Get ready to bring some serious island flavor to your kitchen with Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love! This vibrant dish is all about plump, juicy shrimp bathed in a garlicky butter sauce and kissed with citrus—just like the legendary shrimp trucks on the North Shore of Oahu. Every bite is bursting with flavor, perfectly blending savory, spicy, and bright notes. Whether you’re daydreaming of a Hawaiian vacation or simply craving a meal that transports your senses, this recipe promises an unforgettable dining experience right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this classic Hawaiian dish is chosen to bring out authentic flavors and that mouthwatering, golden finish. With a short but mighty list, you’ll see how each item is crucial—no fancy extras required, just a handful of essentials and a whole lot of aloha.
- Shrimp (1 1/2 lbs, shell-on or peeled and deveined): Choose the biggest, juiciest shrimp you can for a truly satisfying bite—shells add extra flavor if you don’t mind peeling!
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Lightly dusting the shrimp gives them that irresistible, slightly crispy finish you crave.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smoky depth and beautiful color to the shrimp.
- Cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a little kick, this brings gentle island heat without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing out the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons): The true star for that luscious, garlic-infused sauce.
- Garlic (8 cloves, finely minced): This is where the magic happens—don’t be shy with the garlic!
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the butter cook evenly and adds silkiness to the sauce.
- Lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon): Brings an unmistakable brightness that lights up the whole dish.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds fresh color and a hint of earthiness at the finish.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): A squeeze just before eating takes this dish over the top.
How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Start by thoroughly rinsing your shrimp under cold water, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. This helps the flour coating stick while ensuring a sizzling, golden crust once they hit the pan. Dry shrimp also means extra crispy edges and intense flavor with every bite.
Step 2: Dredge in Seasoned Flour
In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Give it a quick whisk to evenly distribute all those delicious spices. Lightly coat each shrimp in this mixture, shaking off any excess—you want a delicate layer, not clumps, so the result is perfectly crisp, not doughy.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Set your largest skillet over medium heat and add the butter and olive oil. As the butter melts, toss in all of that glorious minced garlic. Stir frequently and keep a close eye—when the garlic becomes fragrant and just golden (about 30 to 45 seconds), you’re ready for the main event. Be careful: browned garlic can quickly become bitter, so don’t wander away!
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Turn up the heat to medium-high and arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in your skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they release easily from the pan and turn a lovely pink hue. Aim for lightly crispy edges and juicy centers—the best of both worlds.
Step 5: Finish with Freshness
Once the shrimp are cooked through, squeeze in the juice of a whole lemon and sprinkle over the fresh chopped parsley. Give everything a gentle toss to coat each shrimp with that buttery lemon-garlic goodness. Serve piping hot with extra lemon wedges for a final, zesty flourish. Your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love is ready to wow!
How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra parsley and a few bright lemon wedges really make the dish pop, both visually and flavor-wise. Don’t be afraid to add a pinch more flaky salt right before serving for a restaurant-quality finish. These little touches make every bite burst with color and taste.
Side Dishes
For a truly authentic experience, serve your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp with two scoops of steaming white rice and a scoop of creamy Hawaiian-style macaroni salad. The rice soaks up all that irresistible garlicky butter sauce, while the mac salad adds a comforting, nostalgic twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try it with a fresh pineapple salsa on the side for a sweet and tangy kick.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate your presentation, pile the shrimp onto a wooden board with lemon wedges, scatter with extra parsley, and serve family-style—just like the famous North Shore shrimp trucks. Or, divide the shrimp over a bed of greens for an unexpected island-inspired salad. Don’t forget to offer plenty of napkins; this is finger-licking food at its best!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love, simply let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making the leftovers just as crave-worthy as the first bite!
Freezing
While fresh shrimp give the very best texture, you can freeze cooked Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love for up to one month. Store them in a zip-top freezer bag with as much air removed as possible. For the tastiest results, reheat gently to preserve the tender texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place the shrimp in a skillet with a splash of water or extra butter over low heat. Warm just until the shrimp are heated through—avoid overcooking, or you’ll sacrifice that dreamy tenderness. A quick squeeze of fresh lemon at the end brings them right back to life!
FAQs
Can I use pre-peeled shrimp instead of shell-on?
Absolutely! Both shell-on and peeled shrimp work well for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love. Shell-on will impart a bit more flavor and protect the shrimp from overcooking, while peeled shrimp make for easier, mess-free eating. Choose what suits your style best.
How can I make the shrimp extra garlicky?
If you love bold garlic flavor, feel free to add 2 or even 4 extra cloves to the sauté. You can also let the minced garlic sit with the shrimp for a few minutes before cooking to infuse even more flavor into the dish.
Is there a gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or even rice flour for dredging. Both will yield a lovely, lightly crisp coating, keeping this ultimate recipe accessible to everyone at your table.
What kind of shrimp is best for this recipe?
Look for large, high-quality shrimp—16/20 or even bigger work beautifully. Wild-caught shrimp typically have the best flavor and texture, and using shell-on shrimp will give that signature North Shore authenticity.
Can I double or halve the recipe easily?
Of course! Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love is super flexible. Double up for a crowd (just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan), or halve the recipe for a special solo meal. You’ll want this shrimp all to yourself anyway!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a taste adventure that shines with tropical flavor and comforting island warmth, whip up this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love. It’s fast, festive, and sure to become a new favorite at your table—so gather your loved ones and enjoy some serious aloha, one garlicky bite at a time!
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Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of the Hawaiian islands with this mouthwatering Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe. Succulent shrimp are coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, creating a dish that is both easy to make and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp:
- 1 1/2 lbs large shrimp, shell-on or peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Rinse and Coat Shrimp: Rinse shrimp and pat dry. Mix flour, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Coat shrimp in seasoned flour.
- Sauté Garlic: Melt butter with olive oil in skillet. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Increase heat, add shrimp, cook until pink and crispy.
- Finish and Serve: Squeeze lemon juice, sprinkle with parsley, toss and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For an authentic touch, serve with rice and macaroni salad.
- For extra garlic flavor, add more cloves to the butter sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, Island-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 260 mg
