If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor while bringing a touch of island magic to your dinner table, this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. Quick to prepare yet incredibly satisfying, it combines succulent shrimp with a buttery, garlicky sauce seasoned with just the right hint of sea salt and paprika. Whether you’re entertaining friends or treating yourself after a busy day, this recipe transports you straight to the shores of Hawaii with every juicy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the richness of butter and olive oil to the bright zest of lemon juice, all coming together to create an irresistible sauce that perfectly coats the shrimp. Let’s walk through what you’ll need:
- 1 pound large uncooked shrimp: Fresh or thawed large shrimp give you that perfect, tender seafood bite.
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil (divided): Adds a smooth, fruity richness that helps sauté the garlic beautifully.
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter (divided): Brings luscious creaminess and carries the garlic flavor throughout.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): The star flavor of this dish—garlic makes everything vibrant and aromatic.
- Juice from half of a large lemon: Adds a fresh, tangy punch that balances the richness perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse Hawaiian sea salt (or regular coarse sea salt): Offers a distinctive salty crunch reminiscent of the islands.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: A subtle smoky note and vibrant color that elevates the dish visually and taste-wise.
How to Make Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Infuse the Oil and Butter with Garlic
Start by warming 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of salted butter together over medium-low heat. This careful warming lets the butter melt slowly, marrying beautifully with the olive oil. When the butter has melted, toss in your minced garlic and sauté it gently for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to become fragrant and just start to caramelize—it’s this step that builds the foundational flavor, so keep your eyes on it to avoid any bitter burning.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Sauce
Next, pour in the juice of half a lemon along with your coarse Hawaiian sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. Give everything a good stir to combine those vibrant ingredients nicely. Then, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter, letting everything continue to mingle and cook slowly for around 2 minutes. This step gently thickens the sauce and makes sure every drop is bursting with flavor before the shrimp hits the pan.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp Just Right
Carefully place your shrimp into the skillet, spreading them out so they have room to cook evenly. Remember, shrimp cook incredibly fast! Let them sear on one side for about 2 minutes until they start turning that beautiful orange-pink color, then flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes. Once both sides are nicely colored, the shrimp is perfectly done—tender, juicy, and soaked in garlicky buttery goodness.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, pile the shrimp over a bed of fluffy rice or your favorite starch, generously spooning the sauce over the top. This is the moment to savor the aroma and dive right in. This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe always comes together quickly, but never disappoints.
How to Serve Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness that complements the rich, buttery shrimp. A few lemon wedges on the side can give an extra citrus kick if you love that zing.
Side Dishes
Pair this with fluffy white rice, fragrant jasmine or coconut rice to soak up every last drop of sauce. For a veggie boost, light steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette will round out the meal beautifully without overpowering the shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp in mini lettuce cups or atop grilled pineapple slices. You can even toss them into a warm tortilla with some slaw for a Hawaiian-inspired shrimp taco—each option is a party on your plate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the shrimp and sauce separately from any rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the shrimp tender and prevents the rice from becoming mushy overnight.
Freezing
While shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp in their sauce by placing them in a freezer-safe container. Use within 1-2 months for best flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to avoid toughness.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or butter to re-moisten the sauce. Avoid microwaving directly as it may toughen the shrimp. A gentle stir and warming will bring the flavors back to life nicely.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sauté nicely and don’t steam in the pan.
What can I substitute for Hawaiian sea salt?
If you don’t have Hawaiian sea salt, regular coarse sea salt works just fine. The key is using something coarse to add texture and burst of saltiness.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all! The paprika adds a mild warmth and beautiful color, but leaves the dish gentle on the heat—perfect for all palates.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, doubling the ingredients works well. Just make sure your skillet is large enough to give the shrimp space so they cook evenly rather than steam.
What wine pairs best with Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
A crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio complements the garlic butter sauce beautifully, enhancing the citrus and seafood flavors without overwhelming them.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe has quickly become a beloved go-to for flavorful, fuss-free dinners. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself wanting again and again because of how effortlessly it balances vibrant island flavors with simple cooking techniques. Whether you’re new to cooking shrimp or a seasoned veggie lover looking for something fresh, this recipe promises to deliver a little taste of paradise to your home kitchen. Give it a try and watch how it lights up your dinner plate and your mood!
Print
Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp recipe features succulent large shrimp sautéed in a rich, garlicky butter and olive oil sauce with fresh lemon juice and a hint of paprika. It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner, served best over rice for a satisfying meal with a tropical twist.
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 skillet and sauté garlic: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Warm and stir until the butter melts. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
- Add seasoning and remaining fats: Stir in the lemon juice, coarse Hawaiian sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. Then add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Continue cooking slowly for about 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook the shrimp: Carefully add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side or until they turn an orange/pink color, indicating they are done. Shrimp cooks quickly, so watch closely to avoid overcooking.
- Serve: Serve the garlic shrimp over a bed of rice and pour the flavorful sauce from the skillet over the top. Enjoy your Hawaiian-style garlic shrimp!
Notes
- Use large shrimp for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using regular sea salt instead of Hawaiian sea salt.
- Serve with steamed white rice or your preferred grain to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Cooking shrimp just until pink ensures they remain tender and juicy.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking.
