Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of tasting aloha in every bite, this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with buttery garlic goodness and just the right kick of spices, these succulent shrimp transport you straight to the sunny shores of Hawaii. It’s an effortless dish that dazzles with vibrant flavors, tender shrimp, and a garlicky sauce that’s downright addictive. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe hits all the right notes and quickly becomes a personal favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in building those bold, irresistible flavors and perfect textures. You’ll love how straightforward it is to gather everything and whip up a dish that feels gourmet.

• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined with tails on: Using large shrimp ensures a meaty, satisfying bite, and leaving the tails gives a nice presentation and easy handling.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: This is key to that rich, silky garlic sauce that coats every shrimp beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps keep the butter from burning while adding a subtle fruity note to the dish.
• 10 cloves garlic finely minced: The star of the show—fresh garlic delivers that punch of aromatic flavor that makes this shrimp unforgettable.
• 1 tablespoon paprika: Adds a smoky warmth and gorgeous color that will make your dish pop.
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives a gentle spicy kick to balance out the richness.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Brings a classic bite that complements the seasoning blend.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures your shrimp are perfectly seasoned.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A splash of brightness that cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing zing.
• Optional chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges for serving: For a fresh, colorful garnish that elevates the final presentation.

How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Start by patting your shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This simple step helps achieve a beautiful sear and prevents sogginess, guaranteeing that your shrimp get perfectly golden and slightly crispy edges when cooked.

Step 2: Mix the Seasonings

In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. This blend is the secret behind that signature Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe flavor profile—smoky, spicy, and savory all at once.

Step 3: Heat the Butter and Olive Oil

Warm up a large skillet over medium heat, then add the unsalted butter and olive oil. Let the butter melt completely and mingle with the olive oil, which helps prevent burning and contributes to a lovely mouthfeel.

Step 4: Sauté the Garlic

Add the finely minced garlic to the skillet, and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn—you want that rich garlicky aroma to fill your kitchen without any bitterness.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet, sprinkling the spice mixture evenly over them. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning once, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and lightly golden with a slight crust. This quick cooking keeps them tender and juicy.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice

Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the shrimp with fresh lemon juice. Toss gently to coat each piece in that fresh acidity—it brightens the butter-garlic sauce and balances the richness perfectly.

How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing finishes off this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe like a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges. The parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness that pairs beautifully with the garlicky shrimp, while lemon wedges let everyone add their own extra zing at the table.

Side Dishes

This dish really shines alongside fluffy white rice or creamy coconut rice, which soaks up every bit of the luscious garlic butter sauce. For a lighter meal, serve with a fresh green salad or grilled veggies—anything that complements the shrimp without overpowering it is a winner.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests or make a family dinner feel special, serve the shrimp in banana leaves or on a large platter lined with fresh greens. Pairing with tropical fruits like pineapple or mango salsa on the side adds a playful, authentic Hawaiian vibe that elevates the entire experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The shrimp will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making it a convenient option for quick meals or lunches.

Freezing

While fresh shrimp are always best, you can freeze cooked shrimp for up to a month. Spread them out on a baking sheet first to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag, which helps prevent clumping and makes thawing easier.

Reheating

Gently reheat your shrimp in a skillet over low heat to keep them tender and avoid toughness. Adding a little extra butter or olive oil during reheating can help revive that original luscious sauce without drying out the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to achieve the best sear and texture. Avoid cooking directly from frozen as it will release extra moisture and affect the sauce.

How spicy is the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe?

The spice level is mild with a gentle kick from cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more cayenne for a spicier dish or reducing it for a milder taste.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t include any wheat-based ingredients. Just double-check any store-bought spices or seasonings to ensure they don’t contain gluten additives.

What can I substitute if I don’t have paprika?

If you’re out of paprika, smoked paprika is a perfect substitute to add a smoky depth. Alternatively, mild chili powder or a pinch of cumin can add complexity, though the flavor profile will slightly differ.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe cooks quickly and stores well. Pair it with rice and veggies in meal prep containers for great lunches or dinners that come together in minutes.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe enough if you’re craving something bursting with bold flavor and comforting richness. It’s surprisingly easy to make, yet the taste will have you coming back for seconds and sharing it with friends. So grab those shrimp and garlic, and let this mouthwatering dish bring a bit of island magic to your kitchen tonight!

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe

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4.2 from 28 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe features succulent large shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of paprika and cayenne pepper, delivering a flavorful and easy-to-make main course that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

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Shrimp and Seasoning

• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cooking Fats and Aromatics

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 10 cloves garlic, finely minced

Garnish (Optional)

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp completely dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring they sear properly in the skillet. Set them aside once dry.
2. Mix the spices: In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to create the seasoning blend that will add flavor and a touch of heat to the shrimp.
3. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil together, allowing the butter to melt gently for a rich base to cook the shrimp.
4. Sauté the garlic: Add the finely minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
5. Cook the shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet, then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over them. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and have a light golden sear.
6. Add lemon juice and toss: Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. Toss gently to coat all pieces with the tangy citrus flavor.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp for color and freshness. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

• Serve Hawaiian garlic shrimp with white rice or coconut rice to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for desired heat level—add more for extra spice or reduce for a milder dish.
• To keep tails intact for presentation, peel and devein shrimp carefully.
• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic to preserve aroma.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Hawaiian