If you are craving a dish that perfectly blends bold flavors with a quick and easy preparation, you will love this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that takes you straight to the tropical beaches with its garlicky, buttery sauce and tender, juicy shrimp. Each bite bursts with citrus brightness, savory richness, and that gentle kick from paprika and sea salt, making it an irresistible favorite for seafood lovers and busy home cooks alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s vibrant flavor and perfect texture, from the silky butter to the fresh lemon juice that adds a zesty sparkle.
- 1 pound large uncooked shrimp: Choose peeled and deveined shrimp for the best texture and easier cooking.
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil (divided): Adds a fruity richness and helps sauté the garlic evenly.
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter (divided): Creates a luscious, velvety sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): The heart of the dish, providing that unforgettable garlicky aroma and flavor.
- Juice from half of a large lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter.
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse Hawaiian sea salt (or regular coarse sea salt): Adds an authentic touch and enhances all the flavors with just the right amount of saltiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle heat and depth to the overall taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Offers subtle smokiness and a pop of beautiful color.
How to Make Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic in Butter and Olive Oil
Begin by warming 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat in a large skillet. The combination of butter and olive oil ensures a rich base without burning the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until it becomes fragrant and starts to lightly caramelize—this step is crucial for infusing the oil with that signature garlicky goodness.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Finish the Sauce Base
Next, stir in the fresh lemon juice, coarse sea salt, black pepper, and paprika directly into the skillet. These ingredients come together to create layers of flavor that are bright, savory, and slightly smoky. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter, stirring gently as they melt. Let this mixture cook together for about two minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection
Carefully place the shrimp in the skillet, spreading them out so they cook evenly. Since shrimp cook very quickly, allow each side to cook for about two minutes until they turn a beautiful orange-pink color. This step is not just about color but also texture—overcooking shrimp makes them rubbery, so watch carefully to maintain that tender bite.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, you’re ready to serve this delightful Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe. Pour the garlicky buttery sauce over the shrimp, and don’t forget to drizzle some extra sauce — it’s the best part! Serve the shrimp over warm, fluffy rice or your favorite grain to soak up every last drop of flavor.
How to Serve Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or green onions add a pop of color and a refreshing herbal note that complements the rich shrimp sauce. A sprinkle of extra paprika on top can also enhance the presentation and provide a slight smoky accent.
Side Dishes
This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe shines when paired with steamed white rice or coconut rice, both of which absorb the flavorful sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables to balance the richness of the shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, try serving the shrimp in individual mini cast iron skillets or on a bed of sautéed spinach. Another fun idea is to turn this dish into shrimp tacos using soft tortillas, some creamy avocado slices, and a squeeze of fresh lime for a tropical twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Because the shrimp cook so quickly, they are best enjoyed fresh, but proper storage will keep them tasty and safe to eat the next day.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked shrimp, it’s not ideal for this particular Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe because the buttery sauce may separate upon thawing. If you do freeze leftovers, wrap them tightly in freezer-safe bags and consume within one month for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent them from overcooking and becoming rubbery. Use a small splash of water or additional butter to refresh the sauce and bring back that lovely silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp—just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and absorb the garlic butter sauce better.
Is this dish very spicy?
No, the Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is more savory and garlicky with a mild hint of paprika for color and subtle smoky flavor, not heat. If you want a little kick, you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking.
What type of rice pairs best with this shrimp dish?
Traditional white rice or fragrant jasmine rice pairs perfectly, as they balance the richness of the butter and soak up the sauce. Coconut rice is also a great match if you want that tropical flair.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check the paprika and sea salt to ensure no additives contain gluten. Serve over a gluten-free grain or rice for a delicious meal.
How long does this recipe take from start to finish?
The entire Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe comes together in just about 15 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites to whip up whenever I want something fast, flavorful, and totally satisfying. The simple ingredients come to life in a mouthwatering sauce that makes every meal feel like a mini vacation. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how a little garlic, butter, and a squeeze of lemon can transform shrimp into pure magic.
Print
Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring 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 perfect for a satisfying dinner served over rice.
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 Garlic Butter Base: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Allow the butter to melt completely and warm the oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
- Add Seasonings and Remaining Fats: Stir in the lemon juice, coarse Hawaiian sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. Then add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Stir the mixture and continue to gently cook the sauce for about 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook the Shrimp: Carefully add the uncooked shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp in the garlic butter sauce for approximately 2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp changes to an orange-pink color, indicating they are fully cooked. Shrimp cooks quickly, so watch closely to avoid overcooking.
- Serve: Serve the garlic shrimp hot over a bed of rice, spooning the flavorful sauce over the top. Enjoy this delicious Hawaiian-inspired dish immediately.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they only need about 4 minutes total.
- Coarse Hawaiian sea salt adds authentic flavor but regular coarse sea salt works fine as a substitute.
- For extra zest, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, but shrimp is best enjoyed fresh.
