If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and delivers a perfect balance of garlicky goodness and tender shrimp, this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is your go-to meal. It takes just minutes to prepare yet feels like a special, restaurant-worthy treat that invites you right into the heart of Hawaiian seaside cooking. The juicy shrimp bathed in buttery, garlicky sauce with just a hint of lemon and a sprinkle of sea salt creates a simply unforgettable experience that’s as comforting as it is exciting for your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is how straightforward and approachable the ingredients are. Each component plays a vital role in crafting that iconic flavor, from the rich butter and olive oil that create a luscious sauce to the freshly minced garlic that infuses the shrimp with aromatic depth.
- 1 pound large uncooked shrimp: Choose fresh or thawed shrimp with the shell removed for ease and tenderness.
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil (divided): Adds a fruity smoothness and helps with sautéing the shrimp and garlic evenly.
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter (divided): Brings richness and a silky texture to the sauce, perfectly complementing the garlic.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): The star flavor that infuses the shrimp with that irresistible, mouthwatering aroma.
- juice from half of a large lemon: Provides a bright, zesty tang that cuts through the richness and highlights the seafood flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse Hawaiian sea salt (or regular coarse sea salt): Enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp while adding an authentic island touch.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and depth to balance the citrus and butter.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Lends a smoky hint that rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
How to Make Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Warm the Butter and Olive Oil with Garlic
Start by heating 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. When the butter melts, add the minced garlic. Cook it gently for about a minute until it becomes fragrant and just starts to caramelize. This delicate step builds the foundation for that deeply aromatic garlic flavor that defines the dish.
Step 2: Add Lemon Juice, Seasonings, and Remaining Fats
Next, stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, the coarse Hawaiian sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. This combination brightens the sauce and layers in those signature notes. Then, pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter to infuse the sauce with extra creaminess and depth. Let everything simmer gently for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors perfectly.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Carefully add your shrimp to the skillet, making sure they are nestled nicely in the garlicky sauce. Cook for 2 minutes on one side, then turn them over and cook another 2 minutes. Watch as they quickly turn from translucent to that beautiful orange-pink hue signaling they are perfectly done. Remember, shrimp cook incredibly fast—overcooking will make them rubbery, so keep a close eye here.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, serve your shrimp right away over a bed of fluffy rice or your favorite base. Spoon the abundant buttery garlic sauce on top to soak into every bite. This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is best enjoyed fresh and hot for that pure, luscious experience.
How to Serve Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of bright green color and a subtle herbaceous note. For an extra zing, a few thin lemon slices or a light dusting of paprika on top can make this dish visually stunning and burst with layers of taste.
Side Dishes
This dish naturally pairs beautifully with steamed white or jasmine rice, soaking up that incredible garlic butter sauce. Alternatively, try it alongside a crisp green salad, grilled vegetables, or even a tropical fruit salsa for a refreshing contrast. The versatility gives you freedom to customize based on your cravings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe in pineapple boat halves or over coconut rice to amp up the island vibes. You might also try it on a toasted baguette as a shrimp garlic toast appetizer, or tucked into soft tortillas for a delicious shrimp taco with that signature garlic flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, let the shrimp cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator and use within 2 days to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe can be frozen, but since shrimp can become rubbery when thawed improperly, it’s best to freeze just the cooked shrimp and sauce separately if possible. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 month for optimum taste.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the shrimp. Adding a splash of water or olive oil can help keep the sauce silky and the shrimp tender. Avoid the microwave if you can for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking so you get that perfect sear and avoid excess moisture in the pan.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy. The paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor but no heat, making it great for all spice tolerance levels.
What can I substitute for Hawaiian sea salt?
If Hawaiian sea salt is unavailable, use regular coarse sea salt or kosher salt. The texture is important for a slight crunch and burst of flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe centers on shrimp, but for a vegan twist, try substituting large king oyster mushrooms or marinated tofu, and use vegan butter and olive oil to keep that luscious sauce feel.
How soon should I eat the shrimp after cooking?
Shrimp is best enjoyed immediately after cooking while still juicy and tender, though leftovers refrigerated properly are delicious within 1-2 days.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully comforting and exciting about a well-made Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe. It’s quick, flavorful, and versatile enough to make weeknight dinners feel like a mini-vacation to the islands. I hope you give it a whirl and share this delicious little escape with your loved ones as often as you can.
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Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp recipe features tender, juicy shrimp cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce infused with fresh lemon juice and traditional Hawaiian sea salt. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a perfect quick and delicious dish to serve over rice for a satisfying meal.
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 skillet and garlic: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Warm the mixture and stir until the butter fully melts. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
- Add seasonings and remaining fats: Pour in the lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, and paprika into the skillet. Stir to combine. Then add the remaining olive oil and butter, and continue to cook slowly for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the shrimp: Carefully add the raw shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn an orange/pink color, indicating they are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook as shrimp cook quickly.
- Serve: Serve the garlic shrimp over a bed of rice and drizzle the flavorful sauce from the skillet over the top. Enjoy immediately for the best taste.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- If you don’t have Hawaiian sea salt, regular coarse sea salt is a good substitute.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially the sea salt and paprika.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they become tough and rubbery.
- This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice or garlic butter rice.
