Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe That Tastes Like a Tropical Vacation
If you’ve ever been to Hawaii, you probably know about the famous shrimp trucks that everyone lines up for. That’s exactly where I got hooked on this recipe.
I still remember my first bite—it was buttery, garlicky, a little spicy, and absolutely perfect.
I had to try making it at home, and trust me, once you taste this, you’ll want to make it again and again. Let me show you how easy it is!
Why Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is So Special
This dish isn’t just shrimp with garlic—it’s an explosion of flavors that reminds you of sunshine, beaches, and good vibes. What makes it stand out is the rich garlic butter sauce, a hint of spice, and the perfect sear on the shrimp. It’s also super quick to cook, making it perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy—just simple, fresh ingredients.
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, tails on)
- 1 whole head of garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup butter (unsalted)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup flour (for light coating)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
I always keep the tails on—it makes them look fancy and gives you something to hold while eating. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel, then lightly coat them with flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. This step helps give them that nice crispy edge when they hit the pan.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic Butter Base
This is the soul of the recipe. In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until it’s golden and fragrant (but not burned). The smell alone will make your kitchen feel like Hawaii!
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly crispy. The flour coating will give them a golden crust that soaks up the garlic butter.
Step 4: Finish with Spice and Lemon
Sprinkle a little cayenne if you like heat. Then squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp right before serving—it cuts through the richness and makes everything taste brighter.
How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
The traditional way? Over a bed of steamed white rice, with lemon wedges on the side. I also love it with garlic butter rice or even tucked into tacos. If you’re making this for guests, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top—it looks pretty and adds freshness.
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
- Don’t burn the garlic. Keep the heat medium to low so it turns golden, not bitter.
- Use fresh shrimp. Frozen works too, but fresh shrimp make a huge difference.
- Coat lightly with flour. Too much flour makes it heavy.
- Serve immediately. Shrimp taste best hot and fresh from the pan.
FAQs About Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
Q: Do I have to peel the shrimp?
Most recipes keep the shells on for more flavor, but I prefer peeled shrimp for easier eating. You can do either way.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
It can be mild or spicy depending on how much cayenne pepper you add.
Q: What can I serve with it besides rice?
It pairs great with garlic noodles, salad, or even crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Q: How long does it take to cook?
Less than 20 minutes start to finish—super quick and easy.
This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe is one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’re just eating in your kitchen. Once you try it, you’ll know why it’s so famous in Hawaii.
