Discover the sun-soaked flavors of Hawaii right in your kitchen with this irresistible Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp! Imagine golden, garlicky shrimp glistening with butter, nestled atop a bed of fluffy white rice—a taste so fresh and vibrant, it’s like a North Shore food truck experience made fabulously simple. This dish is a celebration of bold flavors, sweet shrimp, and that buttery, aromatic sauce that truly sets it apart. If you’re craving an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that bursts with tropical joy, this is the ultimate recipe to try.

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the beauties of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is its simplicity: each ingredient is chosen for the way it amplifies flavor, texture, or that signature golden color. Together, they create a dish that’s far greater than the sum of its parts—don’t skip a single one!

Large shrimp: Opt for fresh or thawed shrimp, peeled and deveined, with the tails left on for that classic look and extra flavor.
All-purpose flour: Just a bit helps the shrimp achieve that gorgeous, crispy exterior as it sears.
Paprika: This adds the famous golden hue and a subtle smoky depth, so don’t be shy with it!
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the shrimp and flour mixture—taste and adjust as you like.
Garlic (lots!): Minced fresh garlic gives the dish its signature aroma and flavor—there’s no such thing as too much here.
Olive oil or neutral oil: Ensures a perfect sear on the shrimp and builds a delicious base for your sauce.
Butter: This is what creates that luxurious, silky garlic sauce—don’t skip it for authentic Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp.
Lemon juice: Brightens up every bite and balances the richness of the buttery garlic.
Chopped parsley: Adds a burst of fresh color and a hint of herbaceousness—perfect for finishing!
Steamed white rice: Fluffy rice is an essential base that soaks up all that irresistible sauce.

How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Coat the Shrimp

Start by combining flour, paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Toss your shrimp in this mixture until every piece is beautifully and evenly coated. This light dredge gives each shrimp that classic golden crust and an extra layer of flavor, so make sure to coat them thoroughly!

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer so they all get a chance to brown evenly. Cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until you see them turn opaque and pick up a light golden color—then quickly transfer the shrimp to a plate to avoid overcooking.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

Lower the heat and add the butter right into the same pan (no need for extra dishes!). Once the butter melts, sprinkle in your finely minced garlic. Stir gently for around a minute—just until the garlic is fragrant and golden, filling your kitchen with that signature aroma. Be careful not to let the garlic burn!

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Return the seared shrimp to the pan, tossing them well to coat with that luscious, garlicky butter. Drizzle over the lemon juice and give everything a final quick stir—this is where all the flavors marry and turn into authentic Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp magic.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the pan from the heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and spoon the sizzling garlic shrimp straight over a warm bed of steamed rice. Get ready to dig in while it’s hot!

How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Garnishes

A bright dusting of chopped fresh parsley is the classic finish for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, adding a splash of color and freshness. For even more island flair, try a wedge of lemon on the side—guests can squeeze extra juice to taste, heightening each bite with a burst of citrus.

Side Dishes

While a mound of perfectly steamed white rice is the must-have base, you can round out the plate with macaroni salad (for that true Hawaiian plate lunch experience), a crisp green salad, or grilled pineapple spears. These add color, crunch, and a little sweetness that balances the garlicky shrimp beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not lean into the island theme? Serve your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp piled high in shallow bowls, family-style on a platter lined with banana leaves, or even nestled in lettuce cups for a fresh twist. For casual gatherings, tuck them into toasted rolls for a shrimp po’ boy, or arrange them on skewers for a backyard luau vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If, by some miracle, there are leftovers, store your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp will continue to soak up the flavors, but it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later to maintain that perfect texture.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s not ideal for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp. The garlic butter sauce and delicate shrimp texture are best fresh, but if you must, freeze the shrimp (without rice) in a tightly sealed freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or a little extra butter to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible, since it can make the shrimp rubbery. Always try to serve hot and fresh for the best experience!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just be sure to completely thaw, peel, and pat the shrimp dry before dredging and cooking to avoid excess moisture that might make the coating soggy.

Is there a way to make this dish spicy?

Yes, go for a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few shakes of red pepper flakes mixed into the flour and paprika blend. It adds a gentle kick without overpowering the garlicky goodness.

What can I use instead of parsley?

If you’re out of fresh parsley, chopped green onions or cilantro are fantastic alternatives. They’ll add a fresh flavor and lovely green color to your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp.

Can I make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a good-quality vegan butter or just more olive oil. The flavor will still be rich, though slightly less creamy.

Is it necessary to keep the tails on the shrimp?

Tails add authentic presentation and extra flavor as they cook, but if you prefer, you can remove them for easier eating—Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is just as delicious either way.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is truly a crowd-pleaser and a weeknight hero—irresistibly buttery, soy-garlicky, and ready in a flash. Give it a try and let the flavors transport you straight to the breezy, sunny shores of Oahu, no passport required! Happy cooking and aloha!

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe