Garlic Shrimp Recipe Hawaiian

Picture this: tender, juicy shrimp swimming in aromatic garlic butter that’s so good you’ll want to lick the plate clean. This garlic shrimp recipe hawaiian transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into a tropical escape that’ll have your family begging for seconds.

Here’s a fun fact that’ll blow your mind – this iconic dish actually started as humble food truck fare on Oahu’s North Shore, where local vendors would serve it from converted shrimp trucks parked along scenic highways. What makes this dish absolutely magical is how something so simple can deliver such incredible, restaurant-quality flavors in just 15 minutes.

If you loved our popular Honey Garlic Chicken recipe, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for this seafood sensation that’s equally easy but brings those coveted island vibes straight to your dinner table. Get ready to transport your taste buds to paradise!

What is Garlic Shrimp Recipe Hawaiian?

Ever wondered why this dish has “Hawaiian” stamped right in its name? Well, buckle up for a delicious journey back to the 1990s! This garlic shrimp recipe hawaiian earned its tropical title from the famous Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck on Oahu’s North Shore, where tourists and locals alike would line up for hours just to get their hands on these buttery, garlicky gems.

But here’s the kicker – the original recipe was actually inspired by Italian scampi! How’s that for a plot twist? The Hawaiian twist comes from the generous use of local butter, island-style seasoning, and that laid-back cooking approach that makes everything taste like vacation. You know what they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish has been winning hearts (and stomachs) across the Pacific for decades.

Ready to bring some aloha spirit to your kitchen? Let’s dive into this flavor-packed adventure that’ll make you the hero of dinner time!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Shrimp Recipe Hawaiian

The Flavor Explosion That Changes Everything

This garlic shrimp recipe hawaiian delivers an incredible symphony of flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance the hula. The star of the show? Plump, succulent shrimp that practically melt in your mouth, coated in a heavenly garlic butter sauce that’s rich, aromatic, and completely addictive.

Each bite delivers that perfect balance of savory garlic, creamy butter, and sweet ocean flavors that transport you straight to a beachside café in Maui.

Your Wallet Will Thank You

Skip the expensive Hawaiian vacation and bring the islands home for a fraction of the cost! While ordering this dish at a restaurant might set you back $25-30 per plate, making this garlic shrimp recipe hawaiian at home costs less than $12 for the entire family. You’ll get restaurant-quality results without the restaurant prices, plus you can customize it exactly to your family’s preferences.

Simple Ingredients, Extraordinary Results

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – you probably have most ingredients sitting in your kitchen right now! Fresh garlic, quality butter, and good shrimp are the holy trinity that creates magic. Add a splash of lemon juice, some red pepper flakes for heat, and fresh parsley for color, and you’ve got a gourmet meal that looks and tastes like it came from a five-star kitchen.

If you enjoyed our Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe, you’ll absolutely love how this dish proves that simple ingredients can create the most memorable meals. Ready to become the family chef everyone raves about?

How to Make Garlic Shrimp Recipe Hawaiian

Quick Overview

This garlic shrimp recipe hawaiian is your ticket to an incredibly easy, absolutely delicious, and completely satisfying meal that’ll have everyone asking for your secret. What makes this dish so special is its simplicity – tender shrimp cook quickly in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce that’s pure liquid gold.

The creamy, buttery texture combined with bold garlic flavors creates an irresistible combination that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when really it takes just 15 minutes from start to finish!

Key Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Recipe Hawaiian

For the Shrimp:

• 2 pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (16-20 count)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 cloves fresh garlic, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Shrimp Start by patting your shrimp completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for getting that perfect sear! Season the shrimp evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika, tossing gently to ensure every piece is well-coated. Let them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Heat Your Pan Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers and moves easily around the pan. Don’t skip this step – proper heat is essential for that beautiful golden color!

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side without moving them – this creates that gorgeous golden crust. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they’re pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Create the Magic Sauce In the same pan (don’t clean it – those brown bits are flavor gold!), reduce heat to medium and add 6 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Step 5: Deglaze, scraping up any delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1 minute, then add lemon juice and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, swirling until the sauce is silky and smooth.

Step 6: Bring It All Together Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, tossing gently to coat with the garlic butter sauce. Cook for just 1 minute to heat through. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately while the sauce is still bubbling!

What to Serve Garlic Shrimp Recipe Hawaiian With

This garlic shrimp recipe hawaiian pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up every drop of that incredible garlic butter sauce. For a lighter option, serve it over mixed greens or alongside grilled pineapple for that authentic tropical touch.

Consider adding some roasted asparagus or sautéed snap peas for color and crunch, or go full Hawaiian with some macaroni salad and dinner rolls. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a cold beer perfectly complements the rich, garlicky flavors.

Top Tips for Perfecting Garlic Shrimp Recipe Hawaiian

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook incredibly fast – usually just 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough, so watch them carefully and remove from heat as soon as they turn pink and curl slightly.

Use Fresh Garlic: Pre-minced garlic from a jar won’t give you the same bright, pungent flavor that fresh garlic provides. Take the extra minute to mince fresh cloves – your taste buds will thank you!

Control Your Heat: If your garlic starts browning too quickly, reduce the heat immediately. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and will ruin the entire dish. The goal is fragrant, golden garlic that enhances rather than overpowers.

Quality Butter Matters: Since butter is a star ingredient in this garlic shrimp recipe hawaiian, use good-quality unsalted butter. European-style butter with higher fat content creates an even richer sauce.

Substitution Options: Use chicken broth or even water with a splash of extra lemon juice. For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil and add some nutritional yeast for depth.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover garlic shrimp recipe hawaiian in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The garlic butter sauce may solidify when cold, but that’s completely normal.

Reheating Instructions: For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a tablespoon of butter or olive oil to refresh the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent overcooking. Avoid high heat, which will make the shrimp tough.

Freezing Guidelines: While you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months, shrimp texture may become slightly tougher after freezing. If freezing, cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pro Storage Tip: Store the shrimp and sauce together – they’ll taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just remember to reheat gently to maintain that perfect tender texture!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp often release more water, so thorough drying is crucial for proper searing.

How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Properly cooked shrimp will be pink, opaque, and slightly curled. They should feel firm but not tough when pressed gently. If they’re gray or translucent, they need more time.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Definitely! Increase the red pepper flakes, add some diced jalapeños with the garlic, or finish with a dash of hot sauce. Start small and adjust to your heat preference.

What’s the best size shrimp to use?

Large shrimp (16-20 count per pound) work best because they’re substantial enough to not overcook quickly and provide satisfying bites. Avoid tiny shrimp which can become rubbery easily.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

While best served immediately, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Keep the seasoned shrimp refrigerated and have all sauce ingredients measured and ready. The actual cooking should be done just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.