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Transport yourself to the sunny shores of Hawaii with a burst of flavor in every bite of this delectable dish – Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter. Picture succulent extra-large shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a luscious lemony butter sauce coming together in a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe captures the essence of island cuisine, delivering a taste of paradise right to your dining table.
Imagine the savory aroma of garlic sizzling in butter, creating a mouthwatering sauce that clings to the shrimp, infusing them with rich, bold flavors. Whether you’re reminiscing about a past Hawaiian vacation or simply craving a taste of the tropics, this dish is a perfect choice. Quick to prepare and bursting with robust flavors, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter is a delightful culinary journey that will have your family eagerly gathering around the dinner table.
Recreate the magic of Hawaii’s famous North Shore shrimp trucks with this homemade version of a beloved island classic. The blend of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs pays tribute to Hawaii’s diverse culinary heritage, bringing a touch of aloha spirit to your home-cooked meal. So, grab your apron, fire up the stove, and get ready to experience a taste of Hawaii with this irresistible Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter recipe.
Quick Benefits
- Ensures juicy, tender shrimp with even cooking due to extra large, peeled, and deveined shrimp
- Prevents garlic from browning or becoming bitter by sautéing briefly in butter and oil
- Adds a subtle crust to shrimp and helps seasonings stick with a light flour coating
- Customize spice level with optional cayenne for mild heat or leave out for a milder taste
Why You’ll Love This Succulent Hawaiian Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe Recipe
- Authentic Island Flavors: Capture the essence of Hawaiian street food with juicy shrimp, loads of garlic, and a lemony butter sauce that transports you to Oahu.
- Quick and Easy: Whip up a dish that’s quick to cook and loaded with rich, bold taste, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners.
- Irresistible Aroma: Fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma that’ll have your family and friends gravitating towards the dinner table before you even call them.
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: Celebrate the goodness of garlic with caramelized bits at the bottom of the pan, making this dish a garlic lover’s dream come true.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Customize the dish by substituting shrimp sizes, adding smoked paprika for a smoky kick, or using different herbs like cilantro or green onions for a fresh finish.
- Leftovers Friendly: Store leftovers easily and reheat gently on the stove to retain the shrimp’s texture and flavors, ensuring you can enjoy this dish for up to two days.
- Cultural Experience: Experience the taste of Hawaii’s North Shore shrimp trucks at home, blending local island flavors with global influences and adding a touch of sunshine and aloha to your meal.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve the shrimp with fluffy rice to soak up the buttery sauce, or use it as a topping for garlic noodles, in shrimp tacos, or alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal experience.
Ingredients for Succulent Hawaiian Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Seafood
- 450 g extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Aromatics
- 40 g minced fresh garlic (approximately 1 medium head)
Coating
- Salt, to taste
- 8 g all-purpose flour
- 0.5 g cayenne pepper (optional)
- 3 g paprika
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fat
- 30 ml olive oil
- 85 g unsalted butter, cut into 15 g pieces
Finishing touches
- 4 g minced fresh parsley (optional)
- 15 ml fresh lemon juice
Pro Tips for Succulent Hawaiian Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
To ensure your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter turns out perfectly, opt for extra large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor. When sautéing the garlic, be sure to cook it just until fragrant to avoid any bitterness. Additionally, a light dusting of flour on the shrimp will help create a delicate crust and ensure the seasonings stick well. While cayenne pepper can add a subtle heat, feel free to omit it for a milder dish.
For serving, enjoy the dish immediately with a generous drizzle of the garlic butter sauce from the pan and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Pair the shrimp with fluffy steamed jasmine or white rice to soak up all the delicious flavors. Consider adding a side of simple green salad or folding the shrimp into soft tortillas for a delightful meal experience.
How to Make Succulent Hawaiian Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Use paper towels to dry the shrimp and then transfer them to a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Season and Coat
Coat shrimp with flour, paprika, cayenne pepper (if desired), salt, and black pepper; toss to combine.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, heat butter and olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Place shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until pink, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until opaque and cooked through.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Take the skillet off the heat. Drizzle shrimp with lemon juice, toss gently, and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve immediately and top with garlic butter sauce from the pan.
Storage Tips
To store the finished dish of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, it is recommended to use gentle heat on the stove instead of the microwave to preserve the shrimp’s texture. Freezing is not advised as shrimp can become rubbery and lose their flavor upon thawing.
For the best results, select extra large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. The addition of smoked paprika can provide smoky notes, and if fresh parsley is unavailable, chopped cilantro or green onions make excellent substitutes for a herby finish. Serve the Hawaiian garlic shrimp with steamed jasmine or white rice to allow the sauce to soak in, and consider adding a lemon wedge and a simple green salad on the side for a complete meal experience.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find extra large shrimp, feel free to use jumbo or large shrimp as a substitute. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined for best results. Additionally, if you don’t have fresh parsley, you can try using chopped cilantro or green onions as a herby garnish for a similar fresh finish to the dish.
If you want to enhance the smoky flavor of the dish, consider adding smoked paprika to the seasoning mix. This will give a deeper, smokier note to the garlic shrimp butter. Remember that cayenne pepper is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder taste without the added heat. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences to make this dish perfect for your palate.
Serving Suggestions
For a creative serving suggestion, consider plating the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter over a bed of creamy coconut rice to enhance the tropical flavors. The combination of the rich garlic butter sauce with the fragrant coconut rice will transport your taste buds straight to the shores of Hawaii. Garnish with some toasted coconut flakes and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an extra touch of island paradise on your plate.
Another unique way to enjoy this dish is to serve the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter as a filling for lettuce wraps. Simply spoon the flavorful shrimp mixture onto large lettuce leaves, such as butter lettuce or romaine hearts, and roll them up for a light and refreshing meal. Add a dollop of pineapple salsa on top for a sweet and tangy contrast that complements the savory garlic shrimp perfectly. This fun and interactive presentation is perfect for a casual gathering or a quick weeknight dinner with a tropical twist.
FAQs for Succulent Hawaiian Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Can I use a different size of shrimp if extra large isn’t available?
Yes, you can substitute jumbo or large shrimp for the extra large ones. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined for best results.
Why is it recommended to sauté the garlic briefly in butter and oil?
Sautéing the garlic briefly in butter and oil helps to avoid browning or bitterness, ensuring a fragrant and flavorful base for the dish.
What is the purpose of the light flour coating in this recipe?
The light flour coating helps achieve a subtle crust on the shrimp and also helps hold the seasonings onto the shrimp, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.
Is the cayenne pepper necessary in this recipe?
No, the cayenne pepper is optional. It adds a mild heat to the dish but can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor profile.
Conclusion
As you savor the last bite of your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter, let the flavors linger on your palate, invoking memories of warm island breezes and sandy shores. The simplicity of this dish belies its rich and vibrant taste, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend feast.
I hope this recipe has inspired you to bring a taste of Hawaii into your own kitchen and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or simply enjoy exploring new flavors, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter is a dish that will surely delight your taste buds and transport you to the sunny shores of Oahu. So, fire up your stove, gather your ingredients, and let the aromatic scent of garlic and butter fill your home with warmth and comfort. Aloha and happy cooking!

Succulent Hawaiian Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
Seafood
- 450 g extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Aromatics
- 40 g minced fresh garlic (approximately 1 medium head)
Coating
- Salt, to taste
- 8 g all-purpose flour
- 0.5 g cayenne pepper (optional)
- 3 g paprika
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fat
- 30 ml olive oil
- 85 g unsalted butter, cut into 15 g pieces
Finishing touches
- 4 g minced fresh parsley (optional)
- 15 ml fresh lemon juice
Instructions
-
Prepare the Shrimp: Use paper towels to dry the shrimp and then transfer them to a mixing bowl.
-
Season and Coat: Coat shrimp with flour, paprika, cayenne pepper (if desired), salt, and black pepper; toss to combine.
-
Sauté Garlic: In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, heat butter and olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
-
Cook the Shrimp: Place shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until pink, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until opaque and cooked through.
-
Finish and Serve: Take the skillet off the heat. Drizzle shrimp with lemon juice, toss gently, and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve immediately and top with garlic butter sauce from the pan.








