If you love bold, garlicky flavors with a tropical twist, then this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to dish. It brings together plump, juicy shrimp cooked in a luscious blend of butter, olive oil, fresh garlic, and a touch of lemon, all seasoned with a pinch of Hawaiian sea salt and paprika that adds just the right amount of warmth and depth. It’s simple, fast, and absolutely packed with flavor—a perfect recipe to brighten your dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a vital role—from the tender shrimp that soak up the garlicky butter sauce, to the hint of lemon that lifts the dish with freshness, and the Hawaiian sea salt that gives it a unique finishing touch. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:
- 1 pound large uncooked shrimp: Fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined shrimp provide the juicy, tender base for the dish.
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil (divided): Adds rich, fruity notes and helps create the velvety sauce texture.
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter (divided): Brings indulgence and mellows the garlic’s sharpness beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): The star flavor that makes this recipe come alive with irresistible aroma and taste.
- Juice from half of a large lemon: Brightens everything up with a fresh, citrusy zing.
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse Hawaiian sea salt (or regular coarse sea salt): Imparts a subtle mineral richness unique to Hawaiian cuisine.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and balances the butter and garlic.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Introduces a mild smoky sweetness and a lovely color to the shrimp.
How to Make Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Warming 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. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly caramelized. This slow cooking infuses the oil and butter with that intense garlic flavor that’s so comforting and delicious.
Step 2: Building the Flavor Sauce
Next, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle in the Hawaiian sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir everything together, then add the remaining olive oil and butter. Let this mixture cook slowly for a couple more minutes to let the flavors marry—this step really elevates the dish, making the sauce rich and balanced with just the right tang and seasoning.
Step 3: Cooking the Shrimp to Perfection
Carefully add the shrimp into the skillet, ensuring they’re coated in the luscious sauce. Cook each side for just 2 minutes or until the shrimp turn a gorgeous orange-pink color—this happens quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Perfectly cooked shrimp are tender and juicy, soaking up that garlicky buttery goodness.
Step 4: Serving It Up
Once the shrimp are cooked through, serve them immediately over a bed of fluffy rice or your favorite grain, making sure to pour all that flavorful sauce over the top. This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe tastes best fresh and hot, delivering a symphony of flavors in every bite.
How to Serve Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a bright, herbal note that complements the rich garlic butter sauce perfectly. For a pop of color and crunch, consider a few thinly sliced green onions or a wedge of lemon on the side for that extra burst of citrus zest.
Side Dishes
This shrimp pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice, which soak up every drop of the sauce beautifully. You can also serve it with a light green salad, grilled vegetables, or even a tropical fruit salsa to highlight the Hawaiian flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to take this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe up a notch, try serving the shrimp in warm garlic butter rolls for a sandwich-style treat or pile them on top of a vibrant poke bowl for an exciting fusion. Serving over cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option that still lets the flavors shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp should be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days but are best enjoyed within that window to keep the shrimp tender and flavorful.
Freezing
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp for up to one month. Be sure to place them in a freezer-safe bag or container with some of the sauce to prevent freezer burn. Thaw shrimp overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
When warming up leftovers, gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat to avoid toughening the shrimp. Adding a splash of olive oil or butter can help revive the sauce’s luscious texture. Avoid microwaving when possible to keep the shrimp juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work just fine. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can affect the sauce’s texture.
What can I substitute for Hawaiian sea salt?
If you don’t have Hawaiian sea salt, use regular coarse sea salt or kosher salt. The unique mineral flavor of Hawaiian salt enhances the dish but isn’t absolutely essential.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe is mildly spiced thanks to the paprika, but it isn’t hot. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you want a little extra heat.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe a safe and tasty option for those avoiding gluten.
What’s the best way to serve the shrimp for a crowd?
For parties, serve the Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe buffet-style over a large platter of rice with bowls of garnishes and sides. This makes it easy for guests to customize their plates and enjoy the dish at its freshest.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way garlic, butter, and a touch of Hawaiian sea salt come together in this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe. It’s vibrant, simple, and screams comfort in the best possible way. If you’re looking for a quick dish that feels like a mini vacation on a plate, this one’s for you—give it a try and watch it become a permanent favorite at your table.
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Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 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 cooked quickly in a rich, garlicky butter and olive oil sauce infused with lemon juice and Hawaiian sea salt. Perfectly seasoned with black pepper and paprika, these shrimp make for a deliciously simple and authentic island-inspired dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes.
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
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, heat 4 Tablespoons of olive oil and 2 Tablespoons of salted butter over medium-low heat. Stir the mixture gently until the butter has completely melted. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and begins to caramelize slightly, releasing its rich aroma.
- Add seasonings and remaining fats: Pour in the lemon juice along with the coarse Hawaiian sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir the ingredients to combine the flavors. Then add the remaining 1 Tablespoon olive oil and 2 Tablespoons butter to the skillet. Continue cooking and stirring slowly for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors and heat the sauce evenly.
- Cook the shrimp: Carefully add the uncooked shrimp into the skillet with the sauce. Cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp changes from translucent grey to a vibrant orange-pink color. This quick cooking ensures the shrimp stays tender and juicy without becoming tough.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the garlic shrimp immediately over a bed of steamed rice or your choice of side. Drizzle the remaining buttery sauce over the shrimp for extra flavor. Enjoy this delicious Hawaiian-inspired dish fresh and hot!
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture; if using frozen, thaw them completely before cooking.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Serve with steamed white rice or garlic butter noodles to complement the rich sauce.
- The cooking time is short because shrimp cooks very quickly; overcooking will make them rubbery.
- Hawaiian sea salt adds authenticity but can be substituted with regular coarse salt.
