Nothing says tropical paradise quite like this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe. It’s a delightfully simple dish bursting with garlicky, buttery goodness that transports your taste buds straight to a sunny Hawaiian beach. Succulent shrimp soaked in a luscious, fragrant sauce make every bite a celebration of bold flavors and tender textures. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or aiming to impress guests with an exotic flair, this recipe brings vibrant island vibes right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe has a starring role, ensuring the perfect balance of flavor, richness, and freshness. Together, they create a sauce that’s irresistibly aromatic and shrimp that taste buttery and tender.
- 1 pound large uncooked shrimp: The foundation of the dish—fresh, plump shrimp absorb the garlicky butter sauce beautifully.
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil (divided): Adds a fruity, silky base that helps marry all the flavors while keeping the shrimp juicy.
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter (divided): Infuses richness and a velvety texture that makes the sauce so indulgent.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Packs a punch of toasty, fragrant flavor essential to the garlic shrimp experience.
- Juice from half of a large lemon: Brightens the dish with a fresh citrus zing that cuts through the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse Hawaiian sea salt (or regular coarse sea salt): Adds a signature salty crunch and enhances all other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides just enough heat and depth to balance the buttery sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Offers a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color that elevates the presentation.
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 butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. This combination creates a rich and silky base for the shrimp. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic, sautéing it for about a minute until it becomes fragrant and just begins to caramelize. This step releases the full aroma and flavor of the garlic that defines this dish.
Step 2: Build the Flavor with Lemon and Spices
Next, stir in the fresh lemon juice along with the coarse salt, black pepper, and paprika. These ingredients add a bright, zesty contrast along with a gentle kick, perfectly balancing the richness from the butter and oil. After that, add the remaining olive oil and butter, stirring gently to continue developing the lush sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection
Now for the star of the show—the shrimp! Carefully place the shrimp into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them. Cook the shrimp for just 2 minutes on each side, watching closely for the shrimp to turn a delightful orange-pink hue. This quick cooking ensures they stay tender and juicy, soaking up the garlicky butter sauce without getting rubbery.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the shrimp are cooked to perfection, serve them immediately over a bed of fluffy rice and drizzle the remaining sauce from the pan on top. This simple step takes the dish from tasty to unforgettable, soaking the rice in all the garlicky, buttery flavors. Your Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is now ready to delight!
How to Serve Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few thin lemon slices instantly brightens up this dish visually and adds an extra layer of freshness. For an authentic touch, toasted coconut flakes can add a little crunch and tropical flair that beautifully complements the garlic shrimp.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed white or brown rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce perfectly. To keep things light and balanced, serve alongside a crisp green salad or Hawaiian-style macaroni salad—both traditional and delicious companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving the shrimp in an edible pineapple boat for that unmistakable island vibe. You can also skewer the shrimp and serve them as appetizers or arrange them over cauliflower rice for a paleo-friendly twist. Whatever the style, this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe shines in any setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making for quick and flavorful meals in a pinch.
Freezing
While shrimp generally don’t freeze well after cooking without a slight change in texture, you can freeze the cooked garlic butter sauce separately in a small container or ice cube trays for up to a month, then thaw and toss with freshly cooked shrimp later.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking them. Add a splash of olive oil or a small knob of butter if needed to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving if you can, as this can make the shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to get the best texture and allow the shrimp to soak up the sauce properly.
What type of rice works best with this recipe?
Traditional white rice is a classic pairing, but jasmine or basmati rice also work beautifully due to their fragrant aromas and light textures.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce during step two can give the dish a lovely spicy kick while keeping the core garlicky flavors intact.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect option for those avoiding gluten or following a paleo or Whole30 diet (just double-check the seasoning if using packaged spices).
Can I substitute garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
While fresh garlic is best for that authentic fragrant flavor, in a pinch, use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Add it earlier in the cooking process with the spices to allow it to bloom in the oil and butter.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both fancy and incredibly easy at the same time. It’s satisfying, packed with flavor, and comes together in no time—a perfect combination for busy days or casual get-togethers. Give it a try, and you’ll soon see why this garlicky, buttery dish has become a beloved favorite for so many shrimp lovers around the world.
Print
Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
A quick and flavorful Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp recipe that features succulent shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce infused with lemon juice, sea salt, and paprika. Perfect for a light and delicious meal served over rice.
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 base: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add 4 Tablespoons of olive oil and 2 Tablespoons of butter. Warm and stir until the butter melts completely. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
- Add seasonings and remaining fats: Stir in lemon juice, coarse Hawaiian sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. Then add the remaining 1 Tablespoon olive oil and 2 Tablespoons butter. Continue to cook slowly for around 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the shrimp: Carefully add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side. Cook until the shrimp turn an orange-pink color, indicating they are done. Be careful not to overcook.
- Serve: Plate the shrimp over a bed of rice and pour the buttery garlic sauce over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use large shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially the salt and lemon juice.
- Serve this dish with steamed white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Do not overcook shrimp as they become rubbery when cooked too long.
- For added spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the seasoning step.
