Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe Everyone Will Love

Hawaiian garlic shrimp brings tropical culinary magic right to your kitchen, revolutionizeing simple ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Succulent seafood meets bold, aromatic seasonings that dance across your palate with incredible depth and complexity.

Bright island flavors merge seamlessly with rich, buttery notes that create an unforgettable dining experience.

Crisp, golden edges hint at perfect caramelization while delicate proteins promise tender satisfaction.

Each carefully prepared portion represents a delicious journey through coastal cuisine traditions.

Vibrant ingredients combine in ways that elevate modest shellfish into something truly spectacular.

You’ll find this recipe transports your senses to sun-drenched beaches with its remarkable taste profile.

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: A Sweet and Savory Treat

  • Savor Quick Flavor Explosion: Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp delivers a mouthwatering taste experience in just minutes, blending zesty garlic with succulent shrimp for an instant flavor punch.
  • Master Restaurant-Quality Technique: Home cooks can easily recreate professional-level seafood by using simple sautéing methods, coating shrimp perfectly and achieving restaurant-grade results with minimal cooking skills.
  • Protein-Packed Gourmet Delight: Packed with 28g of protein and minimal carbohydrates, this dish offers a nutritious meal that feels indulgent while supporting fitness and wellness goals, making it ideal for health-conscious food lovers.
  • Versatile Dining Companion: Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or elegant date nights, this Hawaiian-inspired dish adapts seamlessly to different dining occasions with its bold flavors and impressive presentation.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Main Protein:
  • Shrimp: Fresh, large shrimp with sweet ocean flavor, best when deveined and shells removed for easy eating.
Coating and Seasoning:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates a light, crispy exterior that helps seal in shrimps moisture.
  • Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic spice blend adding warmth, color, and depth of flavor to the shrimp.
Cooking Fats and Aromatics:
  • Butter, Olive Oil: Rich combination providing rich flavor and preventing shrimp from sticking to the pan.
  • Garlic: Pungent ingredient that infuses the dish with intense, aromatic flavor.
Finishing Touches:
  • Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic element that enhances seafoods natural sweetness and cuts through richness.
  • Fresh Parsley: Vibrant herb adding color, freshness, and subtle green notes to the final dish.

How to Make the Best Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp Coating

Mix flour, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Gently pat shrimp dry with paper towels, then thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture.

Step 2: Heat Cooking Fats

Place a skillet over medium heat. Add butter and olive oil, swirling to create a smooth blend. Quickly sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.

Step 3: Cook Shrimp

Carefully place coated shrimp into the hot skillet. Cook for 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and become opaque throughout. The shrimp should have a golden, slightly crispy exterior.

Step 4: Add Bright Flavors

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked shrimp. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley across the dish for a burst of color and added freshness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer shrimp to a serving plate. Drizzle with extra garlic butter sauce. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the rich, zesty Hawaiian-style seafood dish. Pair with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Master the Art of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp with These Tips

  • Ensure Crisp Coating: Pat shrimp completely dry before adding flour mixture to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that locks in flavor.
  • Control Garlic Intensity: Adjust garlic quantity based on personal preference, using fresh minced garlic for the most vibrant taste.
  • Master Cooking Timing: Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque to prevent rubbery texture, which typically takes 2 minutes per side.
  • Select Quality Shrimp: Choose fresh, large shrimp with consistent size for even cooking and maximum succulence.
  • Balance Butter and Oil: Combining butter and olive oil prevents burning while adding rich, complex flavor to the dish.

Keeping Leftover Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Fresh and Flavorful

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place shrimp in a single layer to prevent sticking and maintain texture. Properly stored, the dish will stay fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
  • Reheating: Gently warm shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of butter or olive oil to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir occasionally and heat until the shrimp reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, which typically takes 2-3 minutes.
  • Best Practices: Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make shrimp tough and rubbery. For best results, consume leftovers within 24 hours.

Pairing Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp with These Delectable Sides

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio beautifully complement the garlic's rich flavor and cut through the buttery shrimp, creating a refreshing balance.
  • Serve Alongside Coconut Rice: Hawaiian-style coconut rice provides a creamy, tropical backdrop that enhances the garlic shrimp's zesty profile and adds a delightful textural contrast.
  • Match with Tangy Coleslaw: A light, vinegar-based coleslaw brings bright acidity that helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, garlicky shrimp, adding a fresh crunch to the meal.
  • Recommend Fresh Hawaiian Beer: A local Hawaiian lager or pale ale with citrus notes will harmonize with the lemon juice and provide a crisp, clean finish that complements the dish's bold garlic flavor.

Sweet Variations of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp You Should Try

  • Tropical Coconut Shrimp: Replace olive oil with coconut oil and add shredded coconut to the flour mixture for a rich, island-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Pineapple Garlic Shrimp: Mix diced fresh pineapple into the sauce and increase cayenne pepper for a tangy, bold Caribbean-style dish.
  • Mediterranean Herb Shrimp: Substitute parsley with fresh oregano and thyme, and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version of the classic recipe.
  • Cajun Butter Shrimp: Swap paprika with Cajun seasoning blend and add chopped green onions for a zesty, New Orleans-style interpretation of Hawaiian garlic shrimp.
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Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Garlic Shrimp Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 16 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hawaiian garlic shrimp delivers a zesty coastal flavor profile straight from Oahu’s famous North Shore. Succulent prawns bathe in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, promising a delectable seafood experience that transports you to tropical paradise with each savory bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Fats and Oils:

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced into 1 tablespoon pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • ¼ cup (slightly packed) minced fresh garlic (nearly 1 medium head)
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Meticulously pat the shrimp dry using paper towels, ensuring complete moisture removal for optimal coating adhesion.
  2. Create a seasoned dredging mixture by combining all-purpose flour, smoky paprika, fiery cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a shallow dish.
  3. Thoroughly coat each shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, gently pressing to ensure an even, light covering that will create a delicate crust during cooking.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding unsalted butter and extra virgin olive oil to create a rich, flavor-enhancing cooking medium.
  5. Quickly sauté minced fresh garlic for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without burning, which would create a bitter taste.
  6. Carefully place the flour-coated shrimp into the fragrant garlic-infused oil, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
  7. Cook the shrimp for approximately 2 minutes on each side, watching for a beautiful pink color and translucent appearance that indicates perfect doneness.
  8. Brighten the dish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice, which will add a zesty, citrusy dimension to the rich, garlicky shrimp.
  9. Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp, providing a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.
  10. Transfer the shrimp to a serving plate and drizzle with additional garlic butter sauce, allowing diners to enjoy the luxurious, flavor-packed accompaniment.

Notes

  • Garlic burns quickly, so watch the skillet carefully during sautéing to prevent bitter flavors.
  • Fresh shrimp provides the best texture and taste, so select plump, firm specimens from a reliable seafood counter.
  • Butter and olive oil combination creates a rich, silky sauce that perfectly coats each shrimp.
  • Paprika and cayenne add subtle warmth and depth to the mild seafood, enhancing overall flavor profile.
  • Serving immediately ensures the shrimp remain tender and the garlic butter sauce stays glossy and appetizing.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 220mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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