If you have a craving for something bursting with tropical flavors and packed with garlicky goodness, you will absolutely love this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe. It’s a quick, easy, and delightfully satisfying dish featuring plump shrimp coated in a perfectly seasoned flour blend, pan-seared to juicy perfection and bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe captures that irresistible island vibe, bringing the warm, sunny spirit of Hawaii right to your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this dish is pure comfort with a fresh, vibrant twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role. From the fresh shrimp to the punchy garlic and smooth butter, everything harmonizes beautifully to create an unforgettable flavor profile and satisfying texture.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on): Use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp for the best tender bite.
- 6 cloves garlic (finely minced): Garlic is the star that brings that irresistible aroma and flavor.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Creates a light coating to help the spices stick and add slight crispness.
- 1 tablespoon paprika: Adds a smoky warmth and vibrant color to the shrimp.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For a subtle kick of heat that brightens the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds depth and a mild peppery note.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the shrimp and garlic without overpowering the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted in at the end for a luscious, silky garlic-butter sauce.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): A fresh squeeze brightens the rich flavors wonderfully.
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Coating
Start by mixing the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper if you like a little heat, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. This seasoning blend will coat the shrimp beautifully, giving each bite a flavorful crust that’s just right—not too thick or heavy.
Step 2: Dredge the Shrimp
Lightly dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring they get an even but thin coating. Setting them aside for a moment helps the mix stick better during cooking, making each shrimp wonderfully crispy on the outside while tender inside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil
Heat your olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté it gently for 30 to 60 seconds, just until it becomes aromatic and fragrant—but be careful not to let it brown, as that can make the garlic taste bitter, which we definitely want to avoid.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the coated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and prevents steaming. Cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn a beautiful pink and become opaque. You’ll know they’re perfectly cooked the moment they curl into a loose C shape.
Step 5: Toss in Butter and Finish
Right before taking the skillet off the heat, stir in the unsalted butter. Toss the shrimp gently to coat them evenly in that rich, garlicky butter sauce. This step gives the dish that signature silky texture and deep flavor that makes this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe so beloved.
How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your shrimp with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley really elevates the dish. The lemon adds a refreshing acidity that perfectly cuts through the buttery richness, while parsley brings a light herbal note and a burst of color, making every plate look inviting and vibrant.
Side Dishes
The classic and most popular accompaniment is simple steamed white rice. It soaks up all the delicious garlic butter sauce, creating a balanced meal that’s both filling and flavorful. You can also serve it alongside sautéed vegetables or a crisp green salad to add some freshness and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your garlic shrimp tacos with fresh slaw and a drizzle of creamy aioli. Alternatively, pile the shrimp over garlic butter noodles or include them in a tropical poke bowl with mango and avocado. No matter how you present it, the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe shines as the star of the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover shrimp (though you might find that unlikely), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Try to eat within 2 days for the best taste and texture, as shrimp can lose their juiciness when stored too long.
Freezing
While freezing cooked shrimp isn’t ideal because it may alter texture slightly, you can freeze leftovers if necessary. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag, label it clearly, and consume within one month to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Hawaiian garlic shrimp is gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a small splash of water or butter to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as shrimp can easily become rubbery or dry out in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before dredging to ensure the coating sticks and they cook evenly.
Is it necessary to keep the shrimp tails on?
Keeping the tails on is traditional and adds to the presentation, plus they make the shrimp easier to hold while eating. However, you can remove them if you prefer a tidier dish.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Adding cayenne pepper in the coating or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes in the garlic butter sauce will give your shrimp a delightful spicy kick.
What can I substitute for all-purpose flour if I want a gluten-free version?
Try using rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend to get a similar light coating without gluten. Just note the texture might vary slightly.
How do I avoid burning the garlic?
The key is cooking garlic over medium heat and watching it closely. Garlic cooks quickly—once you smell it fragrant, remove the skillet from heat or add the shrimp immediately to prevent burning.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and genuinely one of those dishes that feel like a mini-vacation on a plate. Its simplicity, speed, and incredible flavor make it a must-try for anyone who loves bold, garlicky seafood. I can’t wait for you to give it a go and see why it’s such a beloved gem in Hawaiian cuisine. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become a favorite in your recipe rotation, too!
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Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a flavorful and quick skillet dish featuring succulent large shrimp sautéed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with a hint of paprika and cayenne. Perfectly paired with lemon wedges and steamed rice, this dish offers a taste of island-inspired comfort that’s both easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Garnish
- 6 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the dredging mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute all the spices and seasoning.
- Dredge the shrimp: Lightly coat each peeled and deveined shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring a thin, even layer on all sides. Set the coated shrimp aside while you prepare the skillet.
- Heat the skillet and sauté garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown or burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Cook the shrimp: Arrange the dredged shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink, curl slightly, and become opaque, signaling they are perfectly cooked.
- Add butter and coat shrimp: Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and toss the shrimp gently to coat them evenly in the fragrant garlic-butter sauce, enriching the flavor and texture.
- Final touches and serving: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the shrimp hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired, alongside lemon wedges. For a complete meal, accompany with steamed white rice to soak up the delicious garlic sauce.
Notes
- Serve with steamed white rice for an authentic Hawaiian-style meal and a delicious way to enjoy the garlic butter sauce.
- Be cautious when sautéing garlic; cooking it too long or at too high heat can cause bitterness.
- Optional cayenne pepper adds a gentle heat; omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Keep the shrimp tails on for a more traditional presentation and easier handling while eating.
