Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is the perfect combination of buttery richness, bold garlic flavor, and a hint of spice. This dish, inspired by the famous food trucks of Oahu, brings the tropical flavors of Hawaii straight to your table. The shrimp are pan seared in a luscious garlic butter sauce, with a splash of soy sauce and fresh lemon juice to brighten up every bite.

Served over a bed of warm white rice, this dish is simple to make yet packed with flavor. Whether you’re reminiscing about a Hawaiian getaway or just looking for a quick, mouthwatering meal, this garlic shrimp will satisfy your cravings. It’s the perfect dish to share with friends and family, bringing a taste of island life to your home!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Cooked white rice (for serving)

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

3. Add the shrimp, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and lemon juice to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.

5. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

6. Serve over a bed of cooked white rice and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: A Taste of the Islands in Your Kitchen

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a dish that embodies the vibrant flavors and tropical essence of the Hawaiian islands. Known for its rich garlic butter sauce, juicy shrimp, and slight kick of spice, this recipe has become a favorite among seafood lovers. Whether you’ve had the pleasure of enjoying it from a food truck on Oahu’s North Shore or are trying it for the first time in your own kitchen, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a must-try dish that brings a little bit of paradise to your plate.

This dish is inspired by the famous garlic shrimp plates sold at food trucks in Hawaii, particularly in areas like Kahuku on Oahu. These trucks are known for their simple yet incredibly flavorful seafood, often served with a generous portion of rice to soak up all the buttery, garlicky goodness. The dish has gained popularity worldwide because of its easy preparation and the irresistible combination of garlic, butter, and tender shrimp.

The History and Popularity of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

The origins of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp trace back to the plantations of Hawaii, where diverse cultural influences shaped the island’s cuisine. Immigrants from Japan, the Philippines, Portugal, and other regions brought their own cooking traditions, blending them with local Hawaiian ingredients. Shrimp became a popular protein due to Hawaii’s abundant seafood resources, and over time, different communities created their own takes on shrimp dishes.

However, the modern version of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp as we know it today gained prominence in the 1990s with the rise of food trucks along the North Shore of Oahu. Trucks like Giovanni’s and Romy’s became famous for serving shrimp coated in a buttery, garlicky sauce, often with a hint of spice. Tourists and locals alike lined up to experience this dish, leading to its widespread popularity. Today, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is considered one of the top street foods in Hawaii, and many home cooks attempt to recreate its magic in their own kitchens.

What Makes Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Special?

There are plenty of shrimp recipes out there, but Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp stands out because of its bold flavors and simple preparation. Here’s what makes this dish unique:

1. A Buttery, Garlicky Sauce: The heart of this dish is the sauce, made with butter, garlic, and a few key seasonings. The garlic is often used generously, infusing every bite with its aromatic, savory goodness. Some recipes use up to six cloves of garlic, ensuring that the flavor is front and center.

2. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: The shrimp are quickly sautéed in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors while remaining juicy and tender. Cooking shrimp correctly is essential to achieving the right texture, as overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.

3. A Touch of Heat: Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp typically has a slight spice level, often from red pepper flakes. This adds a subtle heat that complements the richness of the butter and the sharpness of the garlic. You can adjust the spice to your liking, making it mild or extra spicy.

4. Served Over Rice: The shrimp are usually served over a bed of white rice, allowing the sauce to seep into the grains for an extra flavorful experience. Some people add a side of macaroni salad or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.

5. Easy to Make: Unlike many seafood dishes that require complex techniques, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is incredibly simple to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of cooking time, you can have a restaurant quality meal at home.

Tips for Making the Best Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

If you want to make the most authentic and delicious version of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, here are some expert tips to follow:

1. Use Fresh or High-Quality Frozen Shrimp

Fresh shrimp is always the best choice for this dish, but if you don’t have access to it, frozen shrimp can work just as well. Just be sure to thaw them properly before cooking. Look for large shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save time.

2. Don’t Skimp on the Garlic

Garlic is the key ingredient in this dish, so don’t be afraid to use a generous amount. Freshly minced garlic works best, as it releases more flavor than pre-minced varieties. If you love an extra garlicky taste, you can even add a bit more than the recipe calls for.

3. Cook the Shrimp Quickly

Shrimp cooks very fast, usually in just a few minutes per side. Overcooking will result in tough, rubbery shrimp, so keep a close eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

4. Let the Butter and Garlic Infuse

To maximize flavor, allow the butter and garlic to cook together for a minute or two before adding the shrimp. This helps the garlic release its aroma and blend with the butter for a rich, flavorful sauce.

5. Adjust the Spice Level

If you like a mild dish, you can reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. If you prefer extra heat, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or a squeeze of sriracha to the sauce.

6. Serve Immediately

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh off the stove. The flavors are at their peak when the shrimp are still warm, and the buttery sauce is perfectly coating each piece.

Pairing Suggestions for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

To complete your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp meal, consider pairing it with some traditional Hawaiian side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Steamed White Rice: The classic pairing for garlic shrimp, rice absorbs the flavorful sauce and provides a neutral base.

• Macaroni Salad: A creamy, slightly tangy Hawaiian style macaroni salad is a common side dish served with shrimp plates.

• Grilled Pineapple: The sweetness of grilled pineapple contrasts beautifully with the garlicky, savory shrimp.

• Hawaiian Slaw: A refreshing slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing can add a crisp texture to your meal.

• Tropical Fruit Salad: A mix of mango, papaya, and pineapple makes for a sweet, refreshing side.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is the perfect dish for anyone who loves bold flavors and quick, easy meals. It’s an excellent way to enjoy seafood in a new and exciting way while bringing a taste of the islands to your home kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or a summer cookout, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a nutritious choice. Shrimp is high in protein and low in calories, making it a great option for those looking to eat healthier. The use of fresh garlic also adds numerous health benefits, including its antibacterial properties and potential heart health benefits.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is more than just a dish it’s an experience. With its rich garlic butter sauce, succulent shrimp, and hint of spice, it captures the essence of island cuisine in every bite. Whether you’re reminiscing about a trip to Hawaii or simply want to try something new, this recipe is a fantastic way to bring the flavors of the islands into your home.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time. Serve it over rice, add your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that transports you to a tropical paradise with every bite. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s a beloved staple in Hawaiian cuisine.

Now, grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to cook up a little piece of Hawaii in your own kitchen!