Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Hawaiian garlic shrimp is a famous dish inspired by the food trucks of Oahu especially on the North Shore. It is known for its bold garlic flavor buttery texture and a touch of smokiness from the pan. This recipe captures that same taste bringing island comfort to your home kitchen.
Why Youll Love This Recipe
- Bold strong garlic flavor
- Quick to prepare
- Uses basic and easy to find ingredients
- Perfect for lunch dinner or special gatherings
- Pairs beautifully with rice salads bread or noodles
Nutritional Info
Estimated per serving;
- Protein rich from the shrimp
- Moderate fats from butter and oil
- Carbohydrates are minimal
- Contains important minerals like selenium and iodine
Values vary by portion and serving size
Time Taken
- Preparation time 10 minutes
- Cooking time 10 minutes
- Total 20 minutes
Ingredients
- Shrimp cleaned and deveined
- Fresh garlic minced very fine
- Butter
- Flour for light coating
- Paprika
- Salt
- Cooking oil
- Lemon wedges
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
1- Lightly coat shrimp with flour and paprika.
2- Heat oil in a pan and add shrimp cooking until lightly golden then remove.
3- In the same pan melt butter and add minced garlic cooking briefly on low heat.
4- Return shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in garlic butter.
5- Serve warm with rice and lemon.
You Must Know
Garlic burns quickly so always cook it on low heat. Overcooking shrimp makes them tough so remove as soon as they turn pink.
Storage Tips
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Best consumed within one to two days. Reheat gently in a pan not the microwave to preserve texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use ghee instead of butter for a richer deep flavor.
- Use chili flakes for heat if desired.
- Use cornstarch instead of flour for a lighter coating[
Serving Suggestions
- Over warm white rice.
- With pineapple coleslaw.
- With garlic butter noodles.
- With toasted bread to soak up the sauce.
Cultural and Historical Context
Hawaiian garlic shrimp reflects the blend of cultures in Hawaii. It grew from simple roadside food trucks into a beloved island signature. This dish shows how local tastes adapt global ingredients into unique regional flavors.
Seasonal Adaptations
- Summer add a squeeze of fresh lime and serve with chilled salad.
- Winter serve with warm rice bowls and roasted vegetables.
Success Stories
Many home cooks love how quickly this dish impresses family members and guests.
It is known as a confidence boosting recipe for beginners because the result always tastes advanced.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Freeze shrimp raw after seasoning but before cooking. When ready to cook thaw and follow the cooking steps. This keeps texture fresh and prevents overcooking after reheating.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh garlic not jarred for best flavor
- Pat shrimp dry before coating for better browning
- Use a cast iron or stainless steel pan for best sear
Chefs Special Tips
- Add a small splash of fish sauce to the garlic butter for deep umami flavor
- Finish with a touch of lemon zest to brighten the final taste
- Serve immediately as shrimp tastes best straight from the pan
FAQs
Hawaiian garlic shrimp is a simple flavorful and comforting dish that brings island style cooking to your kitchen. It is quick to prepare uses everyday ingredients and delivers rich garlic butter goodness in every bite. Whether you cook it for family gatherings weeknight dinners or special occasions it always stands out and satisfies. Try this recipe today and experience the famous Hawaiian food truck taste at home. Share your cooking moments with friends and family. If you enjoyed this recipe explore more island inspired dishes to keep your meals exciting and memorable.