Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe – A Flavorful Island Classic

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If you’ve ever visited Hawaiian food trucks or local island eateries, you know that Hawaiian garlic shrimp recipe is an absolute must-try! This dish is famous for its crispy, golden shrimp coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, with just the right balance of salt, spice, and umami.

What makes this dish stand out is the combination of fresh shrimp, caramelized garlic, and a luscious butter sauce. It’s typically served with a side of steamed rice and a slice of lemon for the perfect finishing touch. The best part? You don’t need to travel to Hawaii to enjoy this dish—you can make it at home in just 20 minutes!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best Hawaiian garlic shrimp recipe, covering everything from key ingredients and cooking tips to serving ideas and variations. Get ready to bring a taste of the islands to your kitchen!

Ingredients for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

To make authentic Hawaiian garlic shrimp, you’ll need a few key ingredients that create the crispy texture and buttery, garlicky flavor.

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp – Deveined, shells removed (tail-on for authenticity).
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – Helps create a crispy coating.
  • 1/2 tsp paprika – Adds subtle warmth and color.
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) – For a spicy kick.
  • 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper – Adds a mild spice.
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil – For pan-frying the shrimp.

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced – The star of the dish!
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter – Creates a rich, flavorful sauce.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil – Helps prevent the butter from burning.
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice – Adds brightness and balances the butter.
  • 1 tsp fish sauce or soy sauce (optional) – Enhances umami.
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley – For garnish.
  • Lemon wedges – For serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

  1. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Lightly coat each shrimp with the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, melt butter and olive oil over medium-low heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant (don’t let it brown too much).
  3. Stir in lemon juice and fish sauce or soy sauce (if using).
  4. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the flour-coated shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
  3. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
  4. Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate lined with a paper towel.

Step 4: Coat Shrimp in Garlic Butter

  1. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the cooked shrimp.
  2. Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  1. Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
  2. Serve with steamed rice, salad, or grilled veggies.

Tips for the Best Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

To make your Hawaiian garlic shrimp taste just like the ones from the famous food trucks in Oahu, follow these expert tips:

1. Choose the Right Shrimp

  • Jumbo or large shrimp work best for this dish. The bigger the shrimp, the juicier they’ll be.
  • Leave the tails on for a more authentic Hawaiian-style presentation.
  • If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.

2. Get the Perfect Crispy Texture

  • Coat the shrimp lightly in the flour mixture. Too much coating can make them gummy instead of crispy.
  • Shake off excess flour before frying.
  • Use medium-high heat to ensure the shrimp develop a golden crust without overcooking.

3. The Secret to Rich Garlic Butter Sauce

  • Use fresh garlic—it makes a huge difference!
  • Don’t burn the garlic—sauté it gently on low heat until fragrant. Burnt garlic can make the dish taste bitter.
  • Combine butter with olive oil to prevent the butter from burning.

4. Want It Spicier?

  • Add extra cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mix.
  • Stir in sriracha or chili paste to the garlic butter sauce for more heat.

5. Serving Suggestions

  • Serve shrimp over a bed of steamed rice for a true Hawaiian-style meal.
  • Add a side of grilled pineapple or macaroni salad for an island-inspired plate lunch.
  • Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.

Variations of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

1. Spicy Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

  • Increase cayenne pepper in the coating mix.
  • Add chili flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
  • Finish with a drizzle of spicy mayo or sriracha before serving.

2. Coconut-Infused Garlic Shrimp

  • Replace half of the butter with coconut oil for a tropical twist.
  • Serve with coconut rice for extra island flavor.

3. Grilled Garlic Shrimp

  • Instead of pan-frying, marinate the shrimp in garlic butter for 30 minutes.
  • Thread onto skewers and grill over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side.

4. Low-Carb Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

  • Swap flour for almond flour or coconut flour for a keto-friendly version.
  • Serve with cauliflower rice instead of steamed rice.

What to Serve with Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?

1. Classic Sides

  • Steamed White Rice – The best way to soak up all the garlicky butter sauce.
  • Hawaiian Macaroni Salad – A creamy, tangy side that pairs well.
  • Grilled Pineapple – Adds sweetness and tropical flavor.

2. Low-Carb & Healthier Sides

  • Cauliflower Rice – A great keto-friendly option.
  • Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or zucchini work well.
  • Avocado Salad – A refreshing, creamy contrast to the rich garlic shrimp.

3. Refreshing Drinks

  • Pineapple Juice or Coconut Water – Perfect tropical pairings.
  • Iced Green Tea or Lemonade – Light and refreshing.
  • Mai Tai or Pina Colada – If you want a true island-style meal experience!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating them with flour.

2. How Do I Store and Reheat Garlic Shrimp?

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat with a little butter or olive oil. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

3. Can I Make It Without Butter?

Yes! You can use ghee, olive oil, or coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.

4. What’s the Best Way to Get a Crispy Texture?

  • Pat the shrimp dry before coating.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
  • Use medium-high heat to fry for a perfect golden crust.

5. Can I Grill Instead of Pan-Frying?

Yes! Just marinate the shrimp in garlic butter for 30 minutes and grill over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.

Conclusion

This Hawaiian garlic shrimp recipe is the perfect combination of crispy, buttery, and garlicky flavors, bringing a taste of the islands straight to your kitchen. Whether you serve it with steamed rice, grilled pineapple, or Hawaiian macaroni salad, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Best of all, it’s quick and easy to make, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish. Try different variations, add some heat, or grill the shrimp for a smoky twist—whatever you choose, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality dish in no time!

So grab your shrimp, get that garlic butter ready, and enjoy a true taste of Hawaii! 🌴🍤✨