This Hawaiian garlic shrimp recipe is served in a hollowed-out pineapple for a presentation that is sure to impress. The shrimp gets a light flour coating that crisps up beautifully, all sautéed in a garlicky, buttery sauce. Serve it alongside a scoop of rice for the full experience. Try this Hawaiian garlic shrimp recipe next time you are craving something indulgent and garlicky.
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Origin
Hawaiian garlic shrimp originated as a North Shore Oʻahu shrimp-truck specialty, particularly associated with Kahuku. Shrimp farming expanded in Kahuku in the late 20th century, and shrimp trucks became popular due to the local shrimp.
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garlicky and buttery: The shrimp are coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with plenty of fresh garlic in every bite.
Crispy on the outside: A light flour coating gives the shrimp golden, crispy edges without making them heavily breaded.
Fun to serve: For an extra special presentation, serve the shrimp, rice, and macaroni salad inside a hollowed-out pineapple.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- The main protein of the dish
- 1½ tsp paprika
- Adds subtle smokiness
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Adds savory garlic flavor
- 1 tsp salt
- Enhance flavor
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- Adds a spicy kick
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Helps create a light, crisp coat
- 3 tbsp butter
- Forms the base of the sauce
- 10 cloves garlic, minced
- Adds a bold and aromatic flavor
- Lemon juice, to taste
- Adds brightness and acidity
- Salt, to taste
- Adds flavor to the butter sauce
- Olive oil, for cooking
- Helps sear the shrimp
Click on the images for the direct link to the ingredients/tools I used:
Instructions
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
In a bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
Lightly coat each shrimp in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
Sauté the garlic.
Add the shrimp back in and coat the shrimp in the butter sauce.
Squeeze lemon juice.
Serve in an empty pineapple or on a plate.
Enjoy with rice!
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Tips
Pat the shrimp dry: Removing excess moisture helps the flour coating stick better and gives you crispier shrimp.
Use a light coating: Toss the shrimp in just enough seasoned flour to lightly coat each piece.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the shrimp in a single layer so they brown evenly instead of steaming.
Lower the heat before adding the garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so reduce the heat before sautéing it in the butter.
Add the shrimp back at the end: Toss the cooked shrimp in the garlic butter just long enough to coat them without overcooking.
Serve immediately: The flour coating is crispiest right after cooking.
Storage Tips
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Air fry the shrimp to bring back its crispiness.
Ingredient Substitutions
All-purpose flour → Cornstarch
Lemon juice → Lime juice
What to Serve with Garlic Shrimp
White rice → A classic pairing that soaks up the garlicky butter sauce.
Hawaiian macaroni salad → Creamy and tangy, it balances the rich garlic shrimp.
Pineapple → Adds a sweet, refreshing contrast.
Coleslaw → A crisp, refreshing side that complements the buttery shrimp.
Most Common Mistakes
Not patting the shrimp dry: Excess moisture can prevent the flour coating from getting crispy.
Using too much flour: A thick coating can become heavy and doughy.
Cooking the shrimp too long: Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery when overcooked. Cook just until pink and opaque.
Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly, so lower the heat before adding it to the butter and stir frequently.
Adding the shrimp back too early: Let the garlic butter finish cooking first, then return the shrimp to the pan to quickly coat them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my garlic burn?
Garlic burns quickly, especially over high heat. Lower the heat before adding the butter and garlic, and sauté just until fragrant.
What do I serve with Hawaiian garlic shrimp?
Serve it with white rice and Hawaiian macaroni salad for a classic-style plate.
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp butter
- 10 cloves garlic minced
- Lemon juice to taste
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
- Lightly coat each shrimp in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
- Sauté the garlic.
- Add the shrimp back in and coat the shrimp in the butter sauce.
- Squeeze lemon juice.
- Serve in an empty pineapple or on a plate.
- Enjoy with rice!
If you enjoyed this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe, you might also like my Asian shrimp garlic noodles or my creamy shrimp pasta recipe.
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