If you are craving a dish that delivers a burst of bold, garlicky flavor alongside a buttery, tropical vibe, then Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp is exactly what you need. This recipe captures the essence of island living with tender shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, accented by a perfect hint of soy and lemon. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp recipe brings that irresistible island charm straight to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to crafting the rich and vibrant flavors that make Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp so unforgettable. Each element plays a key role: from the succulent shrimp to the garlicky butter base and the bright splash of lemon juice that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or thoroughly thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: The foundation for a creamy, garlicky sauce that coats every bite beautifully.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential here—it brings the bold, aromatic punch that defines the dish.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory depth and a touch of umami that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the dish with a fresh, zesty contrast to the buttery garlic.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want a gentle spicy kick, this adds just the right amount of heat.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Introduces a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season perfectly and bring out all the natural flavors.
- Cooked white rice, for serving: A fluffy bed of rice makes the perfect companion, soaking up every bit of that garlicky goodness.
How to Make Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare Your Shrimp
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water, then gently pat them dry with paper towels—this helps to sear them beautifully. Lightly season with salt and pepper, setting the stage for that perfect savory bite.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter until it just starts to foam. This bubbling butter is where your garlic will infuse its flavor, creating the signature sauce for the Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the bubbling butter and sauté for about one minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be mindful not to burn the garlic as that can introduce bitter notes—you want it golden and aromatic.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet so they cook evenly. Let them sizzle for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and just slightly golden—this caramelization adds incredible texture.
Step 5: Flip and Finish the Sauce
Turn the shrimp over, then pour in the soy sauce, lemon juice, and, if you like heat, crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to coat every shrimp with the luscious sauce and cook for another 2 minutes until fully opaque and cooked through.
Step 6: Garnish with Parsley
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp. This final touch adds freshness and a vibrant contrast to the rich garlic butter sauce.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Pile the shrimp over steaming white rice with generous spoonfuls of garlic butter sauce—it’s that sauce that truly binds all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
How to Serve Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley brings an herbaceous brightness and a pop of inviting green, but you can also add thin lemon wedges on the side to encourage a light, citrusy squeeze right before eating—this elevates the dish’s flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp pairs beautifully with simple, clean sides like fluffy steamed white rice or even coconut rice to keep the tropical theme alive. For a fresh balance, serve with sautéed greens or a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated dinner or party, try serving the shrimp in a pineapple boat or atop grilled corn tortillas for a fun twist. You can also pile it on a bed of mixed greens for a light, flavorful shrimp salad that bursts with island charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to two days without losing that luscious garlic butter flavor.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Use within one month for optimal flavor, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To retain the shrimp’s tender texture, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make shrimp rubbery and dry out the special Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This step prevents excess water in the pan, which could dilute the garlicky sauce and stop the shrimp from searing properly.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, but you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping in gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos without compromising the rich umami flavor that’s essential to Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
If you need a dairy-free option, simply replace the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Both offer a similar rich mouthfeel so your shrimp will still be luscious and indulgent.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely! The crushed red pepper flakes can be added according to your heat preference—use less for a mild touch or increase for a spicier kick. You can also add a fresh diced chili for extra zing.
What’s the best way to serve Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp for a party?
Consider serving it as finger food on small skewers or in mini pineapple cups, paired with a tangy dipping sauce. This makes it easy and fun for guests to enjoy the rich flavors while mingling.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp brings together simplicity, bold flavors, and that unforgettable island flair that makes every bite a little vacation on your plate. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a wonderful way to brighten any meal with garlicky, buttery perfection. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why this dish is a beloved favorite that’s hard not to share with friends and family.
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Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in butter and garlic, enhanced with soy sauce and lemon juice for a perfect balance of savory and tangy notes. This quick and easy recipe captures the essence of island cuisine and is ideal for a fast weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish and Serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors before cooking.
- Melt Butter: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt and foam slightly, indicating it is hot enough for cooking.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, taking care not to let it burn as this will impart bitterness.
- Cook Shrimp (First Side): Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and develop a slight golden color on the bottom side.
- Flip and Add Sauce: Flip the shrimp over and immediately add soy sauce, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently to coat all shrimp evenly, then cook for an additional 2 minutes until they are fully cooked through.
- Finish with Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp to add a burst of color and fresh herbal flavor.
- Serve: Serve the garlic shrimp hot over a bed of steamed white rice. Spoon any remaining garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the top for extra richness and flavor.
Notes
- For an extra tropical twist, add a splash of pineapple juice when adding the soy sauce and lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
- Increase crushed red pepper flakes or add a diced fresh chili if you prefer the dish spicier.
- This dish pairs well with sautéed vegetables or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
- You can substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil to make it dairy-free.
- Use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
