Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Get ready to bring a taste of the Hawaiian islands straight to your kitchen with this incredibly easy, flavor-packed Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll be serving up buttery, garlicky shrimp that are crispy on the outside and juicy inside, just like the beloved food truck classic. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something both special and effortless.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Garlic: Loads of fresh garlic (seriously, don’t skimp!)—the star that infuses the butter and brings bold, punchy flavor.
• Salted Butter: Adds richness and makes the base for golden garlic butter.
• Corn Starch: Key for getting that light, crispy coating—way better than all flour alone.
• All-Purpose Flour: Combines with cornstarch for perfect texture; use just a bit so the shrimp aren’t heavy.
• Paprika: Brings a touch of color and a subtle depth—smoked paprika works too if you love an earthy note.
• Salt: Enhances every flavor and keeps things lively.
• Black Pepper: For a gentle kick without overpowering the garlic.
• Jumbo Shrimp (with shell on): The shells help lock in flavor and moisture—if you prefer, peeled works too, but the classic keeps the shells!
• Olive Oil: For pan-frying; helps get that crisp finish.
• Lemon Juice: Squeezed fresh over the shrimp for brightness and a little zing.
• Note: Serving over white rice is traditional and makes the perfect canvas for soaking up that garlic butter.

Variations

• Add Heat: Love a kick? Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne with the flour mixture.
• Herb It Up: Toss in chopped parsley or chives at the end for a fresh, vibrant touch.
• Butter Swap: Use unsalted butter and adjust the seasoning to your taste, or try ghee for a nuttier depth.
• Citrus Twist: Try lime juice instead of lemon for a tropical change, or serve with orange wedges on the side.
• Shell-Off Option: If eating with shells isn’t your thing, use peeled shrimp for easy eating—still delicious!

How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Make the Garlic Butter

Set your pan over medium heat and add the butter and all that minced garlic. Let it gently sizzle and turn golden brown—don’t rush it or burn the garlic! Once fragrant and colored, scrape the garlic butter into a small bowl to keep all those yummy bits.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

In a big bowl, mix together cornstarch, flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pat the shrimp dry (extra moisture = less crispiness), then toss them into the flour mix until every shrimp is thoroughly coated. This light dredge is crucial for that classic food truck texture.

Step 3: Crisp the Shrimp

Add olive oil to your skillet (no need to wipe the pan after the butter—more flavor!). Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and sear for about 2–3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and get that gorgeous crispy coating.

Step 4: Finish with Garlic Butter and Lemon

Pour the reserved garlic butter back into the skillet, add the fresh lemon juice, and toss everything so the shrimp are coated in luscious, aromatic butter.

Step 5: Serve

Pile the shrimp onto fluffy hot rice and serve right away with lemon wedges. Don’t be shy with the sauce—pour it over the rice for the full experience.

How to Serve

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is all about generous helpings served over a big pile of steamed white rice—the rice soaks up every drop of garlicky, buttery sauce. Add a wedge of lemon for squeezing on top, and if you’re feeling festive, serve with a side of tangy coleslaw, cucumber salad, or even grilled pineapple for extra island vibes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any shrimp left (unlikely), let them cool to room temperature, then store covered in the fridge for up to two days. The garlic butter keeps the shrimp moist, but the coating will lose crispness.

Freezing

While best fresh, cooked shrimp can be frozen in an airtight container. If freezing, do so as soon as they’re cool. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. The texture will soften but flavor will stick around.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or more butter. The microwave works too—just cover them to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about how quickly this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp comes together, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas and delivering all that buttery, garlicky goodness. Whether you’re craving a little taste of the tropics or just want a fast, show-stopping meal, this recipe will make dinner exciting again. Don’t hesitate—try it, experiment with your favorite twists, and let yourself savor every bite!

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