Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that transports you straight to the Hawaiian coast, then the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp will certainly delight your senses. This vibrant recipe, featuring the rich flavors of garlic, butter, and a hint of lemon, brings you the taste of the tropics in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon juice elevates this dish to a new level of deliciousness.
  • Quick and Easy: With a cooking time of just 5 minutes, this is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
  • Authentically Hawaiian: This recipe captures the authentic flavors of a Hawaiian favorite, bringing joy and sunshine to any meal.
  • Versatile Delight: Serve it up over rice, a fresh salad, or even pasta for a delightful meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe makes use of simple ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable dish. Each element plays a vital role in enhancing flavor and texture, ensuring every bite is a little piece of paradise.

  • 1 lb. extra large shrimp: Using large shrimp gives a hearty, satisfying bite and packs all the flavor in each piece.
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh garlic: Fresh garlic is key here, offering a punch that complements the buttery richness.
  • 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour: This helps hold the spices onto the shrimp, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
  • 1 1/2 tsp paprika: Paprika adds a subtle warmth and beautiful color to the dish.
  • 6 Tbsp unsalted butter: Butter is the heart of the sauce, providing richness and balance.
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil: Pairing with butter, it prevents burning and adds a slight earthiness.
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice: A splash of lemon brings brightness and cuts through the richness of the garlic and butter.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Enhances all the natural flavors of the ingredients.
  • 1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herby finish to the dish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit personal preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

  • Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for an extra fiery kick.
  • Herb-Lovers: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a refreshing twist.
  • Lemon-Garlic Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta for a delightful seafood pasta dish.

How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by using paper towels to dab the shrimp dry to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial because dry shrimp take on the seasonings better and will sear beautifully when cooked.

Step 2: Season and Coat

In a bowl, sprinkle the shrimp with flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated. This flavorful coating forms the base of the delicious shrimp crust.

Step 3: Cook the Garlic

Melt the butter with olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not browning. This brings out the sweetness of the garlic without turning it bitter.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook on the first side until a pinkish hue appears on the bottom, which should take about 2 minutes. Flip them over and cook the other side until they are just cooked through, around 2 more minutes. Remove from heat, toss with lemon juice, and garnish with parsley.

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

  • Perfect Sear: Make sure the shrimp are dry before you start to ensure a nice sear, enhancing both texture and flavor.
  • Fine Garlic Mince: The garlic should be finely minced to release more flavor without burning quickly.
  • Balanced Flavors: Adjust the lemon juice and cayenne to your taste preference to achieve the perfect balance of tang and spice.
  • Preserve the Garlic: When sautéing garlic, keep stirring to prevent burning; burnt garlic can turn the dish bitter.

How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

To add a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp just before serving. A light zest of lemon can also brighten up each bite, making the dish even more vibrant.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, which soaks up all the delicious sauce, or a crisp green salad for a lighter option. A side of grilled vegetables can also complement the rich flavors and add some extra nutrients.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the shrimp in a pineapple half for an authentic Hawaiian presentation. Alternatively, use a large seashell to hold the shrimp for a delightful oceanic theme, impressing guests with both taste and presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (though that’s a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors will deepen, making the dish even tastier the next day.

Freezing

Freezing cooked shrimp is possible but can alter the texture slightly. If you plan to freeze, do so without the sauce, storing it separately. They can be frozen for up to a month and make for a quick future meal when defrosted and reheated gently.

Reheating

To reheat the shrimp without overcooking, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent them from drying out. Stir occasionally until the shrimp are heated through, maintaining their tender texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

    Yes, just make sure to defrost and pat them dry thoroughly to ensure they cook properly and absorb the seasoning.

  2. What can I use instead of fresh garlic?

    While fresh garlic is best, you can use garlic powder — about half a teaspoon per clove as a substitute.

  3. How do I keep the garlic from burning?

    Keep the heat on medium and stir frequently. Adding the garlic only after the butter has melted will help prevent burning.

  4. Can I make this without lemon juice?

    Yes, though lemon juice adds a nice brightness. You can substitute with lime juice or omit it entirely if preferred.

Final Thoughts

The Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a delightful journey to the islands, complete with the irresistible combination of buttery, garlicky goodness. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking to bring a bit of aloha into your kitchen!

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Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 127 reviews
  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Seafood
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Description

Enjoy a flavorful Hawaiian-style garlic shrimp that is quick to prepare and packed with bold garlic and paprika flavors, complemented by a buttery sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, this recipe delivers succulent shrimp with a fragrant garlic butter coating in just under 20 minutes.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Seafood

  • 1 lb. extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Herbs & Spices

  • 1/4 cup (slightly packed) minced fresh garlic (nearly 1 medium head)
  • 1 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Dairy & Oils

  • 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, diced into 1 Tbsp pieces
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil

Acid & Garnish

  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Shrimp: Using paper towels, dab the shrimp dry of excess moisture on both sides. Place in a bowl.
  2. Season: Sprinkle the shrimp with flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat each piece.
  3. Cook Garlic: Melt the butter with olive oil in a large 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
  4. Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp in an even layer to the skillet. Cook on the first side until they turn pinkish on the bottom, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for about 2 minutes or until just cooked through.
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, toss the shrimp with lemon juice, and garnish with parsley if using. Serve immediately with extra garlic butter sauce from the pan.

Notes

  • Ensure the shrimp are thoroughly dried to prevent splattering during cooking.
  • You can adjust cayenne pepper for heat preference.
  • Serve with rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful butter sauce.
  • For extra flavor, add chopped green onions or additional herbs.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 4-5 shrimp)
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 165 mg

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