If you are craving a dish bursting with bold flavors, succulent shrimp, and a touch of island magic, the Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. This dish marries juicy, tender shrimp with garlic-infused buttery sauce that’s brightened up by fresh lemon and a sprinkle of coarse Hawaiian sea salt, creating a symphony of tastes that make your taste buds dance. Whipping it up takes only minutes, but the impact on your dinner table is absolutely unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe plays an essential role in layering flavors and textures. From the richness of butter to the slight heat from paprika, these simple pantry staples come together to create something truly special.
- 1 pound large uncooked shrimp: Choose fresh or thawed large shrimp for the perfect tender bite that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil (divided): Helps sauté the garlic and shrimp while adding subtle fruity undertones.
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter (divided): Adds luscious creaminess and richness to the sauce that clings to every shrimp.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): The star aromatic ingredient that creates depth and that irresistible garlicky aroma.
- Juice from half of a large lemon: Brightens the entire dish with a fresh citrusy punch that balances the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse Hawaiian sea salt (or regular coarse sea salt): Imparts a unique mineral flavor and a pleasant crunch, making the shrimp tastier.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat to complement the buttery, garlicky sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Introduces a subtle smokiness and a pop of color that makes the dish visually inviting.
How to Make Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Garlic Butter Base
Start by heating your skillet over medium-low heat and add 4 tablespoons of olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Allow the butter to melt slowly, which will create a rich base. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sauté gently for about one minute until it becomes fragrant and just begins to caramelize. This step releases the garlic’s sweet, savory notes, setting the foundation for the entire dish.
Step 2: Building the Flavors
Next, pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, followed by the coarse Hawaiian sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir everything together to marry the flavors. Then add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Keep the heat low and allow these ingredients to meld for another couple of minutes to ensure the sauce is silky and flavorful before the shrimp hit the pan.
Step 3: Cooking the Shrimp to Perfection
Gently add your shrimp to the warm skillet, distributing them evenly in the sauce. Cook each side for roughly 2 minutes, watching closely as they turn a bright orange-pink color, signaling they are perfectly cooked. The shrimp should remain juicy and tender, infused with that glorious garlicky lemon butter sauce.
Step 4: Serving Your Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Remove the skillet from heat and spoon the shrimp and the garlic butter sauce over a bed of fluffy rice or your favorite grain. This final presentation invites you to dive straight into those vibrant island flavors that make this dish feel like a mini-vacation on a plate.
How to Serve Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate the Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe even more. Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro adds a pop of green and a fresh, herbal note that balances the richness. A wedge of lemon on the side allows each diner to add an extra spritz for brightness. You might also sprinkle on a few toasted sesame seeds for subtle crunch and a nutty contrast.
Side Dishes
This shrimp recipe calls for simple yet complementary side dishes. Traditionally, serving it over steamed white rice or coconut rice is ideal to soak up all the luscious sauce. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works beautifully. Pairing it with a crisp green salad or a side of grilled veggies introduces refreshing textures and keeps the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests or just spice up your regular dinner routine? Try serving the shrimp in warm taco shells with a drizzle of spicy mayo and shredded cabbage for a Hawaiian-inspired shrimp taco. Alternatively, use the garlic shrimp as a topping for a fresh flatbread or bruschetta to offer a delightful appetizer or light meal option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store the shrimp and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for up to 2 days, preserving the incredible flavors you worked so hard to create. Just be cautious not to overcook the shrimp when reheating.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp in their sauce for up to a month. Use a freezer-safe container or bag, and try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for best results when you’re ready to enjoy a quick, tasty meal.
Reheating
To reheat leftover Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe, gently warm it on the stove over low heat just until heated through. Avoid microwaving at high power as shrimp can quickly become rubbery. Adding a splash of olive oil or butter while reheating keeps the sauce luscious and the shrimp tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce. Using fresh or properly thawed shrimp guarantees the best texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for Hawaiian sea salt?
If you don’t have Hawaiian sea salt, regular coarse sea salt or kosher salt works just fine. The distinctive mineral flavor of Hawaiian sea salt is wonderful but not essential to creating a delicious garlic shrimp dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, the Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is not spicy. The paprika adds a subtle smokiness without heat, making it perfect for all palates. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit of a kick.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
This recipe is best served fresh to enjoy the shrimp’s tenderness and the vibrant garlic butter sauce. However, you can prep ingredients like minced garlic or lemon juice in advance to speed up cooking on the day you plan to serve it.
What wine pairs well with Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
A crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the garlicky lemony flavors perfectly, cutting through the richness without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about making a dish that carries both simplicity and punchy flavors in every bite. The Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe has that wonderful ability to transform a quick meal into an exciting and satisfying experience. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a little bit of island sunshine right onto your plate.
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 offers a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with hints of lemon and traditional Hawaiian sea salt. Perfectly cooked shrimp coated in a vibrant, buttery sauce make this dish a delicious and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 pound large uncooked shrimp
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse Hawaiian sea salt (or regular coarse sea salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- juice from half of a large lemon
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the garlic butter base: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Warm the mixture, stirring occasionally until the butter is fully melted. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
- Add seasonings and continue cooking: Stir in the lemon juice, Hawaiian sea salt, black pepper, and paprika into the skillet. Then add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Stir well and slowly cook the sauce for about 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook the shrimp: Carefully place the uncooked shrimp into the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 2 minutes on the other side, or until the shrimp turns an orange-pink color. Be careful not to overcook as shrimp cook very quickly.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the garlic shrimp hot over cooked rice, generously spooning the buttery garlic sauce over the top. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use large shrimp for juicier texture and quicker cooking time.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Ensure not to overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture.
