If you’ve ever daydreamed about the beaches of Oahu, toes in the sand, savoring a plate of garlicky shrimp straight from a food truck, get ready to bring that dream to your own kitchen with this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. This vibrant dish brings together juicy, pan-seared shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce with just a hint of heat, all finished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for a tropical touch. Every bite transports you to island paradise, and the best part is how quickly and simply it comes together for a weeknight dinner or weekend feast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is the secret to this legendary Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. Each ingredient has a role to play—whether it’s building that golden crust, infusing tropical flavors, or brightening things up right at the end. Don’t overlook the details—freshness and quality make all the difference!
- Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp with tails on for the best texture and flavor.
- All-purpose flour: This creates a light, crispy coating that catches the garlicky sauce perfectly.
- Paprika: Adds gorgeous color and a subtle smokiness.
- Cayenne pepper: Brings the tiniest whisper of heat, making every bite irresistibly bold.
- Salt: Enhances every layer of flavor from seafood to butter.
- Black pepper: Lends a background warmth that balances the spices.
- Unsalted butter: The key to luscious, bold flavor—this is what makes the sauce shine!
- Garlic: Go big! You want at least ten cloves, finely minced for powerhouse flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve that perfect sear while elevating the richness.
- Lemon juice: Adds freshness and just the right acidity to lift the buttery sauce.
- Chopped parsley & lemon wedges: For finishing—nothing beats the combo of herbs and citrus to make the colors pop and the flavors sing.
How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flour Dredge
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. This may seem simple, but it’s the heart of the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe—the seasoned coating gives the shrimp those crisp, golden edges that hold all the flavor.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
Take each shrimp and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated on all sides. Shake off any excess so you don’t end up with too much flour in the pan—just enough to create a delicate, crispy shell.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Heat olive oil and four tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter’s melted, add the minced garlic, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes. You want it fragrant, not brown—this is the aromatic foundation for the whole dish.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Sauté them for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn wonderfully pink with a bit of crisp on the edges. The scent wafting from the skillet is pure Hawaii at home.
Step 5: Create the Sauce and Finish
Add the remaining two tablespoons of butter and the lemon juice to the pan. Gently toss the shrimp in this garlicky, buttery bath. Remove from heat, sprinkle generously with chopped parsley, and pile it onto a platter with lemon wedges. You won’t want to miss spooning extra sauce over everything!
How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touch—a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous squeeze of lemon bring out the best flavors in your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. Lemon wedges on the side are a must for that final, zingy flourish.
Side Dishes
The classic side is fluffy white rice, ideally jasmine or short-grain. It soaks up the garlicky butter sauce like nothing else! You could also serve with sweet Hawaiian rolls, a crisp cucumber salad, or even grilled pineapple to add a splash of color and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Take a cue from the North Shore and serve your shrimp over rice in a takeout box for an authentic food truck experience. Or, arrange them family-style in a large platter surrounded by colorful veggies and heaps of extra lemon wedges for a tropical dinner party centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any leftovers (trust me, it’s rare!), store your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty for up to two days, though the texture is at its peak when served fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the finished shrimp, but for best flavor and texture, let them cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Expect the coating to lose a bit of its crispness after thawing, but the savory garlicky flavors will remain intact.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of extra butter or olive oil—just until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the shrimp rubbery and dull the vivid flavors of the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge or under cold running water, pat very dry, and you’ll be all set for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. Just make sure there’s no extra moisture before dredging for that perfect crisp.
Is it okay to leave the tails on, or should I remove them?
Leaving the tails on is traditional and adds to the finger-licking fun, plus they help lock in flavor. If you prefer, you can remove them before cooking—it’s all about your eating experience!
Can I make this with a gluten-free flour?
Yes! A cup-for-cup gluten-free flour works beautifully here. The coating will still get crispy, and you won’t miss out on any of that signature crunch or flavor.
What’s the best way to get that crispy shrimp texture?
The trick is using paper towels to dry the shrimp really well before dredging and making sure your pan and oil are hot before you add them in. These steps guarantee the crisp results that make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe so memorable.
Can I adjust the heat level?
Definitely! The cayenne brings a gentle warmth, but you can use more or less to match your taste. For a true milder version, simply omit it, or go bold with extra for a real kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about gathering around the table, digging into a platter of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe, and watching friends and family savor every bite. So grab your skillet and a handful of garlic—paradise is only minutes away. I really hope you give this recipe a go and let a little bit of island sunshine brighten your meal tonight!
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Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp with this amazing ultimate recipe. Succulent shrimp coated in a zesty flour mixture, cooked to perfection in a garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
Flour Mixture:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Coat Shrimp: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Dredge shrimp in the mixture until coated.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 4 tablespoons of butter in a skillet. Cook garlic, then add shrimp and cook until pink and crispy.
- Finish: Add remaining butter and lemon juice. Toss shrimp in the sauce, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Best served over white rice with the garlicky butter spooned over everything.
- For extra flavor, marinate shrimp in lemon juice and garlic for 10 minutes before dredging.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pound shrimp
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
