Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

I can still picture the first time I made my version of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp for my family. The kitchen smelled like a garlic lover’s dream, and my kids hovered nearby, impatient to dig in. When I finally set the platter down, the silence was deafening everyone just gobbled it up.

That’s the magic of this dish. It brings the taste of the islands straight to your table. I love recreating Hawaii’s street food favorites at home.

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is sweet, savory, and utterly addictive. You deserve a recipe that feels special but doesn’t require hours of effort. This one delivers exactly that. Let me show you how to make the best Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp right in your own kitchen.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS HAWAIIAN GARLIC SHRIMP RECIPE

This recipe is incredibly simple. I use just a handful of pantry staples. You don’t need any fancy equipment.

The shrimp cook in minutes, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights. My family always asks for seconds. The garlic butter sauce is pure gold.

It coats each shrimp perfectly. Plus, this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp tastes like a special occasion but fits easily into your regular dinner rotation. You get restaurant-quality results at home.

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

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• Author: REBECCA
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe brings the taste of the islands straight to your table. Sweet, savory, and utterly addictive, it uses simple pantry staples and cooks in minutes for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound Large raw shrimp (peeled, deveined)
4 tablespoons Butter
8–10 cloves Garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Paprika
0.5 teaspoon Salt
0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
2 tablespoons Lemon juice
2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them with paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir constantly to avoid burning
3. Place the seasoned shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side. They should turn pink and opaque
4. Drizzle lemon juice over the cooked shrimp. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Toss everything together. Serve immediately

Notes

Don't overcrowd the pan to ensure a nice sear.

Use large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 count per pound) for best texture.

Cook just until pink; overcooking ruins the dish.

Use fresh garlic, not pre-minced, for better flavor.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or butter.

For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter or olive oil.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 oz shrimp with sauce)
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: garlic shrimp, Hawaiian, seafood, dinner

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Gather these simple items for the best Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp. Quality matters here, so use fresh garlic.

SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS

You can easily adjust this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe. Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version. Add red pepper flakes for heat.

Swap parsley for fresh cilantro. If you don’t have fresh garlic, use 2 teaspoons of garlic powder. Make it gluten-free by serving over rice.

You can also use frozen shrimp—just thaw them first. For extra coconut flavor, add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce. These changes still give you amazing Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp.

For a sweet twist on your meal, try pairing this dish with a different Hawaiian-inspired favorite. You might also enjoy making French Toast Hawaiian Rolls for a delightful breakfast or brunch option.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Follow these simple steps for perfect Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp every time.

Prepare the shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them with paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat.

Cook the garlic butter

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir constantly to avoid burning.

Add the shrimp

Place the seasoned shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side. They should turn pink and opaque.

Finish with lemon

Drizzle lemon juice over the cooked shrimp. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Toss everything together. Serve immediately.

PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Don’t overcrowd the pan. This ensures each piece of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp gets a nice sear. Use large shrimp for the best texture.

Cook them just until pink—overcooking ruins the dish. Use fresh garlic, not pre-minced. The flavor difference is huge.

Always taste your sauce before serving. Adjust salt or lemon if needed. Serve your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp right away for maximum enjoyment.

To achieve perfect results with this shrimp recipe, follow simple cooking tips. For another unique way to use Hawaiian rolls, learn How Can French Toast Use Hawaiian Rolls? and expand your culinary repertoire.

STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS

Store leftover Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.

Add a splash of water or butter to keep them moist. Never microwave this dish—it makes the shrimp rubbery. You can also enjoy leftovers cold over a salad. This recipe rarely lasts long enough for leftovers in my house!

WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp pairs perfectly with steamed white rice. The sauce soaks right in. Serve with a simple side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Try grilled pineapple for a sweet contrast. Crusty bread also works great for dipping. For a full Hawaiian meal, add a side of macaroni salad. This dish is versatile and always satisfying.

This shrimp dish pairs wonderfully with classic sides for a complete Hawaiian meal. For a creamy and tangy companion, serve it alongside Creamy Tangy Hawaiian Mac Salad to balance the garlicky flavors.

FAQS

Can I use frozen shrimp for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?

Yes, absolutely. Thaw them completely first. Pat them very dry before cooking. Excess water will prevent browning.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Keep the heat at medium. Stir garlic constantly. Add the shrimp quickly after the garlic becomes fragrant. Burnt garlic tastes bitter.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use vegan butter or olive oil instead. The lemon juice and garlic still create a delicious sauce.

What type of shrimp is best?

Large or jumbo shrimp work best for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp. They stay juicy and cook evenly. Look for 16-20 count per pound.

The dish known as Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is popular in Hawaii’s food scene, particularly as a street food staple. It features succulent shrimp coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, often served with rice.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

This is based on one serving of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp (about 4 ounces of shrimp with sauce).