Ah, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp—the name alone transports me to sun-soaked beaches and the sound of ocean waves crashing nearby. This dish is like a vacation on a plate, with plump shrimp bathed in a scrumptious garlic sauce that’s sure to win over seafood lovers and skeptics alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh garlic, paprika, and butter delivers an unforgettable taste experience.
- Quick to Prepare: This dish is ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the level of cayenne pepper to perfectly suit your palate.
- Tropical Vibes: A delightful way to bring a taste of Hawaii into your kitchen, no plane ticket required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of ingredients, our Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp comes together easily. Each component has a role to play: from the robust garlic that gives it its signature punch to the butter that makes it all silky and delightful.
- 1 lb. extra large shrimp: Using fresh, deveined shrimp ensures each bite is tender and juicy.
- 1/4 cup minced fresh garlic: The heart of the dish, don’t skimp on this if you love that bold garlic flavor.
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps the spices adhere to the shrimp and creates a lovely crust.
- 1 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds warmth and color to the dish.
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper: Optional, but a must for those who enjoy a little heat.
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter: Provides richness that balances the garlic’s intensity.
- 2 Tbsp olive oil: Partners with butter as the base for sautéing and infuses the dish with additional depth.
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice: A squeeze of brightness that cuts through the richness.
- 1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley: Optional, for a pop of color and freshness.
Variations
Feeling creative? Here are some variations to make this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp truly your own. It’s effortless to tailor the recipe to your diners’ tastes or dietary needs.
- Add Coconut Milk: Introduce a tropical twist by stirring in a splash of coconut milk towards the end.
- Spice It Up: For those who like it fiery, double the cayenne, or add fresh chili slices.
- Herb Twist: Swap parsley for fresh cilantro for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour to ensure everyone at the table can enjoy.
How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Begin by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure that they develop a nice crust when cooked. Place them in a bowl and generously sprinkle with the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together, making sure each shrimp is evenly coated.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large non-stick skillet, melt the butter along with the olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic becomes aromatic but still pale in color.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook the shrimp on the first side until they’re a beautiful pinkish color, which should take about 2 minutes. Flip them over and cook for another 2 minutes, or until they’re perfectly cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the heat and toss them with fresh lemon juice and parsley if using.
Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
- Garlic Timing: Avoid overcooking garlic by sautéing it until it’s just fragrant, as it’s easy to burn and turn bitter.
- Uniform Shrimp Size: Choose shrimp of equal size to ensure even cooking and perfect doneness.
- Butter Consistency: Make sure to dice butter into uniform pieces for even melting and distribution.
- Preheat Pan: Allow the pan to heat before adding the shrimp to achieve the ideal sear.
How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Garnishes
Garnish your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for a touch of green. Add a side of lemon wedges for those who love an extra citrus zing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple white rice to soak up all that garlic butter sauce. For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
For a striking presentation, serve your shrimp in coconut shells for an authentic island feel, or arrange them over a bed of cooked rice or leafy greens on a large, colorful platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to two days. Note that shrimp tend to lose their perfect texture when reheated.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp can alter their texture, but if needed, freeze them in a sealed container. For best results, consume within two weeks of freezing.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the shrimp gently over low heat in a skillet to maintain their tenderness. Avoid microwaving as this can cause them to become rubbery.
FAQs
-
Can I make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp without butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine or a non-dairy butter to make the dish vegan-friendly while keeping that silky sauce texture.
-
What kind of shrimp works best for this recipe?
Larger shrimp, such as extra-large or jumbo, hold up best in this recipe and provide a meatier bite, though any size can be used in a pinch.
-
Is it necessary to use fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic provides the most robust flavor, but jarred minced garlic can be a convenient substitute, just adjust the quantity to taste.
-
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
To avoid overcooking, watch the shrimp closely and remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 4 minutes in total.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a dish worthy of your dinner table, bringing a delightful mix of flavors and the spirit of the islands with every bite. I hope you find it as irresistible as I do and feel inspired to serve it up as a special treat for friends and family!
Print
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
A quick and flavorful Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe featuring succulent shrimp coated in aromatic garlic and spices, sautéed in butter and olive oil for a delicious seafood dish that captures tropical flavors.
Ingredients
Dry ingredients
- 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 pepper
Wet ingredients
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, diced into 1 Tbsp pieces
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley (optional)
Main ingredients
- 1 lb. extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Using paper towels, dab the shrimp dry of excess moisture on both sides. Place in a bowl.
- Coat the shrimp: Sprinkle the shrimp with flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper as desired. Toss to evenly coat with the spices.
- Melt butter and oil: In a large 12-inch non-stick skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Cook the shrimp – first side: Add the coated shrimp in an even layer and cook until they turn pinkish on the bottom, about 2 minutes.
- Flip and cook – second side: Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes until just cooked through and pink.
- Finish with lemon and parsley: Remove the skillet from heat, toss the shrimp with lemon juice, and garnish with parsley if using.
- Serve: Serve immediately, topped with the garlic butter sauce remaining in the pan.
Notes
- Ensure not to brown the garlic to keep its fresh flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for desired spice level.
- Best served immediately for optimal freshness and flavor.
- You can add some chopped scallions for extra garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
