Just the other day, I was watching street food vlogs on TV when I caught a glimpse of a food truck in Hawaii serving a dish called ‘Hawaiian garlic shrimp.’
First, let me tell you, that dish looked so freaking fresh and delicious even the server was struggling to keep up with the orders! The shrimp were not your usual size, in fact, they are the jumbo ones you usually get to see on high-end seafood platters. To top it off, the shrimp were soaked in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that coats every piece beautifully.
According to the chefs, the magic lies in their special seasonings that coat the shrimp before pan-searing, locking in all those juicy flavors. And let’s not forget the garlic, which is far away from your usual sprinkle. The Hawaiian garlic shrimp goes all out with a generous amount, making sure the sauce stands out and brings out the shrimp’s natural sweetness perfectly!
You know what I did after the show, right? Of course, I had to try it out right away and taste a slice of Hawaii myself! It turns out you don’t need a plane ticket—just shrimp and garlic for this recipe!
What is Hawaiian Shrimp
Hawaiian garlic shrimp is popular in Hawaii, especially on Oahu’s North Shore food trucks, which is made with shell-on shrimp, sautéed with butter and garlicky goodness, and seasoned with a hint of spices and lemon. Usually, this dish is served with steamed white rice or coconut rice and a creamy and tangy side of macaroni salad, making it a staple of Hawaiian plate lunches.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck is a famous place that started in the 1990s and has helped popularize Hawaiian garlic shrimp. People usually buy fresh shrimp from the area around Kahuku, which is known for its shrimp farms.
Creative Ways To Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp!
The Hawaiians serve the garlic shrimp dish with a side of steamed rice and lemon wedges. But is it the only way you will eat it? Certainly not! Here are some other fun and creative ways to serve Hawaiian garlic shrimp:
Grilled Veggies
Add more nutrition and a pop of color to your meal with a side of grilled veggies like zucchini, carrot or bell pepper. Drizzle a little bit of olive oil and salt and pepper over the veggies before grilling to bring out their flavor.
Pasta
Transform your ordinary pasta into a hearty meal by adding this Hawaiian garlic shrimp in it! Add some extra butter and lemon juice for a flavorful combo.
Salsa
For a full-on tropical experience, pair your garlic shrimp with a side of fresh pineapple salsa!
Green Salad
A simple mix of green salad consisting of tomatoes, cucumber, avocado and a light vinaigrette dressing makes the garlic shrimp taste so much better.
Coconut Rice
Instead of plain white rice, you can serve Hawaiian garlic shrimp with coconut rice and enjoy an island vibe right on your plate!
Tips To Cook Your Shrimp Perfectly
The dish is pretty simple and forgiving once you are done with sauteing the shrimp! Here are a few pointers to get it right every time:
- Keep in mind that shrimp cook real quick- only in 2-3 minutes! Once they turn pink and crispy, remove them from the pan to avoid overcooking.
- You may cook this dish with frozen shrimp if you don’t have fresh ones in stock. However, I have found fresh shrimp taste way better and have a juicier texture that lets the dish shine!
- Do NOT overcrowd the pan as it may prevent the shrimp from getting that perfect sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Marinate the shrimp for a short time- not more than 20 minutes. Any longer than that might make your shrimp go mushy.
- Heat the pan well to ensure the shrimp gets a golden crust without being undercooked inside.
Around The World With Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
When a dish gets this much popular, it doesn’t belong to a particular country anymore! Here are different takes from around the world on this beautiful dish:
Thailand: Spicy Garlic Shrimp
Thai dishes are a bit spicy, but balanced nicely with a touch of sweetness. The Thai version of garlic shrimp recipe includes bird’s eyes chilies, palm sugar and fish sauce.
Philippines: Buttered Garlic Shrimp
In the Philippine version, the shrimp are tossed with some extra butter to bring out their flavor. They also use calamansi juice, which is a local lime juice to make the dish a bit citrusy.
India: Masala Garlic Shrimp
Bold spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder are used in Indian masala garlic shrimp recipes. It’s a bit spicier and creamier as coconut milk is often mixed to create a rich sauce that coats the shrimp perfectly.
China: Stir-Fried Garlic Shrimp
Chinese stir-fried garlic shrimp is prepared in a wok with some additional ingredients like ginger, soy sauce, and chili paste. I love making this stir-fried version and serving it with fried rice for a delicious dinner on the weekend!
Bahamas: Citrus Garlic Shrimp
The Bahamas is all about bright and refreshing flavors that will make the dish feel alive. Their citrus garlic shrimp version includes a splash of fresh lime or orange juice to give the dish an island-style refreshing vibe!
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound Extra Large Shrimp (Peeled and Deveined.)
- 1 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
- ½ tsp Red Chili Powder
- ½ tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 4 tbsp Butter
- ¼ cup Garlic (Minced)
- 1 tsp Chili Flakes
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley
- 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
Instructions
Season The Shrimp
- Take 1 pound of extra large peeled and deveined shrimp and lay them on a plate. Use a paper towel to pat them dry and remove any excess moisture.
- Grab a mixing bowl, add the shrimp to the bowl, and add 1 tbsp of all-purpose flour into it.
- Season the mix with 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Then, gently toss the shrimp until they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Set the shrimp aside for later use.
Saute The Shrimp
- Place a large skillet over medium heat, and pour 2 tbsp of olive oil into it.
- Now, add the shrimp you seasoned earlier to a single layer.
- Saute the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until they are browned and crispy.
Cook The Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 4 tbsp of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Once melted, add ¼ cup of minced garlic and 1 tsp chili flakes to the pan and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour the sauteed shrimp over the garlic butter sauce into the pan.
Mix, Garnish, and Serve!
- Now, Cook the shrimp for another minute and garnish the Hawaiian garlic shrimp with 2 tbsp of freshly minced parsley.
- Then, Squeeze 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice all over and remove the dish from the heat.
- Now, serve hot Hawaiian garlic shrimp with steamed rice and a side of macaroni salad!
See how simple that was? After watching this Oahu street food vlog on TV, it’s all I wanted to make on the weekend! The fresh shrimp, the garlicky sauce, and those flavorful seasonings- everything came together to make my day really special.
Hey, I may not be able to book a flight to Hawaii anytime soon. But I certainly brought the laid-back, beachy vibe to my kitchen with this beautiful Hawaiian garlic shrimp recipe!
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use a Smaller Shrimp To Make This Recipe?
Yeah, sure! I prefer the jumbo ones for the original Hawaiian vibe, but smaller shrimp will also work. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so the shrimp don’t become tough.
Is The Dish Too Garlicky?
The dish uses a generous amount of garlic, yes! But don’t worry about it becoming too garlicky as it’s nicely balanced with butter and seasonings.
How Do I Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Spicier?
Add extra cayenne pepper or chili flakes to make the Hawaiian garlic shrimp spicier.
How Long Does Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Stay Fresh?
Hawaiian garlic shrimp stay fresh for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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