Is Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp really from Hawaii?

Yes! This dish is famous in Hawaii, particularly on Oahu’s North Shore, where shrimp trucks serve it with rice and a rich, garlicky butter sauce. It is a staple of Hawaiian cuisine, even though it doesn’t contain pineapple, as some people assume.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear.

What’s the best way to keep garlic from burning?

Garlic burns quickly at high heat, so always sauté it on medium to low heat. Stir constantly, and if it starts to brown too much, lower the heat or remove the pan from the stove briefly.

Garlic Shrimp (Hawaiian Style) - Cooking Classy

Description

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful seafood dish inspired by the famous shrimp trucks of Oahu. Juicy shrimp are pan-seared in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with a hint of spice and fresh lemon. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or tropical-themed meals.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb. extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup minced fresh garlic (about 1 medium head)
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 tbsp unsalted butter, diced into 1-tbsp pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp minced fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps with even browning. Place them in a bowl and toss with flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Heat the butter and oil: In a large non-stick skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. This combination prevents the butter from burning and adds extra richness to the sauce.
Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic and stir frequently, cooking for about 30 seconds. The goal is to make it fragrant without letting it brown too much, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Cook the shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until they develop a light golden crust on the bottom. Flip each shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes or until fully opaque and pink.
Finish the dish: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately toss the shrimp with fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with minced parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve hot, making sure to drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce over the shrimp.

Notes

If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and dry them well before cooking.
Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for the best flavor.
Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
Serve with white rice or pasta to soak up the extra garlic butter sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 362
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 158mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 332mg