Best Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe Under 30 Min

Name: Best Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe Under 30 Min
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 450g extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 8g all-purpose flour; 3g paprika; 0.5g cayenne pepper; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 85g unsalted butter, cut into 15g pieces; 30ml olive oil; 15ml fresh lemon juice; 4g minced fresh parsley (optional); 40g minced fresh garlic (approximately 1 medium head)

by Fatima Garcia

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22 de January de 2026

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Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp has this magical ability to transport me straight back to the sunny shores of Oahu, even when I’m miles away. I remember my first taste of this iconic dish from a bustling North Shore shrimp truck – the aroma of sizzling garlic and butter was utterly intoxicating. It’s more than just shrimp; it’s a vibrant plate lunch experience that’s surprisingly simple to recreate at home. This Garlic shrimp Hawaii recipe truly captures that authentic island flavor. You might wonder, what is Hawaiian garlic shrimp? It’s plump, juicy shrimp coated in a light, seasoned flour and then pan-fried in a glorious, fragrant garlic-butter sauce. Let’s get cooking!

If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful seafood dish, you’ve hit the jackpot! This Easy Hawaiian garlic shrimp recipe is a winner for so many reasons.

Incredible Flavor: Get ready for that signature garlicky, buttery taste that’s pure island bliss.
Lightning Fast Prep: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can have this on the table in under 30 minutes total.
Healthy & Delicious: It’s a lighter take on classic shrimp scampi, packed with protein and surprisingly low in carbs.
Budget-Friendly: Shrimp is often on sale, making this an economical way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love this simple garlic shrimp Hawaii dish, especially when served over rice.
Versatile: This Easy Hawaiian garlic shrimp recipe is perfect for weeknights or impressing guests.
Authentic Taste: It truly tastes like the real deal you’d find at a popular Oahu eatery.

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Ingredients

Gather these simple yet essential Hawaiian garlic shrimp ingredients to create that authentic island flavor. You’ll need about 450g of extra large shrimp, already peeled and deveined for convenience. A light coating of 8g all-purpose flour helps create a delicate crust that captures all the delicious sauce. We’ll add a pinch of 3g paprika and 0.5g cayenne pepper for a hint of warmth and color, plus salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The star, of course, is the generous amount of 40g minced fresh garlic – don’t be shy! For sautéing, we’ll use 85g unsalted butter, cut into pieces for even melting, alongside 30ml of olive oil. A splash of 15ml fresh lemon juice at the end brightens everything up beautifully. If you like, you can also have 4g minced fresh parsley ready for a pop of green garnish.

How to Make Authentic Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Let’s dive into making the best Hawaiian garlic shrimp right in your own kitchen! This recipe is all about capturing that irresistible garlic butter flavor you find at the famous Oahu shrimp trucks. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a taste of paradise in no time.

Step 1: Start by patting your shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for getting a nice sear, not just steaming them. Place the dried shrimp in a medium mixing bowl.
Step 2: Sprinkle the shrimp generously with 8g of all-purpose flour, 3g of paprika, 0.5g of cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together gently with your hands until each shrimp is evenly coated. This light coating helps the shrimp cook up perfectly and holds onto that glorious garlic butter sauce.
Step 3: Heat 85g of unsalted butter and 30ml of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add your 40g of minced fresh garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s wonderfully fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic tastes bitter. This is where the magic begins for your Garlic butter shrimp Oahu style.
Step 4: Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. You might need to do this in batches depending on your skillet size to avoid overcrowding, which is key for a good sear. Cook for about 2 minutes on the first side until the bottoms turn pink.
Step 5: Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes, or until they are just opaque and cooked through. Overcooked shrimp get tough, so keep an eye on them!
Step 6: Remove the skillet from the heat immediately. Drizzle 15ml of fresh lemon juice over the shrimp – this brightens up all that rich garlic flavor. Toss gently to combine. This step truly elevates the dish and is essential for that authentic taste. Transfer the shrimp and all that delicious garlic butter sauce to a serving platter.
Step 7: If you’re using fresh parsley, sprinkle about 4g over the top for a touch of color and freshness. Serve your Garlic shrimp Hawaii recipe creation immediately. Spooning that extra garlic butter sauce from the pan over the shrimp is highly recommended – it’s pure gold! This recipe truly shows you how to make Hawaiian garlic shrimp that will impress everyone.

Best Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe Under 30 Min - Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Shrimp Hawaii Recipe

I’ve made this dish more times than I can count, and these little tricks really elevate it from good to absolutely amazing. They ensure you get that perfect flavor and texture every single time, just like from your favorite Oahu spot.

Always pat your shrimp super dry with paper towels. This is the secret to getting a nice sear instead of steamed shrimp, which is crucial for texture and flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature, leading to soggy, steamed shrimp rather than beautifully seared ones.
Use good quality butter and fresh garlic. The flavor really shines through, so using the best ingredients you can find makes a huge difference in this simple yet delicious recipe.
Fresh lemon juice at the end is non-negotiable! It cuts through the richness of the butter and garlic, adding a bright, zesty finish that makes the dish sing.

What’s the secret to perfect Hawaiian garlic shrimp?

The real secret to the best Hawaiian garlic shrimp lies in the technique: patting the shrimp completely dry before coating and searing them quickly in hot butter and oil. This creates a beautiful crust and locks in moisture.

Can I make Hawaiian garlic shrimp ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep components ahead. Peel and devein the shrimp and mince the garlic up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook just before serving for optimal taste and texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Hawaiian shrimp scampi?

Avoid overcooking the shrimp – they turn rubbery quickly! Also, resist the urge to brown the garlic; it should be fragrant, not burnt. Finally, don’t skip drying the shrimp; moisture is the enemy of a good sear for this Hawaiian shrimp scampi.

Best Ways to Serve Hawaiian Style Garlic Shrimp

This incredible Hawaiian style garlic shrimp is so versatile, but it truly shines when served piping hot, straight from the skillet. The most classic way to enjoy this dish is as a plate lunch, piled high over fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up all that glorious garlic butter sauce, making every bite a flavor explosion. That’s why garlic shrimp with rice Hawaii is such a beloved combination!

For a lighter option, you can serve it alongside a fresh, crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try serving it with some crusty bread to really mop up every last drop of that delicious garlic butter sauce. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that brings the taste of the islands right to your table.

Nutrition Facts for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

This Garlic shrimp Hawaii recipe delivers amazing flavor with a surprisingly light nutritional profile. Each serving offers a good source of protein and is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a satisfying choice.

Calories: 325
Fat: 24.8 g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Protein: 22.5 g
Carbohydrates: 5.2 g
Fiber: N/A
Sugar: N/A
Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat North Shore Shrimp Truck Garlic Shrimp

Even though this Garlic butter shrimp Oahu style is best enjoyed fresh, sometimes life happens! If you have leftovers, proper storage is key to keeping that delicious flavor. First, let the shrimp cool down completely at room temperature for about an hour. Then, transfer the cooled shrimp and any remaining sauce into an airtight container. You can store these leftovers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes surprisingly well! Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, and it should keep for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. For best results, gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This method helps preserve the texture and prevents them from becoming rubbery. You can also microwave them, but be sure to do it in short intervals, stirring between each, to avoid overcooking. Proper reheating garlic shrimp ensures you still get a taste of that amazing island flavor, even if it’s not straight from the truck!

Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

What is Hawaiian garlic shrimp?

Hawaiian garlic shrimp is a beloved dish originating from the food trucks on Oahu, especially the famous ones on the North Shore. It features succulent shrimp, lightly coated and sautéed in a rich, fragrant sauce made with copious amounts of garlic, butter, and often olive oil. It’s typically served as a plate lunch with rice, making it a hearty and flavorful meal.

Why is Hawaiian garlic shrimp so popular?

Its popularity stems from its incredible flavor combination: the savory garlic, rich butter, tender shrimp, and often a hint of spice and citrus. It’s a taste of paradise that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, it’s relatively quick to make, making it an accessible and impressive dish for home cooks looking to bring a bit of Hawaii into their kitchens.

Can I make Hawaiian garlic shrimp with different types of shrimp?

Absolutely! While extra-large shrimp are ideal for that satisfying bite, you can certainly use medium or large shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as smaller shrimp will cook faster. Ensure they are peeled and deveined, and the key is not to overcook them, no matter the size. This flexibility makes it a great option for many shrimp recipes from Hawaii.

What are the best side dishes for Hawaiian style garlic shrimp?

The classic pairing is steamed white rice, which is perfect for soaking up all that delicious garlic butter sauce. For a lighter option, consider serving it with a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus. Some people also love serving it with crusty bread to ensure no sauce goes to waste.

Variations of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp You Can Try

While the classic version is divine, don’t be afraid to experiment with these fun twists on traditional Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp! These variations offer new flavors and cater to different dietary needs, proving how versatile these Shrimp recipes from Hawaii truly are.

Pineapple Garlic Shrimp Recipe: For a sweet and savory kick, add a splash of pineapple juice to the sauce and toss in some diced fresh pineapple during the last minute of cooking. It adds a tropical sweetness that complements the garlic beautifully.
Spicy Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: Amp up the heat by increasing the cayenne pepper, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or even dicing a jalapeño into the sauce. It adds a wonderful warmth that contrasts with the rich butter.
Gluten-Free Garlic Shrimp: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of cornstarch or rice flour. This ensures everyone can enjoy this island favorite without worry.
Grilled Garlic Shrimp: For a smoky flavor, marinate the shrimp briefly in garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, then grill them until pink and slightly charred. Finish with a drizzle of garlic butter sauce.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia