If you have a craving for something bursting with bold, buttery garlic flavors and a touch of tropical sunshine, you absolutely must try this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. It brings together perfectly cooked shrimp coated in a light, flavorful flour mix, bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce with hints of fresh lemon. This dish is an absolute celebration of simplicity and depth, capturing the essence of island cooking in every bite. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that tastes like a little vacation on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderful because it relies on straightforward, easily available ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the aromatic garlic to the tangy lemon juice, every element is essential in creating that iconic Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe experience.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on): Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the sweetest, juiciest results.
- 10 garlic cloves (minced): The star flavor; fresh garlic ensures that unmistakable aromatic punch.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Lightly coats the shrimp to add a subtle crispness and help thicken the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Adds a hint of smoky warmth and a lovely color contrast.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives just the right amount of subtle heat and depth.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter: The rich, creamy base of the signature garlic butter sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Prevents the butter from burning and adds a fruitiness that complements the garlic.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the dish with a fresh, zesty contrast.
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional): Provides a vibrant pop of color and a touch of freshness.
- Steamed white rice: The perfect neutral bed that soaks up all the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Lemon wedges for serving: An optional extra burst of citrus for those who love a little more tang.
How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Shrimp
Start by creating the perfect seasoning mix for the shrimp by combining the all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp lightly in this mixture to coat them evenly. This step adds a delicate texture and helps the shrimp lock in their natural juices when cooked.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter and Oil
Heat your olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and golden, making sure it doesn’t brown or burn, because burnt garlic can turn bitter and overpower the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection
Add your coated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn bright pink and opaque. This quick cook time keeps the shrimp juicy and tender, never rubbery or overdone.
Step 4: Finish with Lemon Juice and Toss
Once the shrimp are cooked, drizzle the lemon juice over the pan and give everything a good stir to coat the shrimp thoroughly in that luscious garlic butter sauce. The lemon juice adds a fresh brightness that balances the richness beautifully.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or green onions if you like, and get ready to plate. Serve this irresistible Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp hot over steamed white rice with lemon wedges on the side for an extra bit of zing.
How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped parsley or green onions not only add a burst of color but also impart a refreshing brightness that contrasts the richness of the shrimp. Lemon wedges are always a winner, providing an extra citrus kick for those who want to customize every bite.
Side Dishes
Steamed white rice is the classic and most popular companion, soaking up all the garlicky butter sauce perfectly. For a more vibrant spread, consider serving alongside a crisp green salad, grilled pineapple chunks, or even some roasted vegetables to keep the meal balanced and colorful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the shrimp in mini cast iron skillets straight from the stove or pile them onto a tropical leaf-lined platter for a true island vibe. Pairing the shrimp with coconut rice or even a light mango salsa can provide exciting new flavor dimensions while keeping the spirit of Hawaiian cuisine alive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days, retaining much of their delicious flavor.
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen, it’s best to freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce separately if possible, to maintain the quality. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to one 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 olive oil or butter to keep them moist. Avoid the microwave if possible, as shrimp can quickly become rubbery or overcooked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before coating with the flour mixture to avoid excess moisture that can interfere with the cooking.
Is it okay to use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is key for the full aromatic impact in this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe, but if necessary, garlic powder can be a substitute in a pinch, though it won’t have quite the same fresh flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
This particular version is mild and buttery, but you can easily add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper if you want to add some heat.
What can I substitute for all-purpose flour?
If you need a gluten-free option, rice flour or cornstarch can work well to coat the shrimp and create that slight crisp texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
This recipe centers on shrimp, but for a vegan twist, try using king oyster mushrooms or cauliflower florets cooked in the same garlic butter sauce for a similar texture and flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the way this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe brings together simple ingredients to create such a rich, vibrant meal. It’s quick to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect whenever you want to bring a little bit of aloha spirit to your dinner table. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it as wonderfully satisfying as I do!
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Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe features succulent, large shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with hints of lemon and paprika. A quick and flavorful dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a taste of the islands served over steamed white rice with fresh lemon wedges.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 10 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
- Steamed white rice and lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the flour mixture: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Coat the shrimp: Lightly dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Set the coated shrimp aside while you prepare the skillet.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt completely and the mixture to get hot but not smoking.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and golden but not browned, as burned garlic will impart bitterness.
- Cook the shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Add lemon juice and combine: Pour the lemon juice over the cooked shrimp and stir well to coat them thoroughly in the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve immediately over steamed white rice with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Notes
- For authentic Hawaiian flavor, try using fresh Kauai shrimp if available.
- Avoid overcooking the garlic; aim for golden rather than brown to maintain a pleasant taste.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic while sautéing for a spicy kick if you prefer heat in your dish.
