Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp That Tastes Like a Tropical Vacation 🌴🧄

Introduction

Craving a Taste of the Islands? Try This Irresistible Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

If you’ve ever visited Hawaii—or just dreamt of it—you’ve probably heard of the famous Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp served from food trucks on Oahu’s North Shore. This buttery, garlicky, and golden-crisp shrimp dish brings serious island flavor to your table in under 30 minutes. 🍤🌺

Whether you're craving a tropical escape or simply love bold flavors, this recipe is for you. With a handful of pantry staples, a whole lot of garlic, and juicy shrimp, you’ll be plating up pure joy in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests—this dish is simple, fast, and unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Ready in under 30 minutes – quick enough for weeknight dinners
✅ Bursting with flavor – rich garlic butter, a hint of spice, and lemony zing
✅ Uses simple ingredients – no need to hunt for anything fancy
✅ Totally customizable – serve with rice, salad, or in tacos
✅ Just like the famous North Shore shrimp trucks – but made at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined (tail-on for extra flair)
• 1 head of garlic, finely minced (yes, a whole head!)
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoon butter (or use ghee for a nutty twist)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Suggested Sides:

• Steamed jasmine or sticky rice
• Lemon wedges
• Hawaiian mac salad (for the full plate lunch experience)

Pro Tip: 🧄 Use fresh garlic—not jarred! It makes a massive difference in flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
Spice Swap: Smoked paprika adds a delicious depth if you like a hint of BBQ flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the shrimp
   Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss with the flour until evenly coated.
2. Sauté the garlic (2 minutes)
   Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until golden and fragrant (about 1–2 minutes). Stir constantly to avoid burning.
3. Cook the shrimp (4–5 minutes)
   Push garlic to the sides of the pan. Add shrimp in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly crispy.
4. Deglaze and finish
   Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp and toss everything together in the pan. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to infuse all the flavors.
5. Serve hot
   Plate with warm rice, extra lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips:
🧊 Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheating Tips:
🔥 Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery shrimp.

Variations:

• Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat
• Serve over garlic noodles instead of rice
• Make it tropical with a side of grilled pineapple 🍍

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Can I use frozen shrimp?
✅ Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

❓ Is this dish spicy?
✅ It has a mild kick from cayenne. Adjust the amount to your preference.

❓ Can I cook this in advance?
❌ Not recommended. Shrimp are best fresh for optimal texture.

❓ What kind of garlic should I use?
✅ Fresh, whole garlic cloves are a must for authentic flavor.

❓ Can I make this low-carb?
✅ Yes! Serve with cauliflower rice or a green salad.

Conclusion

This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe brings the spirit of the islands right to your kitchen—no plane ticket needed! It's fast, flavor-packed, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you're reminiscing about a Hawaiian vacation or just want something new for dinner tonight, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

👉 Tag us on Pinterest @Simple Recipes if you try this recipe—we’d love to see your island creation!

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp That Tastes Like a Tropical Vacation 🌴🧄

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• Author: Chef
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Inspired by the famous North Shore food trucks in Oahu, this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe features golden seared shrimp bathed in a buttery garlic sauce, served over fluffy jasmine rice with a splash of lemon. Ready in under 30 minutes, this tropical dish brings vacation vibes straight to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined (tail-on optional)

• 1 head of garlic, finely minced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• Juice of ½ lemon

• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

• Steamed jasmine rice for serving

• Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

• Prep Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and toss with flour.

• Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly golden (1–2 minutes).

• Cook Shrimp: Push garlic to the side. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and lightly browned.

• Add Lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and stir well to coat. Let simmer 1 minute.

• Serve: Serve hot over rice, garnished with parsley and lemon wedges.

Notes

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat to avoid rubbery shrimp.

• Variations: Add red pepper flakes for extra heat or serve with grilled pineapple for a tropical twist.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan-Seared
• Cuisine: Hawaiian, Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 450kcal
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, tropical shrimp, garlic butter shrimp, shrimp and rice, North Shore recipe