Name: Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 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

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.3 from 59 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold, garlicky flavor and transports you straight to a tropical paradise, you’ve got to try this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe. It’s all about juicy, tender shrimp soaking in a buttery, garlicky sauce with just the right hit of lemon and Hawaiian sea salt, making every bite a vibrant celebration of simple, fresh ingredients. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with something a little more special, this recipe captures the essence of island-inspired cooking in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe. Each component plays an essential role, from adding richness and depth to bringing out the shrimp’s natural sweetness and creating that irresistibly saucy finish.

1 pound large uncooked shrimp: The star of the dish, fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined for perfect texture and flavor absorption.
5 Tablespoons olive oil (divided): Adds a luscious, fruity base and helps to sauté the garlic perfectly.
4 Tablespoons salted butter (divided): Imparts richness and balances the acidity while creating a silky sauce.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Provides that punch of aromatic flavor that defines the dish.
Juice from half of a large lemon: Brightens everything up with a fresh, tangy zing.
1/2 teaspoon coarse Hawaiian sea salt (or regular coarse sea salt): Enhances flavors and adds an authentic island touch.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle heat that complements but never overpowers.
1/4 teaspoon paprika: Lends a mild smokiness and beautiful color.

How to Make Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Warm Your Fats and Sauté the Garlic

Start by heating 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. The blend of olive oil and butter is key here: the oil prevents the butter from burning, while the butter adds that irresistible richness. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it gently for about a minute. This step is crucial—cooking the garlic slowly lets it become fragrant and lightly caramelized without turning bitter, which lays the flavor foundation for your shrimp.

Step 2: Mix in Lemon Juice, Spices, and Extra Oil and Butter

After the garlic gives off its heavenly aroma, stir in the fresh lemon juice, coarse sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. These ingredients not only lift the dish with brightness and seasoning but also bring a subtle island-inspired complexity. Then add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Keep the heat low and stir gently to blend everything into a silky, flavorful sauce that’s ready to bathe your shrimp.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp Just Right

Gently add the shrimp to the skillet, placing them in a single layer so each piece cooks evenly. Shrimp only need about 2 minutes per side—watch closely for that perfect orange-pink color, a sign they’re cooked through but still juicy and tender. Overcooking can toughen them up, so timing is everything here. The shrimp will soak up the garlicky, buttery sauce, making every bite a little explosion of flavor.

Step 4: Serve It Up and Enjoy

Once cooked, serve your Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up all that luscious sauce. Spoon plenty of the buttery garlic mixture over the shrimp and rice for the full experience. This dish is best enjoyed immediately, while the shrimp are warm and the sauce is silky smooth.

How to Serve Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can take this dish from great to unforgettable. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and herbal brightness. A few lemon wedges on the side invite extra citrusy pops for those who love a tangier bite. For a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a lovely contrast to the buttery shrimp.

Side Dishes

This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement without overwhelming. Traditional steamed white rice or coconut rice is perfect to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a side of sautéed vegetables like asparagus or snap peas adds freshness and balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests or just treat yourself? Serve the garlic shrimp on top of a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside grilled pineapple slices for an authentic island twist. You can also transform it into a shrimp taco using warm tortillas, fresh cabbage slaw, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. The possibilities are endless, and every option brings a new flavor sensation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp will absorb even more flavor overnight, but it’s best to enjoy them fresh to maintain that tender texture and vibrant taste.

Freezing

Freezing cooked shrimp isn’t always ideal because it can change the texture, but if you must, place the cooled shrimp and sauce in a freezer-friendly container and use within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve quality as much as possible.

Reheating

To reheat leftover Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of butter to revive the sauciness and prevent the shrimp from drying out. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can quickly overcook the shrimp and make it rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely, drain excess water, and pat them dry to prevent the sauce from becoming watery. Fresh or thawed shrimp both work well in this recipe.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Hawaiian sea salt?

Regular coarse sea salt or kosher salt makes a fine substitute. The key is to use a coarse salt to maintain texture and avoid over-salting your dish.

How spicy is this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe?

This recipe is built around rich garlic and buttery flavors with mild seasoning like paprika and black pepper. If you want some heat, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

Can I use this garlic shrimp as a salad topping?

Definitely! These shrimp make a fantastic protein-packed topping on salads, especially ones with tropical fruits, avocado, or a citrus dressing for a refreshing twist.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it relies on whole, simple ingredients without any gluten-containing additives.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe that makes it a go-to for an easy, flavorful meal. It’s quick to make, packed with fresh ingredients, and delivers that perfect balance of buttery garlic goodness with a tropical flair. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try, and I guarantee it’ll become one of your favorite shrimp dishes too!