If you are craving a quick, unforgettable meal that bursts with bright flavors and buttery richness, then the Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is your new best friend. This dish marries succulent shrimp with the irresistible aroma of garlic and a hint of lemon, all cooked in a luscious blend of olive oil and butter. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the perfect way to bring a taste of aloha into your kitchen anytime you want.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the secret to nailing this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe. Each component plays its part: from the fresh shrimp bringing tender texture to the garlic adding that aromatic punch, and the lemon juice brightening everything up with a touch of zing.
- 1 pound large uncooked shrimp: Choose fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil (divided): Adds a fruity richness and helps sauté the garlic to perfection.
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter (divided): Gives the sauce its silky, indulgent finish with a touch of saltiness.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): The heart of this dish, delivering an irresistible savory aroma and flavor.
- Juice from half of a large lemon: Brings brightness and a hint of acidity to balance the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse Hawaiian sea salt (or regular coarse sea salt): Enhances the flavors with a satisfying crunch and seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth without overwhelming the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Provides mild smokiness and a lovely touch of color.
How to Make Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Base
Start by warming 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. As the butter melts, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about one minute until fragrant and slightly caramelized. This step unlocks the garlic’s full flavor potential and creates a rich, inviting base for the shrimp.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Next, stir in the lemon juice along with the Hawaiian sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. Pour in the remaining olive oil and butter, then keep cooking for roughly two minutes. This slow cooking gently melds the flavors and creates a luscious sauce that coats every bite of shrimp beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Now it’s time for the star of the show. Carefully add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook them for just two minutes on each side – you’ll know they’re done when they turn a vibrant orange-pink color. Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking and maintain that perfect juicy texture.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, transfer the shrimp onto a bed of freshly cooked rice and generously spoon the garlicky sauce on top. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal that delivers that Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe magic in every bite.
How to Serve Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions gives a pop of color and a fresh counterpoint to the rich flavors. A lemon wedge on the side invites additional brightness for anyone wanting an extra citrus kick. These small touches make the dish feel festive and polished.
Side Dishes
This garlic shrimp recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or coconut rice, soaking up the sauce perfectly. For added veggies, consider a simple sautéed bok choy, grilled pineapple slices, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to keep the meal balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on the classic presentation, try serving the shrimp in soft steamed bao buns with a drizzle of sauce and some crunchy slaw. Alternatively, skewer shrimp for a party-friendly appetizer or lay them over a bed of garlic-infused quinoa to impress guests with a modern flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To preserve the tender texture, store the shrimp separately from any rice or sides and reheat gently.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, cooked shrimp can be frozen for up to a month. Use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating carefully to maintain the juicy, garlicky goodness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil, just until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make shrimp rubbery. Adding a squeeze of lemon after reheating helps refresh the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking, pat them dry to remove excess moisture, and you’ll get the same delicious results.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Hawaiian sea salt?
Regular coarse sea salt works just fine. The Hawaiian sea salt adds a subtle mineral flavor, but other coarse salts will season the dish beautifully as well.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not quite – the paprika adds mild smokiness without heat. If you want a little kick, feel free to sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check that your paprika and other spices have no added gluten-containing ingredients.
What’s the best rice to serve with this shrimp?
Classic fluffy white rice or fragrant jasmine rice are fantastic choices. Coconut rice adds a tropical twist that pairs especially well with the rich garlic sauce.
Final Thoughts
Diving into this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is like welcoming a little aloha spirit into your kitchen. Its quick preparation, simple ingredients, and mouthwatering flavors make it a keeper for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Give it a go, and you just might find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
A quick and flavorful Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp recipe featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with lemon and traditional Hawaiian sea salt. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is perfect served over rice for a delicious, easy meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large uncooked shrimp
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Juice from half of a large lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse Hawaiian sea salt (or regular coarse sea salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the garlic butter base: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Stir frequently as the butter melts to combine the fats smoothly. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic and slightly caramelized to develop deep flavor.
- Add seasoning and remaining fats: Pour in lemon juice, coarse Hawaiian sea salt, black pepper, and paprika to the skillet. Stir well to incorporate the spices into the buttery garlic mixture. Then add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Continue gently cooking for approximately 2 minutes to meld the flavors and form a rich sauce.
- Cook the shrimp: Carefully place the raw shrimp into the skillet. Cook them for about 2 minutes on each side, turning once, until the shrimp turn bright orange-pink and opaque, signaling they are fully cooked but still tender. Be cautious not to overcook as shrimp cook very quickly.
- Serve: Serve the garlic shrimp hot over cooked rice. Spoon the garlic butter sauce generously over the top to ensure every bite is flavorful. Enjoy your Hawaiian style garlic shrimp!
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp as they become tough and rubbery quickly.
- Coarse Hawaiian sea salt adds authentic flavor, but regular sea salt is a fine substitute.
- This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice or garlic butter noodles.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the paprika.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best tangy brightness.
