Garlic Shrimp (Hawaiian Style) – Cooking Classy

Shrimp dishes often bring a sense of indulgence, but Garlic Shrimp (Hawaiian Style) is a recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. I remember my first encounter with this dish at a Hawaiian food truck—hot, buttery shrimp coated in fragrant garlic sauce, served over steaming white rice. It was pure comfort food, yet so simple that I knew I had to recreate it at home.

This recipe is perfect for beginners because it requires just a handful of ingredients and a single pan. The cooking time is short, making it ideal for busy weeknights, and the flavors are bold yet balanced. With the right tips and techniques, anyone can achieve tender, juicy shrimp bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce.

Why This Recipe is Special

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is inspired by the famous shrimp trucks on Oahu’s North Shore, where fresh seafood is transformed into an unforgettable meal. What makes this dish stand out is its simplicity—just shrimp, garlic, butter, and a few seasonings—but the result is deeply flavorful and satisfying.

• Perfect for beginners: No complicated techniques, just straightforward steps.
• Quick and easy: The entire dish comes together in about 20 minutes.
• Rich, buttery, and garlicky: The combination of butter and garlic enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
• Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor: A few pantry staples create a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant.

Ingredients and Their Roles

Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

• Shrimp: The star of the dish. Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture.
• Garlic: The key flavor component, bringing bold, aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps coat the shrimp in a silky sauce.
• Olive Oil: Prevents the butter from burning while enhancing the overall flavor.
• Flour: Lightly coats the shrimp, helping the garlic butter sauce cling better.
• Paprika: Provides a subtle smoky sweetness and enhances the golden color.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds a touch of heat, but it’s optional if you prefer a milder dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
• Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal contrast to the garlicky butter sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Shrimp alternatives: Try scallops or cubed chicken for a different take.
• Butter substitute: Ghee or dairy-free butter for a lactose-free version.
• Flour replacement: Use cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
• Extra spice: Swap cayenne for chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step ensures a good sear and prevents the shrimp from becoming watery.

Step 2: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 3: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 4: Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until the bottoms turn pink.

Step 5: Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes or until they are fully opaque and cooked through.

Step 6: Remove from heat and immediately toss with fresh lemon juice and parsley. Serve hot with extra garlic butter sauce drizzled over the top.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Avoid overcooking: Shrimp cook quickly. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery, so watch for the opaque color change.
• Don’t burn the garlic: Burnt garlic tastes bitter. Stir constantly and remove from heat if it starts to brown too much.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemon juice make a significant difference in flavor.
• Work in batches if needed: If your skillet is small, cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp with these sides for a complete meal:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The classic pairing that absorbs the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
• Roasted or Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini complement the dish beautifully.
• Pasta: Toss the shrimp with angel hair pasta for a garlicky seafood pasta dish.
• Grilled Pineapple: Adds a hint of natural sweetness and a tropical touch.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter. Avoid microwaving at high heat, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
• Freezing: It’s best to freeze uncooked shrimp and prepare the dish fresh rather than freezing cooked shrimp.

Conclusion

This Garlic Shrimp (Hawaiian Style) brings the taste of a tropical vacation straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner cook or simply looking for a quick and delicious meal, this recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Try it tonight, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments. What did you pair it with? Did you make any modifications? Let’s talk about it!

FAQ About Garlic Shrimp (Hawaiian Style)

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