If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors yet comes together in a flash, this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is just the ticket. Juicy shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic, butter, and lemon sauce instantly transports you to a breezy Hawaiian shore with every bite. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for any night you want to impress without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for friends or a cozy family dinner, this recipe guarantees a plate of pure comfort and island-inspired goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. They’re simple staples you might already have in your kitchen, but combined, they produce an extraordinary dish that’s fresh, vibrant, and utterly addictive.
- 1 pound large uncooked shrimp: The star of the dish, offering a tender and juicy seafood base that soaks up all the sauce.
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil (divided): Adds a smooth richness and helps gently carry the garlic flavor throughout the shrimp.
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter (divided): Delivers that creamy, indulgent mouthfeel and caramelizes the garlic beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the shrimp with a fragrant, savory punch that is the essence of this recipe.
- Juice from half of a large lemon: Provides zesty brightness to cut through the richness and add a refreshing tartness.
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse Hawaiian sea salt (or regular coarse sea salt): Enhances the natural flavors with a subtle crunch and mineral depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warming heat that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Brings mild smokiness and a lovely color contrast, making the dish visually inviting.
How to Make Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Base
Start by warming a large skillet over medium-low heat and adding 4 tablespoons of olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Stir occasionally as the butter melts, creating a rich, glossy base. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until its aroma fills the kitchen and the cloves begin to caramelize slightly, unlocking their natural sweetness without burning.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Sauce
Next, pour in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle the Himalayan sea salt, black pepper, and paprika into the skillet. Stir these ingredients gently to combine with the garlic butter, then add the remaining olive oil and butter. Let the mixture simmer slowly for around 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a velvety sauce that will perfectly coat the shrimp.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Carefully lay the shrimp in a single layer into the skillet, ensuring they’re nestled evenly in that rich sauce. Cook each side for about 2 minutes, watching closely for the shrimp to turn that signature vibrant orange-pink color. This is your cue that they’re perfectly cooked—tender yet with a slight snap, ready to soak up all the garlicky goodness.
Step 4: Serve It Up
Once the shrimp are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish and generously drizzle the luscious sauce over the top. This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe truly shines when served immediately, allowing you to savor the warm, buttery, and citrusy flavors with every bite.
How to Serve Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate your Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe from wonderful to unforgettable. Consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of green color and herbaceous brightness. Thin slices of scallions or a few spritzes of extra lemon juice can also brighten the flavors beautifully just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs exceptionally well with simple yet flavorful side dishes. A fluffy mound of steamed white or jasmine rice is a classic choice, helping to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce. For a refreshing balance, serve alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini or asparagus, or a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to contrast the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun Hawaiian island vibe, serve the shrimp in a hollowed-out pineapple half, letting the tropical fruit’s sweetness complement the garlicky shrimp. Alternatively, turn the dish into tacos with soft corn tortillas, a drizzle of creamy avocado sauce, and a sprinkle of crunchy cabbage slaw. Either way, presentation adds a playful and colorful twist to this classic recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, place the shrimp and any leftover sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. Enjoy within 2 days to ensure freshness and maintain the lovely texture of the shrimp.
Freezing
While shrimp generally tastes best fresh, you can freeze this dish if needed. Store the cooled shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the flavors and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts to prevent overcooking. Add a small splash of olive oil or butter to rehydrate the sauce and keep the shrimp juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that could dilute the sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe has a mild warmth from paprika and pepper but isn’t spicy. You can easily add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit more heat.
What rice is best to serve with this dish?
Jasmine or long-grain white rice is ideal as it’s fragrant enough to complement the shrimp without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe and tasty option for those with gluten sensitivities.
How can I add more vegetables to this meal?
Feel free to toss in sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or snap peas to the skillet while cooking the shrimp for added color, crunch, and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels both like a special treat and an easy weeknight fix. With its rich garlicky butter sauce and bright lemon zing, it captures the spirit of island cooking in just minutes. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try — once you do, it’s bound to become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation.
Print
Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp recipe features succulent large shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and traditional Hawaiian sea salt. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for serving over rice, capturing the vibrant tastes of island cuisine.
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 base sauce: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Warm the skillet and stir occasionally until the butter is fully melted. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant and slightly caramelized, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add seasoning and remaining fats: Pour in the juice from half a lemon, sprinkle in the coarse Hawaiian sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir these ingredients to combine evenly. Then add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet, stirring continuously to blend the flavors. Continue to cook slowly for approximately 2 minutes to marry the flavors together.
- Cook the shrimp: Carefully add the uncooked shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the shrimp on one side for about 2 minutes, then flip and cook on the other side for an additional 2 minutes. The shrimp is done when it turns a vibrant orange-pink color on both sides, signaling it’s cooked through but still tender.
- Serve: Immediately serve the garlic shrimp over a bed of rice. Spoon the flavorful garlic butter sauce over the top to enhance the dish. Enjoy the vibrant, buttery, and garlicky Hawaiian-inspired flavors!
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as it cooks quickly and can become tough if left too long.
- If you don’t have Hawaiian sea salt, regular coarse sea salt works as a fine substitute.
- Serve with steamed white rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for added freshness and color if desired.
