If you’re looking for a dish that instantly transports you to the sun-soaked beaches of Oahu, look no further than Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp. This irresistible island favorite combines plump, tender shrimp with lots of garlicky butter and a touch of lemon, served over warm rice to soak up every drop of flavor. Bold, buttery, punchy with garlic, and finished with a hint of freshness from parsley and tart lemon, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a recipe that’s not just simple—it’s pure joy on a plate. Every bite is a little vacation and once you try it, you’ll understand why it has a cult following from food trucks on the North Shore to home kitchens everywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the simple but game-changing ingredients that bring Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp to life. Each one plays a starring role, building layers of flavor and just the right textures, so don’t leave anything out if you want that classic island vibe!
- Shrimp: Use large, peeled and deveined shrimp for best texture and juiciness—they become sweet, tender, and perfect for soaking up all the garlicky sauce.
- Salt: A little salt draws out the shrimp’s natural sweetness and boosts every other flavor.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle, savory heat that rounds out the buttery richness.
- Paprika: Paprika isn’t just for color—it brings a subtle smokiness that deepens the overall flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Dredging the shrimp lightly in flour gives them a golden, delicate crust and helps the sauce cling to every bite.
- Unsalted Butter: Creamy, luscious butter is the backbone here—don’t skimp!
- Garlic: The true star! Use fresh cloves for that punchy, fragrant boost that defines Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp.
- Olive Oil: Prevents the butter from burning and adds a fruity background note that lifts the whole dish.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up with a zesty kick that balances the rich butter and garlic.
- Fresh Parsley: Stirred in at the end for a pop of color and subtle herbal freshness.
- Lemon Wedges: For squeezing over right before serving—totally wakes up the flavors on the plate.
- Cooked White Rice: The classic island base so you don’t miss a drop of that flavorful sauce.
How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Season and Dredge the Shrimp
Start by giving your shrimp a quick but thorough toss in a bowl with salt, pepper, paprika, and flour. The flour coating isn’t heavy—it’s just enough to ensure each shrimp gets a delicate golden crust and soaks up all the garlicky, buttery goodness later on.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter and Oil
Heat up the unsalted butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter is bubbling but not browned, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. That quick sizzle releases the garlic’s bold aroma—trust me, this is when everyone in your house will start wandering into the kitchen to see what’s cooking!
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the dredged shrimp in a single layer to the sizzling skillet. Let them sear for about 2 minutes on each side; they should turn pink and opaque with light golden edges. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the shrimp will steam instead of developing that signature slight crispness.
Step 4: Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley
Once the shrimp are just-cooked, pour in the lemon juice and toss in the chopped parsley. Give everything a good, gentle stir so each shrimp gets glazed in that savory, herby garlic butter sauce. This last minute of cooking brings all the flavors together and fills the kitchen with an incredible aroma.
Step 5: Serve Hot Over Rice
Serve your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp right away, nestled over warm white rice and garnished with extra lemon wedges. Don’t forget to spoon any leftover sauce from the pan over the top—the rice is waiting to soak it all up!
How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Garnishes
Garnishing is your chance to add just a touch of flair—or more flavor! I love sprinkling extra fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a fresh burst of color. A wedge or two of lemon on each plate makes it easy for everyone to add bright citrusy zing whenever they like. If you love a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper works beautifully too.
Side Dishes
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is always perfect over fluffy white rice, but for that true food truck experience, pair it with a classic Hawaii-style macaroni salad. The creamy, tangy side complements the rich, garlicky shrimp like a dream. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas also make a great, quick addition for color, crunch, and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can turn this meal into a mini vacation! Try serving your shrimp family-style on a big platter with rice mounded in the center, shrimp all around, and lemon wedges tucked everywhere. Or, fill up small takeout-style boxes for a retro food truck look that kids and adults alike will love. You can even offer “shrimp bowls” with pickled veggies, avocado, or a drizzle of spicy mayo for your own fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got extra Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, pop any leftovers into an airtight container along with some sauce to keep them moist. Store in the fridge, and they’ll stay delicious for up to two days—making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze cooked shrimp in a pinch. Let them cool completely, place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for about a month, though the texture will be a little softer when reheated.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra lemon juice. This keeps the shrimp from getting tough while reviving that silky sauce. The microwave works in a hurry, but go low and slow to prevent rubbery shrimp!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw your shrimp completely and pat them dry before tossing them with flour and seasonings. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t become watery in the pan.
Is there a way to make this recipe even more garlicky?
Definitely. Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is famously loaded with garlic, so feel free to add an extra clove or two—or even stir in a spoonful of roasted garlic at the end for an extra dimension of flavor. You can never have too much if you love garlic!
How do I make it gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or even a little cornstarch. You’ll get the same beautiful crust on your shrimp, and the sauce still clings perfectly—no gluten required!
Which rice works best?
Classic short- or medium-grain white rice is your best bet, as it’s sticky enough to trap the garlicky butter sauce. Jasmine or even brown rice also work well if you prefer a slightly different texture or nuttier flavor.
Can I substitute another herb for parsley?
Of course! Cilantro adds a burst of freshness, while chives give a gentle oniony flavor. Either can stand in for parsley if that’s what you’ve got or if you want to personalize your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp.
Final Thoughts
There’s something downright magical about a big plate of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp—every forkful is rich, punchy, and truly transportive. Whether you’re craving a taste of the islands or just want a lightning-fast, crowd-pleasing dinner, I hope this recipe brings a little aloha spirit to your table. Don’t wait—grab some shrimp and give it a try!
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Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A taste of the islands in every bite! This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe brings together succulent shrimp in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, served with a side of fragrant white rice. Simple yet incredibly delicious, this dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- lemon wedges for serving
- cooked white rice for serving
Instructions
- Toss Shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, and flour until evenly coated.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer and cook until pink and opaque on both sides.
- Finish: Stir in lemon juice and parsley, tossing to coat shrimp in the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately with lemon wedges and white rice.
Notes
- For authentic Hawaiian flavor, serve with macaroni salad and extra garlic butter.
- Adjust garlic to taste for a more pronounced flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 5 ounces shrimp with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
