Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Hawaiian garlic shrimp is one of my favorite dishes to bring the taste of the islands right into my kitchen. It’s bold, buttery, and bursting with garlicky flavor. Inspired by the famous shrimp trucks on the North Shore of Oahu, this dish features tender shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce and typically served over a bed of rice with a wedge of lemon on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, quick, and incredibly flavorful. It uses just a handful of ingredients but delivers big on taste. I don’t need any special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, and the entire dish comes together in about 20 minutes. The garlic is the star, creating an irresistible aroma and coating each shrimp with a punchy, buttery sauce. It’s perfect for a casual dinner or when I want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Large shrimp (shell-on, deveined if preferred)

• Garlic cloves (finely minced)

• Butter

• Olive oil

• All-purpose flour

• Paprika

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

• Cooked rice (to serve)

Directions

1. I start by patting the shrimp dry and seasoning them with a little salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. Then I lightly dust the shrimp with flour, just enough to give them a crisp edge when cooked.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, I add the olive oil and a portion of the butter.

4. Once the butter melts, I sauté the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and lightly golden.

5. I remove the shrimp and lower the heat slightly.

6. In the same pan, I add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.

7. I return the shrimp to the pan, add the remaining butter, and toss everything together to coat the shrimp in that rich garlic sauce.

8. I serve immediately over hot rice with lemon wedges on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 2–3 people as a main dish.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add a touch of cayenne or chili flakes to the garlic sauce if I’m craving a little heat. For a citrus twist, I zest a bit of lemon into the garlic butter before tossing it with the shrimp. I’ve also tried it with peeled shrimp for easier eating, although the shell-on version adds more flavor during cooking. Swapping in ghee or clarified butter is another great option if I want a richer, nuttier taste.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat just until heated through, adding a bit of butter or olive oil to refresh the sauce. I avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

FAQs

Do I have to leave the shells on?

No, I can use peeled shrimp if I prefer. However, cooking with the shells on adds extra flavor to the dish and gives it that authentic shrimp truck feel.

What kind of shrimp should I use?

I usually go for large or jumbo shrimp, either fresh or frozen (thawed). Wild-caught shrimp tend to have the best flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or even just use extra olive oil.

How do I avoid burning the garlic?

I make sure to lower the heat before adding the garlic and keep it moving in the pan. Garlic burns fast, so a gentle sizzle is what I aim for.

Can I serve this with something other than rice?

Absolutely! I’ve served it with garlic noodles, a green salad, or even in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

Conclusion

Hawaiian garlic shrimp is a fast, flavorful way for me to enjoy a taste of island comfort food at home. I love how it transforms simple ingredients into a dish that feels special, and the garlic butter sauce is downright addictive. Whether I’m craving something tropical or just want a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe always hits the spot.