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
Scale
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.
