Name: Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, deveined; 2 tablespoons glutinous rice flour (sweet rice flour) or all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon paprika; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 ½ teaspoon salt; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ cup (100 g) garlic, minced (about 2 heads of garlic); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 47 reviews

Get ready to dive into a flavor-packed adventure with this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe that perfectly captures the essence of island life in every bite. Imagine succulent, buttery shrimp coated in a garlic-infused sauce bursting with just the right amount of heat and zest, reminiscent of those iconic shrimp trucks along the Hawaiian coast. This dish is simple to make and incredibly satisfying, making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to keep in your culinary rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows nine clear glass bowls placed on a pink hexagonal tile surface. The largest bowl at the top left is filled with raw shrimp with shells on, arranged in a loose pile showing their grayish-blue and orange tones. Directly below, there is a smaller bowl filled with a dark red spice powder, then a bowl of light yellow olive oil to its left. To the right of the spice bowl is a medium bowl with several pale yellow butter cubes. Above the butter, a small bowl with light yellow liquid, possibly lemon juice, is placed centrally. To the right edge, a large bowl holds peeled garlic cloves in a soft white color, below it is a medium bowl with white flour, then a small bowl with finely chopped green herbs. At the bottom right corner, a smallest bowl contains bright orange-red powder. In the center top between the garlic and shrimp bowls is a small bowl filled with coarse white salt. The whole arrangement is neat and evenly spaced on the pink tile. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe plays a key role, from the tender shrimp to the rich garlic butter that brings it all together. The combination ensures a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and aroma that will have you hooked from the first bite.

1 lb shrimp, deveined: Fresh or thawed, shrimp is the star of the dish, bringing tender, juicy bites that soak up all the flavor.
2 tablespoons glutinous rice flour (sweet rice flour) or all-purpose flour: Provides a light, crispy coating that locks in moisture and flavor when cooked.
1 tablespoon paprika: Adds a smoky, mild heat with a vibrant color that makes the shrimp visually irresistible.
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives just the right kick to elevate the dish without overpowering the garlic butter.
1 ½ teaspoons salt: Essential for bringing out the natural sweetness in the shrimp and balancing the other flavors.
8 tablespoons unsalted butter: The heart of the sauce, delivering richness and that classic buttery flavor everyone craves.
½ cup (about 2 heads), garlic, minced: Garlic is the hero here—minced finely to infuse each bite with its bold, aromatic punch.
3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to crisp the shrimp beautifully and balances the butter’s richness.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Adds a refreshing acidity that brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced: A fresh herbal garnish that brings color and a subtle earthiness to finish.

How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Begin by washing and deveining the shrimp. You can peel them entirely or leave the shells on with the tails intact for extra flavor and presentation appeal. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure the coating sticks and the shrimp cooks up perfectly crisp.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour (or all-purpose flour), paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Toss your shrimp in this flavorful mixture until each piece is evenly coated. This step is key for that signature slightly crispy texture that complements the buttery garlic sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Garlic Butter

Place a medium skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook gently until it becomes fragrant and light golden brown—approximately 2 minutes. Be vigilant here; you want the garlic lovely and soft without a hint of bitterness from burning. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and set aside the garlic butter mixture.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Using the same pan, crank the heat to medium-high and add the olive oil. When the oil shimmers, lay the shrimp in a single layer. Sear each side for 1 to 2 minutes until the edges are crisp and the shrimp turn an inviting pink. If you have a lot of shrimp, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding, adding more olive oil as needed for each batch.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Turn off the heat, pour the garlic butter back into the skillet, and toss the shrimp gently to coat with that fragrant sauce. The residual warmth allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Finally, drizzle with freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle the minced parsley on top for a fresh burst of color and flavor.

How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe

The image shows six shrimp with a reddish-brown spice coating being cooked in a light beige non-stick pan, arranged in a circle. Each shrimp has a slightly curved shape, with visible texture from the spice rub, giving a crispy look, and the pan surface shows slight oil and seasoning residues. The pan is on a stove, with some light reflections creating a warm cooking atmosphere. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh minced parsley brightens the dish, adding a subtle herbaceous note and lovely green color that invites you to dig in. A wedge of lemon on the side not only looks charming but also lets you add extra zest if desired.

Side Dishes

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with fragrant white rice or coconut rice to soak up the garlicky buttery sauce. Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, also make a fresh and vibrant complement. For a true island vibe, serve alongside a fresh tropical fruit salad or a crisp kale slaw.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the shrimp on a bed of island-style rice inside a pineapple boat for a festive and memorable presentation. Alternatively, skewer the shrimp for a fun appetizer or party dish that’s easy to eat and share. For a quick weeknight meal, pile the shrimp over buttery garlic noodles for an indulgent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to consume the shrimp within two days to enjoy the freshest flavors and maintain that tender texture.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked shrimp, but the delicate garlic butter sauce is best made fresh. If you want to freeze, place the shrimp and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to keep the shrimp juicy and flavorful.

Reheating

Reheat leftover shrimp carefully on the stovetop over low heat with a little extra butter or olive oil to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crispness and texture. Adding a fresh squeeze of lemon before serving can help revive the bright, fresh flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to achieve the best coating and texture in your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe.

What if I don’t have glutinous rice flour?

No worries! All-purpose flour works fine as a substitute, though glutinous rice flour adds a unique crispness that’s perfect for this recipe.

How spicy is this dish?

The cayenne pepper adds a gentle warmth, but it isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference or omit it entirely for a milder version.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Use glutinous rice flour, which is naturally gluten-free, instead of all-purpose flour. Just be sure to check your paprika and other spices for any additives.

What’s the best way to peel shrimp if I want to leave the tail on?

Simply hold the shrimp by the tail, peel off the shell from the body, leaving the tail intact. This keeps the shrimp easy to eat and adds a nice visual touch when serving.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe is a true celebration of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re craving a weeknight meal or want to impress friends with coastal flavors, this dish delivers every time. Don’t hesitate to bring a little aloha spirit into your kitchen—you won’t regret it!