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If you’re craving something bursting with bold, buttery flavor and just a touch of tangy brightness, you’ve got to try this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe. It’s a quick, irresistible dish that delivers succulent shrimp cooked in a heavenly garlicky sauce, perfectly balanced with lemon and a hint of smoky paprika. This is the kind of meal that feels both comforting and exotic, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a special treat whenever you want to impress without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you really need for this Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe are a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create something truly magical. Each element plays its part—olive oil and butter lend richness and depth, garlic brings that signature aroma and flavor, lemon juice adds brightness, and the spices provide subtle complexity and a touch of island flair.
- 1 pound large uncooked shrimp: Choose fresh or well-thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil (divided): Adds a light fruity base and helps carry the garlic’s flavor.
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter (divided): Gives the sauce its luscious, silky mouthfeel.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): The star of the dish providing that irresistible savory punch.
- Juice from half of a large lemon: Brightens the sauce with fresh acidity.
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse Hawaiian sea salt (or regular coarse sea salt): Brings essential seasoning and a bit of crunchiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Offers a subtle smokiness and lovely color to the shrimp.
How to Make Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Base
Start by warming 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. This combination of fat helps to mellow the garlic and create a rich, silky sauce. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it gently for about a minute until you notice its wonderful aroma and a slight caramelization—that’s when you know the flavors are starting to bloom.
Step 2: Build the Sauce Flavor
Next, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice along with coarse Hawaiian sea salt, black pepper, and paprika to the skillet. Stir everything together and then pour in the remaining olive oil and butter. This layered addition ensures the sauce stays velvety and full-bodied. Let it cook slowly for about two minutes, giving the spices and citrus time to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Carefully nestle the uncooked shrimp into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the tops. Cook each side for just about two minutes or until the shrimp turns a bright orange-pink color. Shrimp is super quick to cook, so keep an eye on it; this ensures tender, juicy bites with a perfect snap.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, serve the shrimp hot over a bed of steamed rice, spooning the luscious garlicky sauce generously on top. The sauce soaks into the rice, tying everything together in a dish that feels like a warm hug from the islands.
How to Serve Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few more squeezes of lemon juice can elevate the presentation and add bursts of fresh brightness with each bite. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle lightly toasted sesame seeds on top—they pair surprisingly well with the garlic and butter flavors.
Side Dishes
While steamed white rice is the classic partner to Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe, you can also serve it alongside garlic butter noodles, or a fresh tropical fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. Grilled or roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini make a great healthy accompaniment that complements the rich shrimp perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, try serving the shrimp in mini coconut bowls to embrace that island vibe even more. Another fun idea is to pile it onto warm, soft Hawaiian rolls as an easy shrimp sandwich or slider. Whichever way you choose, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The garlic butter sauce will help keep the shrimp moist and flavorful even the next day.
Freezing
Freezing cooked shrimp isn’t usually recommended since it can affect texture, but if you must, place the shrimp along with as much of the sauce as possible in a freezer-safe container. Use within 1 month for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or butter if needed to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid the microwave to keep the shrimp tender and prevent overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. This helps the shrimp absorb the flavors well and prevents excess water from diluting the sauce.
What can I substitute for Hawaiian sea salt?
If you don’t have Hawaiian sea salt on hand, regular coarse sea salt works beautifully. It adds a similar crunch and enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is mild and savory with only a hint of warmth from the black pepper and paprika, so it’s perfect for those who prefer gentle flavors but can be easily adjusted if you want more kick.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. Just be sure your paprika and other spices don’t have any hidden additives.
What’s the best way to cook shrimp so they don’t get rubbery?
Cooking shrimp quickly over medium-low heat and removing them as soon as they turn orange-pink on both sides ensures they stay tender and juicy. Overcooking is the most common cause of rubbery shrimp, so timing is key!
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe is more than just dinner—it’s a little escape to the islands right from your kitchen. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the incredible layers of garlic, butter, and lemon makes every bite a celebration. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this vibrant, juicy shrimp dish as much as I do. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal!
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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
A quick and flavorful Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp recipe featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a buttery garlic sauce with a hint of lemon and traditional Hawaiian sea salt, perfect for a savory and satisfying meal ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound large uncooked shrimp
Sauce
- 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
- Heat oil and butter: 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 while stirring gently to combine the fats smoothly.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and it begins to caramelize slightly, releasing a rich aroma.
- 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, stirring continuously. Let the sauce simmer gently for approximately 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook shrimp: Carefully place the raw shrimp into the skillet with the sauce. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn an orange-pink color, indicating they are fully cooked and tender.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked shrimp onto a serving plate, ideally over a bed of steamed rice, and pour the flavorful garlic butter sauce over the top. Enjoy immediately for the best taste.
Notes
- Use large shrimp for best texture and flavor absorption.
- Adjust garlic to your taste preferences for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Cooking shrimp for too long will make them tough, so watch for the color change carefully.
- This dish pairs excellently with steamed white rice or garlic fried rice.
- For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
