Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a tropical-inspired dish bursting with bold flavors, featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a touch of heat and the essence of the islands. This dish is a favorite in Hawaiian cuisine, often served from food trucks on the beaches of Oahu and Maui, where it’s paired with steamed rice and a simple salad for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you’re in Hawaii or enjoying the island vibe at home, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp offers a taste of the tropics that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious.

This recipe walks you through each step to create perfectly seasoned shrimp with a fragrant, buttery garlic sauce. It’s the perfect dish to make for a summer gathering, a cozy dinner, or when you’re craving something light yet flavorful. With the balance of garlic, butter, and a hint of spice, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is sure to transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Hawaii.

Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

• Bold, Flavorful Sauce: The garlic butter sauce is the star of this dish. Infused with garlic, butter, and a touch of spice, it creates a luscious coating for the shrimp that’s irresistible.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is the perfect weeknight dinner or a last-minute meal for guests. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a tropical dinner on your table in no time.
• Succulent Shrimp: The shrimp is perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy. It absorbs the garlic butter sauce, making each bite a burst of flavor.
• Versatile: This dish is wonderfully versatile. You can serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside grilled vegetables. The shrimp can also be used in tacos or salads, offering endless meal possibilities.
• A Taste of Hawaii: While you may not be able to visit Hawaii anytime soon, this dish brings the flavors of the islands to your kitchen, making it the perfect way to experience Hawaiian cuisine.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the serving size and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 22-26g
• Carbohydrates: 8-10g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1-3g

Ingredients

For the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges, for serving
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Start by preparing your shrimp. If they are not already peeled and deveined, do so by removing the shells and the vein that runs along the back of the shrimp. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. It’s important to remove excess moisture so that the shrimp sear properly when cooked.

Once the shrimp are prepped, set them aside while you get the garlic butter sauce ready.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Next, add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt, stirring to combine with the garlic. Once the butter has melted, add the fresh ginger (if using), soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Stir everything together until the sauce is well combined and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Once the garlic butter sauce is ready, add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Let the shrimp cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on one side, allowing them to get a nice sear. After that, flip the shrimp over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.

As the shrimp cook, spoon some of the garlic butter sauce over them to coat them evenly. The shrimp will absorb the flavors from the sauce, making them extra flavorful.

4. Serve the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and arrange them on a plate. Spoon any remaining garlic butter sauce over the shrimp to keep them juicy and flavorful. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a fresh flavor.

Serve the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp with lime wedges on the side, and enjoy with steamed rice, pasta, or a light salad. The tangy lime pairs perfectly with the richness of the garlic butter sauce.

Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: The key to tender shrimp is to cook them just until they’re opaque and pink. Overcooking them can lead to a tough texture, so keep an eye on the shrimp and remove them from the pan as soon as they’re done.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for this dish, as it provides a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
• Customize the Spice Level: If you like heat, feel free to increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a few dashes of hot sauce. Conversely, if you prefer a milder dish, you can skip the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount of ginger.
• Use Ghee for Extra Flavor: For an even richer flavor, you can substitute ghee for the butter. It adds a deeper, more savory flavor and complements the garlic perfectly.
• Don’t Skip the Lime: The fresh squeeze of lime at the end elevates the dish by balancing the richness of the garlic butter sauce. It’s a small but important detail that makes a big difference.

Variations of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

• Spicy Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: For an extra kick, add some finely chopped fresh jalapeños or a few dashes of sriracha to the garlic butter sauce. The extra spice will add an exciting heat to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
• Coconut Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: Add a tropical twist by incorporating coconut milk into the garlic butter sauce. The coconut milk will make the sauce creamier and provide a mild sweetness that pairs beautifully with the garlic and shrimp.
• Grilled Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: For a smoky flavor, marinate the shrimp in the garlic butter sauce for 15 minutes before grilling them. Grill the shrimp over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, brushing them with extra garlic butter sauce as they cook.
• Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Tacos: Take your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp to the next level by serving it in soft corn tortillas with fresh salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. These shrimp tacos are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
• Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Pasta: For a heartier meal, serve the garlic shrimp over pasta instead of rice. A simple spaghetti or linguine works well, and you can toss the pasta in some of the garlic butter sauce for extra flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later. Keep any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp may lose some of their texture when reheated, but the flavors will still be delicious.

To reheat the shrimp, warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of extra butter or oil to keep them moist. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 20-30 seconds, though be careful not to overcook them further.

If you have leftover garlic butter sauce, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and use it as a sauce for pasta, grilled vegetables, or another seafood dish.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Pair this flavorful dish with complementary sides to complete your meal:

• Steamed Rice: A classic pairing for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, rice helps to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. You can use white or brown rice, or try coconut rice for an extra tropical touch.
• Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus provide a fresh contrast to the rich shrimp. Toss them with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling.
• Tropical Salad: Serve with a fresh salad made with ingredients like mixed greens, pineapple, mango, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the shrimp’s richness.
• Garlic Bread: If you want to add a little more indulgence to the meal, serve with garlic bread. The crispy, buttery bread will be perfect for dipping in any extra garlic butter sauce.
• Pineapple Salsa: A sweet and tangy pineapple salsa is the perfect accompaniment to this dish. The tropical sweetness balances the savory garlic shrimp and adds a refreshing burst of flavor.

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Conclusion

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp offers a deliciously tropical, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or a special meal for friends and family. With its rich garlic butter sauce, tender shrimp, and simple ingredients, this dish is sure to transport you to the beautiful beaches of Hawaii. Whether you serve it over rice, in tacos, or with pasta, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp will become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the savory goodness and island-inspired flavors of this irresistible dish!