make this dish healthier?
To make this dish healthier, consider reducing the butter by half and replacing it with additional olive oil, which offers heart-healthy benefits.
Final Thoughts
Give this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe a try, and you’ll have a taste of the islands right in your kitchen. Its rich flavors and inviting aromas are bound to make it a household favorite, capturing the essence of paradise with every bite. Enjoy!
Print
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe combines succulent shrimp with a flavorful garlic butter sauce, infused with spices and finished with fresh lemon and parsley. Quick to prepare, it makes for a delightful seafood dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, bringing tropical flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Seafood
– 1 lb. extra large shrimp, peeled and deveinedSeasonings and Flour
– 1/4 cup (slightly packed) minced fresh garlic (nearly 1 medium head) – 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour – 1 1/2 tsp paprika – 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) – Salt and freshly ground black pepperOils and Butter
– 2 Tbsp olive oil – 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, diced into 1 Tbsp piecesAdditional Flavors
– 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice – 1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley (optional)Instructions
- Dry the shrimp: Using paper towels, dab shrimp dry of excess moisture on both sides and place in a bowl.
- Season the shrimp: Sprinkle with flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Toss to evenly coat the shrimp with the seasonings.
- Melt butter and cook garlic: In a large 12-inch non-stick skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to brown the garlic.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp in an even layer in the skillet. Cook for approximately 2 minutes on the first side until they turn pinkish. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, toss the shrimp with lemon juice, and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve immediately topped with any remaining garlic butter sauce from the pan.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper based on your spice preference.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of dry white wine during cooking.
- The dish pairs well with rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
