This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe is inspired by the shrimp dishes served at food trucks in Hawaii, offering a rich, garlicky flavor that pairs perfectly with succulent shrimp. The shrimp is cooked in a buttery garlic sauce, enhanced with a touch of paprika and cayenne pepper for added flavor. This easy, yet mouthwatering dish comes together in less than 20 minutes, making it a great option for a quick dinner or special occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons paprika

• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced into 1-tablespoon pieces

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (optional)

• 1/4 cup minced garlic (about 1 medium head)

Directions

1. Prep the Shrimp:

   • Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels. In a bowl, toss shrimp with flour, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.

2. Cook the Shrimp:

   • In a large non-stick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced butter and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but not browned.

   • Add shrimp in an even layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side, until they are pink and just cooked through.

3. Finish the Dish:

   • Remove from heat, then drizzle with fresh lemon juice and toss with parsley if desired.

4. Serve:

   • Serve immediately with extra garlic butter sauce from the pan over rice, pasta, or a vegetable side.

Nutrients (per serving):

• Calories: 362 kcal

• Fat: 26g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 7g

• Protein: 25g

• Sodium: 158mg

• Cholesterol: 332mg

The Shrimp: Succulent and Flavorful

The star of this dish is the shrimp. Using extra-large shrimp ensures that each bite is plump and tender, soaking up all the delicious garlic butter sauce. Shrimp cooks quickly, making it an ideal protein for fast meals. To prepare, simply peel and devein the shrimp and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. The dry shrimp will absorb the seasoning and butter more effectively, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.

Before cooking, the shrimp are tossed with flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, creating a light seasoning layer that helps the shrimp caramelize and gives it an extra burst of flavor. The paprika adds warmth and a subtle smokiness, while cayenne pepper (optional) brings just the right amount of heat to balance the rich, buttery sauce.

The Garlic Butter Sauce: Rich and Fragrant

The garlic butter sauce is the highlight of this dish. It’s made with unsalted butter, olive oil, and a generous amount of minced garlic. As the butter melts, the garlic releases its fragrant aroma, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering scent. The key is to sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, just enough to release its oils and become fragrant without letting it brown or burn, which would turn the flavor bitter.

The garlic butter sauce forms the base for cooking the shrimp, and it’s crucial to get the timing right to prevent the garlic from burning. The shrimp will soak up the sauce as they cook, making every bite rich, garlicky, and succulent. The addition of a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds a bright, tangy note that cuts through the richness of the butter, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Cooking the Shrimp: Quick and Easy

Cooking the shrimp is fast and straightforward. In a non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the garlic and butter. Once the butter has melted and the garlic becomes fragrant, add the shrimp to the pan in an even layer. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. The key is not to overcook the shrimp—just a few minutes on each side will give you perfectly tender, juicy shrimp.

The seasoning on the shrimp helps them develop a slightly crispy, golden exterior while staying tender and moist on the inside. This quick cooking method allows the shrimp to absorb all the flavors from the garlic butter sauce while maintaining their succulent texture.

Finishing the Dish: Adding Brightness

Once the shrimp is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and drizzle the dish with fresh lemon juice. The lemon adds a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness of the butter, balancing the dish and giving it a refreshing finish. Toss the shrimp with a little chopped parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor, if desired.

Serving Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it on its own, but it’s also delicious served over rice, pasta, or alongside a vegetable side dish. The extra garlic butter sauce in the pan can be spooned over the shrimp and your chosen side for added flavor.

The dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, sautéed greens, or grilled vegetables, and it can easily be customized with your favorite sides or a sprinkle of cheese on top of pasta. Whether served as a main course or part of a larger meal, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table.

Why Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is Perfect for Any Occasion

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is ideal for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time but still want something flavorful. The dish requires minimal ingredients and comes together in under 20 minutes, so it’s perfect for last-minute meals.

Second, it’s packed with flavor but remains light enough to be enjoyed on any occasion. The buttery garlic sauce is rich but not overwhelming, and the shrimp provides a lean source of protein that’s satisfying but not heavy. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or serving guests at a party, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Finally, the dish is versatile. While it’s perfect as a standalone meal, it can also be paired with a variety of sides to make a complete meal. Whether you serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp can be customized to suit your preferences.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp contains approximately 362 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option for a rich and satisfying meal. With 25 grams of protein, it provides a good source of lean protein from the shrimp. The dish also contains 26 grams of fat, including 12 grams of saturated fat, which comes from the butter and olive oil.

The carbohydrates are kept relatively low at 7 grams, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet. The dish also provides 3 grams of fiber, which supports digestive health. The sodium content is 158mg per serving, which is relatively low considering the richness of the butter sauce, but can be adjusted with less salt or lower-sodium ingredients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings the bold flavors of garlic and butter together with succulent shrimp. The easy preparation, rich garlic butter sauce, and bright lemon finish make this dish perfect for a fast dinner or a special occasion. Whether you serve it over rice, pasta, or with vegetables, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a versatile and mouthwatering meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish offers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort, making it the perfect choice for any time you want something delicious and satisfying.