Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

There’s something about Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp that instantly transports you to a sun-soaked afternoon on the North Shore of Oahu. Imagine standing by a colorful food truck, the smell of butter, garlic, and the salty ocean air swirling together while you wait for a paper plate loaded with golden, sizzling shrimp. That first bite? It’s everything—crisp, juicy, garlicky, and just the right amount of savory.

This dish has deep roots in Hawaii’s vibrant food truck culture, especially on the island of Oahu where the famed shrimp trucks, like Giovanni’s, turned simple ingredients into absolute magic. Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp isn’t just a meal—it’s a memory of laid-back days, barefoot beach strolls, and a true taste of aloha spirit.

For many locals and visitors alike, it symbolizes the beauty of simplicity. No fancy techniques, no complicated ingredients. Just a handful of fresh elements coming together to create something unforgettable. Whether you’re dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway or just want to bring a little island magic to your kitchen, this recipe is a must-make, especially during the summer months when you’re craving something light, flavorful, and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Simple ingredients, BIG flavor: You don’t need a pantry full of spices to whip up this crowd-pleaser.
• Fast and easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights or impromptu dinner parties.
• Brings the islands home: Whether it’s snowing outside or a sunny July day, this dish brings a little tropical happiness to your plate.
• Perfect for gatherings: Serve it up with a side of fluffy white rice and lemon wedges, and watch it disappear.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (leave tails on if you like)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 8 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Cooked white rice, for serving
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

HOW TO MAKE Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prep the Shrimp:
   Start by patting your shrimp dry with a paper towel. This is a little trick that helps them crisp up better once they hit the pan. Toss them gently in a bowl with the flour, paprika, and salt until they’re all nicely coated.
2. Get Your Butter and Garlic Ready:
   In Hawaii, garlic is the real star of this dish, and lots of it! Mince your cloves finely—don’t rush this step because you want that melt-in-your-mouth garlic flavor without big chunks.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and half the butter. Once the butter melts and starts to foam, add the shrimp in a single layer. You’ll probably need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Let them sizzle for about 2 minutes per side until they turn a gorgeous pink with slightly crisp edges.

1. Add the Garlic:
   Once the shrimp are almost cooked through, add the minced garlic and the rest of the butter to the pan. Stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning. You want it golden and fragrant—this step brings everything together into that iconic garlicky sauce that coats each shrimp.
2. Serve It Up:
   Scoop generous portions of shrimp over cooked white rice, drizzle any extra garlicky butter from the pan over the top, squeeze fresh lemon juice all over, and, if you want a pop of color, sprinkle with chopped parsley.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: They only need about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery fast.
• Use fresh garlic: Pre-minced garlic from a jar won’t give you the same bright, aromatic flavor.
• Flour lightly: You want just a thin dusting of flour—it gives a slight crispness without feeling heavy.
• Cook in batches: Crowding the pan will steam your shrimp instead of searing them beautifully.
• Customize it: Like it spicy? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when you add the garlic.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Hawaiian
• Diet: Gluten-free adaptable (use gluten-free flour)

NOTES:

• You can easily double this recipe for a bigger group.
• If you love extra sauce, increase the butter by a tablespoon or two.
• Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Approximate per serving:
Calories: 310 | Fat: 20g | Carbs: 8g | Protein: 25g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best eaten fresh, but you can prep the garlic butter sauce earlier and quickly cook the shrimp just before serving.

What should I serve with Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?
Traditionally, simple steamed white rice is perfect. A side of pineapple slaw or roasted veggies also pairs wonderfully.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a little extra butter to maintain their juiciness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp
• Cajun Shrimp
• Spicy Voodoo Shrimp
• Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta

CONCLUSION

Bringing a bit of Hawaii to your kitchen couldn’t be easier or more delicious. This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is proof that the simplest meals often make the biggest impact. It’s buttery, garlicky, and oh-so-satisfying—just the thing to remind you that sometimes, all you need is a plate of good food and a little aloha spirit. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach vacation or just want to spice up your dinner routine, this recipe is pure sunshine on a plate. Give it a try—you’re going to fall in love with every garlicky bite!

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