Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp – This flavorful, buttery, and garlicky shrimp can be found at food trucks dotting the North Shore of Oahu, most famously at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck.
What is Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?
Hawaiian garlic shrimp is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish consisting of shrimp sautéed in a buttery, garlic-infused sauce. While it’s often served with white rice and a lemon wedge, the real star of the show is the rich garlic flavor that coats every bite of the shrimp. The dish typically uses large, shell-on shrimp, which helps keep the shrimp tender and juicy, while the shells absorb all that wonderful garlic butter.
Key Ingredients:
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings to bring everything together.
Shrimp: Traditionally, Hawaiian garlic shrimp uses large, shell-on shrimp. Shells help trap the flavor, but if you prefer peeled shrimp, that’s fine too.
Garlic: Lots of garlic! This dish doesn’t hold back. Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor, and it’s sautéed until fragrant.
Butter: A generous amount of butter gives this dish its signature richness.
Paprika: Adds a slight smokiness and color to the dish.
Olive Oil: Used to prevent the butter from burning while cooking the garlic.
Lemon: A squeeze of lemon brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the butter.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
- Don’t skimp on the garlic: This dish is all about garlic! Using fresh, high-quality garlic will make all the difference.
- Butter and Olive Oil Balance: Combining butter with olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning, ensuring the garlic doesn’t get too bitter.
- Use shell-on shrimp: Shell-on shrimp is more flavorful, but if you prefer the convenience of peeled shrimp, go ahead. Just note that the flavor might be slightly milder.
- Avoid overcooking: Shrimp cooks very quickly! Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery, so keep an eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn opaque.
Variations
While the classic Hawaiian garlic shrimp recipe is hard to beat, there are a few variations you can try to suit your tastes:
Coconut Garlic Shrimp: For a tropical twist, add 1/4 cup of coconut milk to the sauce after cooking the garlic. This adds a creamy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the shrimp.
Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add some heat to the dish by including a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha in the garlic butter sauce.
Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Toss the cooked shrimp and garlic butter sauce with your favorite pasta for a quick, satisfying meal.
How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
The traditional way to serve Hawaiian garlic shrimp is with:
- Steamed White Rice: The neutral flavor of the rice complements the rich, garlicky shrimp perfectly. It’s also great for soaking up any leftover garlic butter.
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon cuts through the richness and brightens up the dish.
- Green Salad or Coleslaw: To balance the rich flavors, a light, refreshing salad makes an excellent side dish. You can also add some fresh pineapple for a sweet, tangy contrast.
If you’re hosting a luau or tropical-themed dinner, Hawaiian garlic shrimp can also be served as part of a larger spread, including items like grilled pineapple, poke bowls, and Hawaiian sweet rolls.
How to Store and Reheat Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
If you find yourself with leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), here’s how to store and reheat them properly:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Reheating: Reheat shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of butter or olive oil to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, but shrimp can become rubbery if overheated this way.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! If you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Thawing the shrimp in cold water works well if you’re in a hurry.
2. Do I have to leave the shells on the shrimp?
Shell-on shrimp provides more flavor and keeps the shrimp juicy, but if you’re short on time or prefer peeled shrimp, you can use them. Just be mindful that the flavor might not be as intense.
3. How can I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic over medium heat and stir it frequently. Adding olive oil to the butter helps lower the chance of burning, but keep a close eye on it—garlic can go from golden to burnt quickly.
4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, butter provides a richer, more authentic flavor. Margarine might alter the taste slightly, but it can work in a pinch.
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp - This flavorful, buttery, and garlicky shrimp can be found at food trucks dotting the North Shore of Oahu, most famously at Giovanni's Shrimp Truck.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup minced fresh garlic (about 1 medium head)
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp paprika
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 1 Tbsp pieces
- 1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels. This helps them cook evenly and get that perfect sear. Toss the shrimp in a bowl with the flour, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat up the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until they turn pink on the bottom. Flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes or until the shrimp is cooked through.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Remove the skillet from heat and toss the shrimp with lemon juice. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like.
- Serve: Spoon any extra garlic butter sauce from the pan over the shrimp and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 244Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 247mgSodium 1151mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 1gSugar 0gProtein 27g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian garlic shrimp is a truly iconic dish that brings a taste of Hawaii right to your kitchen. The combination of garlicky butter, juicy shrimp, and bright lemon is irresistible. Whether you’re recreating memories of a trip to the islands or simply exploring new flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Plus, with plenty of variations and tips for making the dish just right, you’ll be cooking it like a pro in no time!
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