If you are craving a quick, flavorful seafood delight that transports you straight to the shores of the islands, this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with garlicky goodness, buttery richness, and bright hints of lemon, every bite feels like a mini vacation. Perfectly succulent shrimp, paired with simple yet vibrant seasonings, make this dish a standout whether you’re cooking a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends with your culinary skills. Trust me, once you try this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe, it will become one of your go-to favorites for a fuss-free, unforgettable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe lies in just a handful of simple but essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor, calming buttery texture, and that iconic garlicky aroma. These ingredients aren’t just familiar—they each play a crucial role in making the dish sing.
- 1 pound large uncooked shrimp: The star of the dish, make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy cooking and eating.
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil (divided): Adds fruity richness and helps cook the shrimp evenly without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter (divided): Gives the sauce a silky smooth texture and brings that classic buttery bite you crave.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is key for that bold, robust flavor profile that permeates the entire dish.
- Juice from half of a large lemon: Brightens and balances the richness with a refreshing citrus kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse Hawaiian sea salt (or regular coarse sea salt): Enhances all the flavors and gives an authentic touch.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and subtle spice without overwhelming the shrimp’s sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Introduces a lovely mild smokiness and a pop of color to the final presentation.
How to Make Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Start by warming the olive oil and salted butter together in a large skillet over medium-low heat. This combination creates a rich base for your sauce without letting the butter burn. Once the butter has melted smoothly, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant and just begins to caramelize. This step unlocks the essence of garlic, creating a deeply aromatic foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Add Citrus and Seasonings
Next, pour in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle the coarse Hawaiian sea salt, black pepper, and paprika right into the skillet. Give everything a good stir so that the flavors meld beautifully. Adding the remaining olive oil and butter now enriches the sauce even further and ensures your shrimp will cook in a luxurious, velvety bath of flavor. Let this mix cook slowly for about two minutes, letting those vibrant seasonings soak in.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection
Carefully place the shrimp into the skillet, nestling them into the garlicky sauce. Shrimp cook very quickly, so allow them to cook untouched for 2 minutes on one side until they start to turn a gorgeous orange-pink color. Flip them over and cook for another 2 minutes. Watching those shrimp变 colors is like nature’s way of telling you dinner is almost ready. Be mindful not to overcook; tender shrimp is the goal!
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Once your shrimp are perfectly cooked, scoop them out, and don’t forget to drizzle all that flavorful buttery sauce over the top. This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed rice to soak up every last drop of sauce. Now, sit back and enjoy a taste of island life right at your own table.
How to Serve Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance both the look and flavor of your garlic shrimp, consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of green and fresh herbal notes. A light sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions can add a mild crunch and subtle sharpness, while a wedge of lemon on the side invites diners to brighten up their bites even more.
Side Dishes
This dish loves classic accompaniments like steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soak up the buttery garlic sauce beautifully. For a lighter contrast, a simple green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini provide a fresh, crisp counterbalance—making the meal feel balanced and wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe in small, individual coconut bowls or over a bed of coconut rice to enhance that tropical island vibe. You could also skewer the shrimp after cooking and serve as appetizers or party snacks with a side of dipping sauce. Presentation really amps up the excitement and showcases this vibrant dish in a memorable way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be tricky given how delicious this dish is), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The shrimp will keep well for up to 2 days, retaining most of their flavor and tenderness.
Freezing
While shrimp generally freeze well, freezing this particular shrimp dish with the buttery garlic sauce is not recommended because the texture of the sauce may change after thawing. However, if you want to freeze, do so immediately after cooking and use within a month for best results.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm them gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery. Avoid high heat or microwaving directly as this can overcook the shrimp quickly. Adding a splash of lemon juice or a little extra butter during reheating can help refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the pan. Thawed shrimp work almost as well as fresh and still soak up the garlic butter sauce perfectly.
Is there a substitute for Hawaiian sea salt?
If you don’t have Hawaiian sea salt, regular coarse sea salt or kosher salt is a fine alternative. It won’t have the exact mineral profile but will still season your shrimp beautifully.
Can I adjust the garlic amount?
Definitely. If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, just reduce it slightly. The dish is very forgiving and customizable!
What other proteins can I use with this recipe?
This garlic butter sauce is fantastic with other seafood like scallops or fish fillets, and even chicken breast strips. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep your proteins tender.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not really. The paprika adds a gentle smoky note but little heat. If you want a spicy kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper when adding the seasonings.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is a wonderful way to bring the vibrant, sun-soaked flavors of the islands into your kitchen with ease and joy. Its quick preparation, irresistible taste, and comforting textures make it a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying this for the first time, I encourage you to dive in and savor every buttery, garlicky bite. You’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without this little taste of paradise on your plate.
Print
Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp recipe delivers tender, juicy shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce with a hint of lemon and traditional Hawaiian sea salt. Perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner, it cooks in just 15 minutes and pairs beautifully with rice for a satisfying meal inspired by the beaches of Hawaii.
Ingredients
Shrimp & Seasonings
- 1 pound large uncooked shrimp
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse Hawaiian sea salt (or regular coarse sea salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Juice from half of a large lemon
Cooking Fats & Flavorings
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
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. Allow the butter to melt while stirring gently, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant and starts to caramelize slightly, releasing its rich aroma into the oil and butter mixture.
- Add seasonings and remaining fats: Pour in the lemon juice, coarse Hawaiian sea salt, black pepper, and paprika to the skillet. Stir well to combine all flavors evenly. Then, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir again and continue to simmer gently for about 2 minutes to allow the sauce to meld and slightly thicken.
- Cook the shrimp: Carefully add the uncooked shrimp into the skillet, spreading them out for even cooking. Cook the shrimp in the sauce for 2 minutes on one side until it turns orange/pink, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. Shrimp cooks quickly; it’s done once both sides have that bright orange color and are opaque inside.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the garlic shrimp hot over a bed of steamed rice, spooning the flavorful buttery garlic sauce generously over the top. Enjoy your Hawaiian-inspired meal!
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture, but thawed frozen shrimp will also work well.
- Do not overcook the shrimp as they will become tough and rubbery; the bright orange color is a good indicator for doneness.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes along with the paprika.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or garlic butter noodles.
- Substitute salted butter with unsalted if you prefer to control the saltiness more precisely.
