Juicy shrimp, garlic, butter, lemon, and a sprinkle of paprika—this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe is bursting with flavor and ready in just 20 minutes!
So, picture this: A few summers ago, my family and I were soaking up the sun in Oahu (hello, dream trip!). After a long beach day, we stumbled on this tiny shrimp truck with the most incredible aroma drifting through the air—garlic, butter, and something magical.
I swear, I took one bite and thought, Where has this been all my life? The shrimp were drenched in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with a zing of lemon—simple but so unforgettable.
Of course, the minute we got back home, I had to recreate it. And while I can’t bottle up that Hawaiian breeze, this buttery, garlicky goodness gets pretty darn close. Now, it’s my go-to when I want something special but don’t feel like spending forever in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
- Fast and Flavorful: Ready in 20 minutes. Seriously, weeknight magic.
- Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy—just shrimp, butter, garlic, and a few pantry staples.
- Big Flavor: The butter, garlic, lemon combo? Pure magic.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for everything from family dinners to impressing guests.
- Tropical Vibes: It feels like a mini vacation—just without the plane ticket.
Ingredient Notes:
Every ingredient here counts, so let’s break it down:
- Shrimp: Extra-large shrimp work best—they stay juicy and are easier to handle.
- Garlic: Fresh all the way. Don’t even think about the pre-minced jar stuff.
- Butter & Olive Oil: Butter for richness, olive oil to prevent burning.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky kick.
- Lemon Juice: Balances the richness beautifully.
- Cayenne Pepper: Totally optional, but if you like a bit of heat, go for it!
Pro Tip: Pat your shrimp dry before cooking—nobody likes soggy shrimp!
How To Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?
This recipe is so simple, but it tastes like something you’d get from a beachside food truck.
Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp
Start by patting the shrimp dry—seriously, this part matters! Wet shrimp = no sear.
Toss them with flour, paprika, cayenne (if you’re feeling spicy), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet. Once sizzling, toss in the garlic.
That smell? Heavenly. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes per side until they’re pink and slightly curled.
Pro Tip: If they’re curling into tight little O’s, they’re overcooked. Think a loose C shape instead.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 4: Add Lemon & Serve
Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
Serve immediately—preferably with some crusty bread for that buttery sauce.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Not ideal, as shrimp can get rubbery when reheated.
- Reheat Tip: Warm gently in a skillet with a dab of butter. Avoid the microwave!
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling adventurous? Here’s how to shake things up:
- Spicier Shrimp: Add extra cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.
- Seafood Swap: Try scallops or mixed seafood for variety.
- Herby Goodness: Swap parsley for cilantro or even fresh basil.
- Citrus Boost: Swap lemon juice for lime for a twist.
Want it gluten-free? Just swap the flour for cornstarch—it works like a charm!
What to Serve with Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?
The beauty of this dish? It goes with everything. Here are my top picks:
- Steamed White Rice: Perfect for soaking up all that buttery garlic sauce.
- Grilled Pineapple: Sweet, caramelized, and so Hawaiian.
- Garlic Bread: Because… more garlic is never a bad idea, right?
- Simple Salad: Light greens with a lemon vinaigrette balance the richness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Totally! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?
They’ll turn pink, opaque, and curl slightly into a C shape.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for vegan butter or all olive oil.
There you have it—Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp that’s rich, garlicky, and just the right kind of indulgent. Whether you’re craving a taste of the islands or just need a fast, flavor-packed dinner, this dish delivers.
Have you tried it yet? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below and let’s keep the conversation going.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra-large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup slightly packed minced fresh garlic (nearly 1 medium head)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter diced into 1 tablespoon pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Start by selecting some large shrimp. Use paper towels to pat them dry and remove any moisture. This step is important to ensure a beautiful sear.
- Now it's time to add some magic! Sprinkle the shrimp with flour, paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a bit of spice. Don't forget a pinch of salt and pepper. Give them a toss making sure they are evenly coated in this mixture.
- Heat up a skillet, over medium-high heat then add butter and olive oil. When the butter starts to sizzle add minced garlic to infuse your kitchen with that aroma. Sauté it until it becomes fragrant. 30 seconds. But be careful not to let it brown!
- Arrange your shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Allow them to sizzle until they turn into a pinkish color, on one side, which usually takes 2 minutes. Then flip them over. Let the other side cook for another 2 minutes or so.
- It's time to bring some brightness into the dish! Add a squeeze of that lemon juice for a burst of taste. If you happen to have some parsley sprinkle it on top to add a vibrant touch of color and freshness.
- Now comes the exciting part. Serving and enjoying your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp. Plate it up immediately. Don't forget to drizzle some of that garlic butter sauce, from the pan, over the shrimp for an extra boost of flavor.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
