The buttery richness of this Hawaiian-style garlic shrimp makes it a fast favorite for seafood lovers everywhere. It’s sautéed in olive oil and butter, loaded with minced garlic, and finished with a splash of lemon juice. The result? An unforgettable dish with bold tropical flair in just 20 minutes.
Perfectly pan-seared shrimp are tossed in a vibrant garlic butter sauce that clings to every bite. Pair it with jasmine rice and pineapple, and you’ve got a food truck classic from the islands right at home. This quick recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or serving up something special on the weekend.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb. extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1/4 cup minced fresh garlic (about 1 medium head)
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1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 tsp paprika
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1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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6 Tbsp unsalted butter, diced
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2 Tbsp olive oil
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1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley (optional)
Directions:
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Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and place in a bowl.
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Sprinkle with flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
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In a large non-stick skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
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Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant (do not brown).
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Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes, then flip and cook another 2 minutes until pink and opaque.
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Remove from heat, drizzle with lemon juice, and garnish with parsley if desired.
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Serve immediately with the remaining garlic butter from the skillet spooned over top.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 362 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origins of Hawaiian-Style Garlic Butter Shrimp
Hawaiian-style garlic butter shrimp is one of the most iconic street food dishes you’ll find on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. It rose to fame thanks to the legendary shrimp trucks that dot the coastline—Giovanni’s being the most famous among them. These humble food trucks have become must-visit spots for tourists and locals alike. The dish typically features plump shrimp sautéed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, served over a bed of white rice and often accompanied by a wedge of lemon or a side of macaroni salad.
What makes this shrimp so unique is the heavy use of garlic—often an entire head or more per pound of shrimp. Combined with butter and a dash of spices, it creates a bold, aromatic flavor that’s deeply satisfying without being too heavy. The result is a simple, rustic dish that feels indulgent yet approachable.
Why Garlic Shrimp is a Must-Try Dish
There are several reasons why garlic shrimp, especially in the Hawaiian style, should be on your culinary bucket list. First, it’s a dish that requires minimal ingredients, yet the results are gourmet-level in flavor. Garlic, butter, lemon, and shrimp—the core components—are all familiar pantry staples, but when combined and cooked just right, they create something magical.
Second, it’s incredibly fast to make. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of about 5 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests. Despite its simplicity, the flavor complexity makes it feel like something you’d order in a fancy coastal restaurant.
Lastly, it’s versatile. You can serve it with rice, pasta, salad, or grilled veggies. It works just as well as a main course, appetizer, or even a luxurious topping for crostini or a seafood bowl.
Flavor Profile: A Bold Balance of Richness and Zing
The flavor of Hawaiian-style garlic butter shrimp is rich, savory, and bold. The garlic is sautéed just long enough to release its aroma without browning, which helps it retain a slightly sweet and mild character. Butter adds richness and depth, coating each shrimp and helping the spices cling to the surface. A touch of paprika and cayenne pepper adds warmth and a gentle kick, without overpowering the dish. The fresh lemon juice brightens everything up, cutting through the richness and adding a citrusy tang that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
Parsley, while optional, adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color, making the dish not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Health Benefits of Shrimp and Garlic
Shrimp is a lean source of protein that’s also rich in key nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. Despite being low in calories, it provides about 25 grams of protein per serving, which makes it a fantastic choice for those looking to maintain muscle mass or follow a low-carb diet. Shrimp is also high in astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that gives it its pink hue and supports skin and eye health.
Garlic, on the other hand, is renowned for its medicinal properties. It’s been shown to support cardiovascular health, reduce blood pressure, and have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Together, these ingredients offer not just flavor but also a range of wellness benefits.
When prepared with olive oil and minimal flour, this dish becomes a healthier alternative to deep-fried shrimp options, while still satisfying the craving for something buttery and indulgent.
Tips for Cooking Perfect Garlic Shrimp
Getting this dish just right isn’t difficult, but there are a few tips that can elevate it from good to unforgettable:
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Dry the Shrimp: Pat your shrimp dry before seasoning. Excess moisture prevents the seasoning from adhering and leads to a watery sauce.
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Don’t Burn the Garlic: Garlic burns easily and turns bitter. Sauté it just until fragrant—about 30 seconds is perfect.
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Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice lacks the brightness and acidity of fresh lemons, so always go fresh if possible.
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Cook in Batches: If you’re making a larger quantity, avoid crowding the pan. Cook the shrimp in batches to ensure they sear properly.
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Finish with Extra Sauce: Once the shrimp is cooked, spoon some of the leftover garlic butter from the pan over the top before serving. It’s liquid gold!
Best Side Dishes to Serve With Garlic Butter Shrimp
The beauty of this dish is how well it pairs with a variety of sides. Traditionally, it’s served with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the rich sauce beautifully. But there are many other options:
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Pineapple Fried Rice: Adds a tropical flair and a sweet-savory contrast.
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Grilled Vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers complement the dish’s richness with their natural char.
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Garlic Noodles: For carb lovers, toss some noodles in garlic butter for a decadent pairing.
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Coconut Rice: Infused with coconut milk, it brings out the island flavors in a subtle, creamy way.
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Green Salad: A crisp salad with citrus vinaigrette can balance the meal with freshness.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
While garlic butter shrimp is best served fresh, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two days. To reheat, avoid the microwave if possible, as shrimp tends to become rubbery. Instead, reheat in a non-stick skillet over low heat, just until warmed through. Add a bit of butter or olive oil to refresh the sauce.
If you must use a microwave, heat at 50% power in short bursts, checking frequently. Avoid overheating.
Variations to Try at Home
Once you’ve mastered the basic version, feel free to experiment with the following variations:
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Spicy Thai Garlic Shrimp: Add Thai chili, fish sauce, and a touch of brown sugar for an umami-packed punch.
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Stir in a splash of heavy cream and Parmesan for a richer, more indulgent dish.
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Cilantro Lime Garlic Shrimp: Swap parsley for cilantro and lemon for lime to give it a Mexican-inspired twist.
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Garlic Shrimp Tacos: Serve the shrimp in soft tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of garlic aioli.
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Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal.
Perfect For Every Occasion
Whether you’re cooking for one or entertaining a group, this garlic butter shrimp fits the bill. It’s elegant enough for date night, fast enough for weekday meals, and special enough for dinner parties or backyard cookouts. It’s also a great option for Lent or pescatarian diets and is naturally gluten-free if you skip the flour or use a gluten-free alternative.
You can even turn it into a luxurious brunch dish by serving it alongside a soft poached egg and sourdough toast.
Conclusion
Hawaiian-style garlic butter shrimp is more than just a meal—it’s a tropical escape served on a plate. With bold, buttery flavor, just the right amount of spice, and a comforting richness that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, it’s no wonder this dish is a beloved staple from the Hawaiian islands to home kitchens worldwide. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable—everything a great recipe should be.
Whether you’re looking to recreate a vacation memory, impress dinner guests, or just treat yourself to something special on a weeknight, this shrimp dish delivers every time. Try it once, and it just might become a regular in your kitchen rotation.