Garlic Shrimp (Hawaiian Style) Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Shrimp (Hawaiian Style) brings together fresh, succulent shrimp with bold, garlicky flavor, making it an unforgettable dish for any seafood lover. Inspired by the islands of Hawaii, this dish combines shrimp with a savory garlic butter sauce, creating a perfect balance of richness and zing. It’s a dish that’s easy to make yet full of vibrant flavors, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for a quick and flavorful seafood recipe, Garlic Shrimp (Hawaiian Style) offers a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy shrimp with a taste of the tropics. This guide will walk you through each step of preparation and share useful tips for making this dish a hit at the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Shrimp (Hawaiian Style)

• Delicious Garlic Butter Sauce: The star of the show is the garlicky, buttery sauce that coats the shrimp perfectly. It’s rich, savory, and adds a depth of flavor that enhances the sweetness of the shrimp.
• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, Garlic Shrimp (Hawaiian Style) comes together quickly and with minimal effort. This makes it a fantastic option for busy nights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: The shrimp is tender and succulent, cooked just right in the flavorful sauce. You get that melt-in-your-mouth texture without being overcooked, thanks to careful attention to timing.
• Tropical Flavor: The Hawaiian twist on this dish adds a fun and exotic element to the classic garlic shrimp recipe. The use of tropical ingredients like pineapple and a hint of citrus brings a fresh, light touch that transports you straight to the islands.
• Versatile: Serve it on its own, over rice, or with a side of vegetables. Garlic Shrimp (Hawaiian Style) can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, making it a great dish for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 280-320 calories per serving, depending on portion size and any additional ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280-320 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 6-8g
• Protein: 22-24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3-4g

Ingredients

For Garlic Shrimp (Hawaiian Style):

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best)
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup fresh pineapple, diced (optional for a tropical twist)

Special Equipment

While making Garlic Shrimp (Hawaiian Style) doesn’t require any specialized tools, a few kitchen items can make the process easier and ensure a great final result:

1. Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: A wide, heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan works best for this recipe. It allows the shrimp to cook evenly and provides plenty of space for the garlic butter sauce to coat them perfectly.
2. Garlic Press or Knife: A garlic press is great for mincing garlic quickly and efficiently, but you can also use a knife to finely chop the garlic if you prefer. The key is to make sure the garlic is minced finely for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Zester or Grater: If you choose to add ginger, a fine zester or microplane grater works best to get a smooth, flavorful paste that integrates well with the sauce.
4. Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements are key, especially when dealing with smaller quantities of ingredients like soy sauce and honey. Standard measuring spoons ensure you get just the right amounts of each.
5. Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Using tongs or a slotted spoon helps you flip the shrimp easily without losing any of the flavorful sauce. This is especially useful for turning the shrimp quickly to avoid overcooking.
6. Serving Platter or Plate: After cooking the shrimp, you’ll need a serving platter or plate to arrange them beautifully before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and perhaps a few extra pieces of diced pineapple for an appealing presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Start by cleaning and preparing the shrimp. Peel and devein the shrimp, removing the shells and any dark veins along the back. You can leave the tails on for a more elegant presentation, but it’s optional. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help them sear better in the pan.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic. When the garlic becomes fragrant and golden, add the grated ginger (if using) and cook for another 30 seconds to release its flavor.

Next, add the soy sauce, honey, and lemon juice to the pan. Stir to combine the ingredients and let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The honey should dissolve easily into the mixture, giving the sauce a touch of sweetness to balance the savory notes from the soy sauce and garlic.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the pan with the garlic butter sauce. Spread them out evenly in a single layer to ensure they cook properly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping them carefully using tongs or a slotted spoon. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when fully cooked. Be sure not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become tough.

If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the shrimp as they cook. This adds a subtle kick that complements the sweet and savory flavors of the garlic butter sauce.

4. Finish the Sauce

Once the shrimp are cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the butter to the pan and stir gently until it melts, creating a rich and silky sauce that coats the shrimp. This step adds richness and depth to the overall flavor. If you’re using fresh pineapple, now is the time to add it to the pan. Stir the diced pineapple into the sauce for a tropical sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the garlic butter.

5. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the garlic shrimp to a serving platter and drizzle the sauce over the top. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp for a fresh, vibrant touch. The contrast of the bright green parsley against the golden shrimp makes for a visually stunning dish.

Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes. You can also add a wedge of lemon on the side for an extra burst of citrus if desired.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Shrimp (Hawaiian Style)

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone. Keep an eye on them, and once they turn pink and opaque, they’re ready.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor to this dish. Avoid using pre-minced garlic, as it tends to lose its potency over time.
• Balance the Sweetness and Saltiness: The honey and soy sauce create a balance of sweet and savory in this dish. Adjust the amounts to your taste if you prefer more sweetness or saltiness.
• Try Pineapple for an Extra Tropical Flavor: Adding fresh pineapple to the sauce gives the dish a beautiful sweet and tangy element that pairs perfectly with the garlic butter. If you prefer a less sweet version, you can skip this step.
• Add a Splash of Lime: If you want a more citrusy kick, feel free to squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp just before serving.

Variations of Garlic Shrimp (Hawaiian Style)

• Spicy Garlic Shrimp: For those who enjoy heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced chili pepper to the garlic butter sauce for an extra spicy kick.
• Coconut Garlic Shrimp: Add a 1/4 cup of coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy, coconut-flavored variation that gives the dish a more tropical flair.
• Garlic Shrimp with Veggies: Sauté some bell peppers, onions, or zucchini alongside the garlic to make the dish even more colorful and nutrient-packed.
• Garlic Shrimp over Rice: Serve the garlic shrimp on a bed of white rice or jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. This turns it into a more filling meal.
• Garlic Shrimp with Mango: For a sweet twist, add diced fresh mango to the sauce instead of pineapple. The mango adds a unique sweetness and a beautiful tropical flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Garlic Shrimp (Hawaiian Style) is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, be careful not to overcook the shrimp again. Gently reheat them in a pan over low heat, or use the microwave in short intervals.

If you have a lot of shrimp and want to freeze them, you can freeze the cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Keep in mind that freezing may affect the texture of the shrimp slightly.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Garlic Shrimp (Hawaiian Style)

• Rice: A classic side dish for garlic shrimp, whether it’s white rice, brown rice, or coconut rice.
• Grilled Vegetables: Pair this dish with some grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, for a light and healthy side.
• Salad: A fresh tropical salad with avocado, mango, and greens is a refreshing complement to the rich garlic shrimp.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
• Coleslaw: A light and tangy coleslaw with a bit of sweetness complements the richness of the shrimp.

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Conclusion

Garlic Shrimp (Hawaiian Style) is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that brings the bright, tropical flavors of Hawaii right to your table. With its savory garlic butter sauce, succulent shrimp, and just the right balance of sweet and salty, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether served as a main dish with rice or as a flavorful appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the delicious taste of the islands with every bite!