This Hawaiian-style Garlic Shrimp dish is a delightful fusion of rich butter and bold garlic, reminiscent of the flavors served by food trucks on the North Shore of Oahu. The shrimp is cooked to perfection, bathed in a garlicky sauce that clings to each bite, giving it a deliciously rich finish. A fresh squeeze of lemon adds brightness and complements the savory notes of paprika and cayenne pepper. Whether you’re serving this with jasmine rice or roasted vegetables, this dish brings a taste of the islands right to your table. It’s quick to prepare, yet perfect for a special occasion, ensuring it becomes a go-to recipe for shrimp lovers everywhere.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 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
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley (optional)
Directions:
- Dab shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a bowl, sprinkle shrimp with flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (avoid browning).
- Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook until pink on one side (about 2 minutes), flip, and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and toss with lemon juice. Garnish with parsley, if using.
- Serve with extra garlic butter sauce from the pan.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 362 kcal
Servings: 4 servings
The Origins of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Although garlic shrimp is served throughout Hawaii, it is particularly iconic in the North Shore of Oahu. The dish became popular thanks to the island’s food trucks, which specialize in serving up this fresh, simple, and satisfying meal. The simplicity of the ingredients—shrimp, garlic, butter, and a few spices—belies the complexity of the flavor that results from the careful cooking process. While it may not have traditional Polynesian roots, the dish has become synonymous with Hawaii’s street food culture. Tourists from around the world line up at these trucks to get a taste of what has been called the “best shrimp in the world.”
What makes this dish particularly appealing is its versatility. Shrimp is a common ingredient in many global cuisines, but in Hawaii, it takes on a unique character, thanks to the heavy use of garlic and butter. Unlike many other shrimp dishes, which focus on subtle flavors, Hawaiian garlic shrimp is unapologetically bold. The shrimp are pan-seared, which gives them a slight caramelization and seals in the garlicky richness. This cooking method helps retain the natural juiciness of the shrimp, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.
Health Benefits of Shrimp
While garlic shrimp may seem indulgent due to its buttery sauce, shrimp itself is a highly nutritious ingredient. It’s an excellent source of lean protein, providing the body with essential amino acids while being relatively low in calories. Shrimp is also packed with important nutrients such as selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine, which support thyroid function and metabolism. Moreover, shrimp contains omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their role in supporting heart health.
The garlic used in this dish further boosts its health benefits. Garlic is well known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to combat infections, promote heart health, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Combining shrimp with garlic results in a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also supports overall health.
Pairing and Serving Ideas
Hawaiian garlic shrimp is traditionally served with steamed white rice, which helps soak up the rich garlic butter sauce. Jasmine rice is a popular choice because its slightly sweet, fragrant flavor complements the savory shrimp. The dish is often accompanied by lemon wedges, allowing diners to add a burst of freshness to each bite.
For a more elaborate meal, Hawaiian garlic shrimp pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans offer a crunchy contrast to the tender shrimp. For those looking to add a tropical twist, serving the shrimp alongside fresh pineapple or a cucumber salad can enhance the island-inspired theme of the meal.
Pasta is another excellent pairing option for garlic shrimp. A thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta can be tossed in the garlicky butter sauce, transforming the dish into a luxurious seafood pasta that’s easy to prepare but impressive enough for a dinner party. For a lighter option, you could even serve the shrimp over a bed of greens or a zesty quinoa salad, adding another layer of texture and freshness.
Cooking Techniques and Tips
One of the keys to achieving the perfect garlic shrimp lies in the balance of heat and timing during the cooking process. Overcooking shrimp is a common mistake that leads to a rubbery texture. Shrimp cook very quickly, and they should be removed from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Depending on their size, shrimp typically take about two minutes per side when pan-seared.
To ensure the garlic doesn’t burn, it’s important to sauté it in butter over medium heat. Garlic that’s cooked too quickly can develop a bitter taste, which can overwhelm the other flavors in the dish. Instead, aim for a light golden color that will infuse the butter with its sweet, savory aroma without overpowering the shrimp. Using fresh garlic is another critical element in making this dish stand out. While pre-minced garlic may save time, the flavor of fresh garlic is far more vibrant and aromatic. For a more intense garlic experience, you can even add a bit of roasted garlic to the sauce, which will bring a deeper, sweeter flavor to the dish.
Variations and Customization
One of the great things about Hawaiian garlic shrimp is how easily it can be customized to suit individual preferences. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding extra cayenne pepper or a dash of chili flakes can give the dish a spicy kick. If you prefer a smokier flavor, using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika is another way to change up the flavor profile.
Another variation is to use different types of shrimp or seafood. While the recipe traditionally calls for extra-large shrimp, smaller shrimp or even prawns can be used, though the cooking time will need to be adjusted accordingly. You can also experiment with different types of butter or oils, such as using clarified butter or ghee for a richer taste, or coconut oil for a tropical twist.
For those following a specific diet, the recipe can be adapted to meet various dietary needs. It can easily be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to coat the shrimp. Additionally, if you’re avoiding dairy, you can substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter or olive oil, which still provide a luscious, flavorful sauce.
Conclusion:
Hawaiian garlic shrimp is a must-try dish for anyone who loves bold, garlicky flavors and seafood. Its roots in Hawaii’s vibrant food truck culture make it not only a delicious meal but also a cultural experience that brings a taste of the islands to your kitchen. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or for impressing guests at a more formal gathering.
Whether you serve it with rice, pasta, or vegetables, Hawaiian garlic shrimp will undoubtedly become a staple in your recipe collection. With its combination of rich garlic butter sauce and succulent shrimp, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and healthy. If you’re looking for a new favorite seafood recipe that’s bursting with flavor, Hawaiian garlic shrimp is sure to deliver.