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If you have been searching for that perfect balance of bold, buttery, and tangy flavors wrapped around tender shrimp, then this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe will be your new go-to favorite. Bursting with garlicky richness and a hint of Hawaiian sea salt that truly elevates every bite, this dish comes together quickly yet tastes like you’ve spent hours crafting it. Whether you’re craving a no-fuss weeknight meal or want to impress friends with a simple island-inspired treat, this recipe hits all the right notes for a savory, satisfying experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is refreshingly simple because each ingredient plays a starring role in building deep, mouthwatering flavors. From the luscious butter and olive oil that create the perfect sauce base to the fresh garlic and zesty lemon juice delivering bright accents, every element is essential.
- 1 pound large uncooked shrimp: Choose fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the juiciest, most tender results.
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil (divided): Adds a fruity richness and helps marry the flavors together smoothly.
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter (divided): Brings creamy depth and a velvety texture to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): The star flavor that infuses the dish with its beloved, aromatic punch.
- Juice from half of a large lemon: A fresh citrus note that balances the buttery richness perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse Hawaiian sea salt: Imparts that authentic island taste that’s subtly different from regular salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough subtle heat for depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Offers a gentle smoky hint and gorgeous color to the shrimp.
How to Make Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Base
Start by heating 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. This combination creates a luscious and flavorful cooking base that will soak into every shrimp. Once the butter fully melts, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it just until fragrant and lightly caramelized—around 1 minute. This step is key to releasing the garlic’s rich aroma without burning it, which could introduce bitterness.
Step 2: Build the Sauce Flavors
Now, add the fresh lemon juice, coarse Hawaiian sea salt, black pepper, and paprika right into the skillet. Stir these ingredients together to blend their brightness, saltiness, and warmth with the buttery-garlic base. Then pour in the remaining olive oil and butter. This extra fat enriches the sauce even more, creating a silky medium that the shrimp will cook in gently, soaking up all those wonderful flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection
Carefully place your large shrimp into the skillet, turning them in the sauce to fully coat each piece. Cook the shrimp for just 2 minutes on each side—shrimp cook incredibly quickly, so keeping an eye on the color is crucial. You’ll know they’re done once they turn a beautiful orange-pink tone on both sides, indicating that they are perfectly tender and flavorful without risking toughness.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
To bring it all home, plate your shrimp over freshly cooked rice and generously spoon the garlicky butter sauce over the top. The rice soaks up the sauce wonderfully, making every bite an irresistible taste of the islands. Now, grab your fork and enjoy every bite of your Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe!
How to Serve Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can transform your shrimp dish and add layers of texture and color. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a burst of color and freshness. A thin wedge of lemon on the side invites diners to add an extra splash of citrus if desired, brightening each mouthful even further.
Side Dishes
This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe shines when served alongside simple, complementary sides. Steamed white or jasmine rice is the classic choice because it balances the richness perfectly. For some extra veggies, toss together a quick side of sautéed spinach or a crisp cucumber salad dressed lightly with rice vinegar to keep things fresh and light.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate this dish for a dinner party or just add some fun, serve the shrimp in individual mini cast-iron skillets or on small lettuce cups for a handheld treat. You can also pair it with grilled pineapple slices for that all-out tropical vibe that will wow your guests visually and on the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (although it’s hard to resist eating it all at once), store the Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, maintaining its delicious garlic-butter flavor and tender texture.
Freezing
Because shrimp are delicate, freezing can slightly affect their texture. However, if needed, place the cooked shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Frozen, it will last for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat to keep them juicy and prevent drying out. Pour in any reserved sauce or add a small splash of olive oil or butter to revive the buttery goodness. Avoid microwaving at high heat, which can toughen the shrimp quickly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and drain the shrimp before cooking to avoid excess water diluting the flavors and preventing browning.
What if I don’t have Hawaiian sea salt? Can I substitute regular salt?
Yes, regular coarse sea salt or kosher salt will work well, though the Hawaiian sea salt adds a slightly different texture and mineral note that is unique and delicious.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Definitely! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the garlic butter sauce for a kick that pairs beautifully with the shrimp.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
It is perfect for meal prep since it stores well for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and reheats easily for a quick, flavorful meal during the week.
What wines pair well with Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Opt for crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay, which complement the citrusy, buttery flavors without overpowering the shrimp.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels special but is incredibly easy to make. Every forkful delivers a warm hug of buttery, garlicky goodness with a touch of island sunshine. Whether it’s weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite dish that’s as quick as it is unforgettable.
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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 features succulent large shrimp sautéed in a rich combination of olive oil, butter, garlic, and a touch of lemon juice, seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a flavorful, quick dish perfect for serving over rice, inspired by Hawaii’s iconic garlic shrimp street food.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 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
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice from half of a large lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the garlic butter base: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt completely while stirring gently. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and slightly caramelized, developing its rich aroma.
- Add lemon and spices: Pour in the lemon juice, then sprinkle in the Hawaiian sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine all the flavors. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet, stirring continuously as the butter melts. Let this mixture cook slowly for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the shrimp: Carefully place the shrimp into the skillet with the sauce, spreading them out evenly. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until the shrimp turn a bright orange-pink color, then flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes. Shrimp cooks quickly, so once they achieve a firm texture and vivid color all around, they are ready.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the shrimp immediately over cooked rice. Spoon the flavorful garlic butter sauce generously over the top. Enjoy your Hawaiian style garlic shrimp!
Notes
- Use large shrimp for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust garlic quantity to your preference for stronger or milder garlic flavor.
- Serve with steamed white rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
- If unavailable, substitute coarse Hawaiian sea salt with regular coarse sea salt.
- Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture.
