Buttery Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

This quick Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp brings authentic North Shore flavor right to your kitchen in just 10 minutes. Buttery garlic sauce coats each perfectly seared shrimp for a dish that tastes like vacation but works for weeknight dinners.

I first tasted these shrimp from a food truck on Oahu's North Shore and became obsessed with recreating that perfect garlic butter sauce at home. After many attempts I finally nailed it and now it's our go to impressive but effortless dinner when seafood cravings hit.

Ingredients

• Extra large shrimp: these larger shrimp stand up well to the high heat cooking method and provide more surface area for the delicious garlic sauce
• Fresh garlic: using a full head might seem excessive but trust me this is the star ingredient that creates that authentic Hawaiian flavor
• All purpose flour: just a light dusting helps create a beautiful crust without being heavy
• Paprika: adds beautiful color and mild smoky flavor to complement the garlic
• Cayenne pepper: optional but provides a subtle heat that balances the richness
• Butter: use unsalted so you can control the final seasoning level
• Olive oil: helps prevent the butter from burning at higher temperatures
• Fresh lemon juice: brightens the entire dish and cuts through the richness
• Fresh parsley: adds color and a fresh herbal note to finish the dish

How To Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Prepare the shrimp:

Pat your shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures they will sear rather than steam which gives you that perfect texture. Place dried shrimp in a mixing bowl large enough to toss them easily.

Season and coat:

Sprinkle the flour paprika cayenne salt and pepper evenly over the shrimp. Use your hands to gently toss everything together making sure each piece is lightly but thoroughly coated. The flour mixture will create a delicate crust that helps the garlic butter sauce cling to each shrimp.

Prepare the garlic butter base:

Heat the butter and olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until the butter is fully melted and starting to bubble. Add all the minced garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds. The garlic should become fragrant but watch carefully to ensure it doesnt brown or burn which would make the sauce bitter.

Cook the shrimp:

Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the skillet giving them a bit of space for even cooking. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until the bottoms turn pink and start to develop a light golden crust. Flip each shrimp and cook the second side for about 2 more minutes until they are just opaque throughout. Be careful not to overcook them as they will become tough.

Finish and serve:

Remove the pan from heat immediately once shrimp are cooked through. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over everything and gently toss to combine. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with the fresh parsley. Make sure to spoon plenty of the garlic butter sauce from the pan over the shrimp before serving for maximum flavor.

The minced garlic is truly what makes this dish special. I remember the first time I made this at home my kitchen smelled exactly like those North Shore food trucks and my husband came running in from the backyard asking what smelled so amazing. Now whenever we cant make it to Hawaii we make these shrimp instead and it instantly transports us to the islands.

Make Ahead Options

While this dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking you can prep components ahead of time to make dinner assembly lightning fast. Peel and devein shrimp up to 24 hours before cooking storing them in the refrigerator. You can also mince the garlic and combine the dry seasoning ingredients earlier in the day. With this prep done cooking time truly becomes just 5 minutes.

The Hawaiian Connection

Traditional Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp originated from North Shore Oahu food trucks run by locals with Filipino heritage. The combination of butter garlic and quick cooking techniques creates a unique island flavor thats become a must try dish for visitors. While authentic versions sometimes include shell on shrimp this adaptation is more practical for home cooks while maintaining the essential flavors that make this dish special.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these shrimp with steamed white rice and a side of macaroni salad for an authentic Hawaiian plate lunch experience. For a lighter option pair with a simple green salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. The garlicky butter sauce is too delicious to waste so whatever sides you choose make sure theres something to soak up all that flavor. For an extra special touch provide small finger bowls with warm lemon water for cleaning fingers if youre serving this as a dinner party starter.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes these Hawaiian-style garlic shrimp authentic?

The authenticity comes from the preparation method using lots of fresh minced garlic, butter, and a light flour coating on the shrimp. This style mimics the famous shrimp trucks of Hawaii's North Shore, where shrimp are quickly cooked in a garlic-infused butter sauce and served with the flavorful pan drippings.

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Just ensure they're completely thawed and thoroughly patted dry before coating. Excess moisture will prevent proper browning and dilute the sauce.

→ What sides pair well with Hawaiian garlic shrimp?

Traditional sides include steamed white rice to soak up the delicious sauce, and macaroni salad for an authentic Hawaiian plate lunch experience. A simple green salad or grilled vegetables also complement the rich garlic shrimp beautifully.

→ How spicy is this dish?

This preparation has a mild heat from the small amount of cayenne pepper. You can adjust the spice level by increasing the cayenne for more heat or omitting it entirely for a non-spicy version that still maintains the dish's signature garlic flavor.

→ Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

You can mix the dry coating ingredients and mince the garlic ahead of time, but the actual cooking should be done just before serving. This dish comes together quickly (under 10 minutes once prepped) and is best enjoyed immediately while the shrimp are tender and the sauce is warm.

→ How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Properly cooked shrimp turn from translucent to opaque pink and form a loose 'C' shape. If they curl into a tight 'O' shape, they've overcooked. With large shrimp, about 2 minutes per side is typically perfect, though exact times vary with shrimp size and pan temperature.