Garlic Shrimp Hawaiian Style

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If there’s one dish that instantly transports me back to the breezy shores of Oahu, it’s Garlic Shrimp Hawaiian Style. Imagine this: plump, juicy shrimp seared in sizzling butter, absolutely loaded with minced garlic, kissed with lemon, and finished off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The aroma alone will have your neighbors peeking over the fence wondering if you opened a shrimp truck in your backyard.

My first taste of Hawaiian garlic shrimp happened at a legendary food truck parked on the North Shore. Sun blazing, surf crashing, and me—elbow-deep in a styrofoam plate piled high with buttery shrimp and sticky white rice. It was one of those “food moments” you never forget. And when I came home, I couldn’t shake the craving. So I rolled up my sleeves, grabbed a skillet, and set out to recreate that iconic shrimp plate magic. This version? It’s got all the tropical flavor and beachy vibes—without the jet lag or the $900 plane ticket.

Whether you’re cooking for the family, hosting a casual dinner party, or simply feeding your shrimp obsession (I see you), this garlic shrimp Hawaiian style recipe is about to become your new fast favorite.

What’s on the Plate

Overview

Cuisine: Island-style fusion
Course: Main, Dinner, Seafood
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4

What’s in Every Bite

Calories: ~350 kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 22g
Sugar: 0g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 720mg

Total Recipe Cost

Estimated Total: $18.00
Per Serving: $4.50
Biggest Cost: Fresh shrimp and butter

The Story Behind the Flavor

This dish’s roots run deep in Hawaii’s local food culture. Garlic shrimp, Hawaiian style, burst onto the scene in the 1990s on Oahu’s North Shore, when enterprising shrimp farmers started selling buttery shrimp plates right out of trucks. The most famous? Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck—known for their garlicky, pan-fried shrimp served over rice with lemon wedges and a side of aloha.

The recipe was born out of necessity—simple, fast, affordable, and deeply flavorful. Most used whatever ingredients were already on hand: garlic, butter, olive oil, pepper, shrimp, lemon, and rice. With Hawaii’s multicultural food scene, it didn’t take long for this to become a staple for both locals and tourists.

When I decided to recreate this at home, I wanted it to taste exactly like what I had by the beach: tender shrimp swimming in garlic butter, slightly crispy edges, bright lemon juice, and that signature aroma that makes your mouth water before you even take a bite. The result? This easy yet flavor-packed Garlic Shrimp Hawaiian Style recipe.

Perfect For

Whether you’re craving something quick, coastal, or downright crowd-pleasing, this dish delivers every time. It’s bold, breezy, and just the right amount of tropical — here’s when this shrimp stunner really shines:

• Weeknight Seafood Dinners:
  • After a long day, you want fast, flavorful, and minimal cleanup — and this recipe checks all the boxes. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick dinner that feels fancy but doesn’t ask much of you. Pair it with rice, greens, or whatever’s in the fridge, and you’ve got seafood night handled like a pro.
• Aloha-Themed Gatherings:
  • Planning a luau, summer cookout, or tropical birthday bash? This dish brings the Hawaiian-inspired vibes with sweet, citrusy, and lightly spiced shrimp that fits right in with tiki torches and pineapple everything. Serve it with grilled pineapple skewers and coconut rice for the full effect.
• Shrimp Lovers:
  • If someone in your crew lights up at the word “shrimp,” this is their moment. This recipe is all about letting the shrimp shine — juicy, tender, and coated in flavor-packed goodness. Whether it’s a date night, seafood Sunday, or just a shrimp craving hitting hard, this dish will not disappoint.
• 20-Minute Meals:
  • Short on time but not willing to settle for boring? This is your weekday time-saver with a gourmet twist. From pan to plate in less than 20 minutes — and most of that’s just letting the shrimp sizzle. It’s fast food, but with flavor that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar.
• Tropical Vacation Vibes — At Home:
  • Close your eyes, take a bite, and you might just hear waves crashing and ukuleles strumming. This recipe is sunshine on a plate — perfect for bringing those beachy, breezy vacation feels into your kitchen even when you’re landlocked or stuck in sweatpants. Add a fruity drink and you’re halfway to paradise.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in Under 20 Minutes:
  • Weeknight dinner doesn’t get better than this. From prep to plate, you’ll be done in less time than it takes to scroll a delivery app. Whether you’re racing the clock or just low on energy, this dish delivers big flavor without the wait.
• Loaded with Garlicky, Buttery Goodness:
  • Let’s be real — garlic and butter make everything better. This recipe leans into that rich, savory combo with melty, golden butter infused with garlic that clings to every shrimp. It’s indulgent in the best way, without being heavy or fussy.
• Uses Simple Pantry Ingredients:
  • No need for a grocery store scavenger hunt. This dish is built with staples you probably already have: butter, garlic, lime juice, maybe a dash of chili flakes or a sprinkle of brown sugar. It’s proof that a few good ingredients can make magic when combined just right.
• Bursting with Tropical Flavor:
  • Think sweet, zesty, and just a little spicy — this dish delivers those vacation-in-a-bite vibes. The shrimp gets kissed with citrus, maybe a little pineapple or coconut depending on your twist, for a flavor that’s equal parts bright and beachy.
• Perfect Balance of Richness and Brightness:
  • The buttery garlic sauce gives you that comforting, savory depth, while lime juice or a touch of sweet heat lifts it up with a tropical tang. It’s balanced, bold, and never boring — rich enough to satisfy, fresh enough to keep it light.
• Scales Up Easily for a Crowd:
  • Hosting a dinner party? Feeding a hungry family? Just double (or triple!) the recipe, and you’ve got a platter full of juicy, flavorful shrimp that looks impressive but took minimal effort. Serve it on skewers, over rice, or with crusty bread and let the compliments roll in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Core Ingredients

• 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4–5 garlic cloves, finely minced
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional but traditional)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Optional Add‑Ins

• 2 tablespoons dry white wine
• Hawaiian-style slaw or cucumber salad
• Lemon wedges for serving
• A drizzle of sriracha or aioli

Ingredient Highlights

Shrimp: The star of the show. Use large, tail-on shrimp for max flavor and presentation.
Garlic: Don’t hold back—garlic is the backbone of this dish’s bold flavor.
Butter + Olive Oil: This combo gives you richness plus that crisp sear.
Lemon Juice: Balances the butter with acidity and zing.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and that golden shrimp truck hue.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and toss with a bit of salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat it up: In a hot skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Sauté garlic: Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown!
4. Cook shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer. Sear 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly curled.
5. Add liquid: Squeeze in lemon juice (and wine, if using). Let it bubble for 30 seconds.
6. Garnish: Toss in fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes.
7. Serve hot: Plate over steamed rice with extra sauce and lemon wedges.

Pro Tips

• Dry the Shrimp Well for a Beautiful Golden Sear:
  • Before those shrimp hit the pan, pat them bone-dry with paper towels — I’m talking no moisture left behind. Why? Because wet shrimp steam instead of sear. Removing excess moisture lets them caramelize and develop that gorgeous, golden-brown crust that’s pure flavor gold.
• Use a Cast-Iron Pan for an Authentic North Shore Crust:
  • Want that signature sear you get from Hawaiian shrimp trucks? Bust out your cast-iron skillet. It holds heat like a champ and gives shrimp that irresistible crispy edge you’d normally only get from a flat-top grill. Stainless works too, but nothing beats the beachy, bronzed crust cast iron delivers.
• Don’t Walk Away from the Garlic — It Burns Fast:
  • Garlic goes from golden and fragrant to bitter and burnt in the blink of an eye. So when it hits the hot butter, stay close and keep it moving. Pull the pan off heat for a second if needed — preserving that garlicky goodness is what gives this dish its bold flavor base.
• Taste As You Go — and Adjust Like a Chef:
  • Every batch of shrimp is a little different, and citrus or salt levels can shift depending on your ingredients. So before serving, give it a taste and adjust. Want more brightness? Hit it with another squeeze of lemon or lime. Need more kick? Toss in a pinch of chili flakes. A great chef doesn’t just follow a recipe — they finish it with finesse.
• Double Up on Garlic If You’re Bold — It’s the Hawaiian Way:
  • In traditional Hawaiian-style garlic shrimp, more is more. If you’re a garlic lover (guilty!), don’t be shy — double the amount, let it sizzle in that butter, and bask in the garlicky glory. Serve with rice to soak up every last drop of that sauce. You’ll thank me later.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Maui Shrimp:
  • Turn up the heat and bring the fire like you’re cooking roadside in Lahaina. Add extra red pepper flakes, a spoonful of chili garlic paste, or even a splash of sriracha to the garlic butter as it cooks. The heat builds slowly and plays perfectly against the sweet shrimp and citrusy brightness. Serve it over rice to catch all that spicy sauce.
• Coconut Garlic Shrimp:
  • For a creamier, mellow island twist, swap out the lemon or lime juice for fresh lime zest and a splash of full-fat coconut milk at the end of cooking. The result? A velvety garlic sauce with just enough tropical sweetness to make every bite feel like a beachside vacation. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or toasted coconut to drive it home.
• Shrimp Lettuce Wraps:
  • Looking for a lighter, hands-on version? Serve your garlic shrimp in butter lettuce cups with steamed jasmine rice, shredded cabbage slaw, and a drizzle of the leftover pan sauce. It’s crunchy, refreshing, and perfect for backyard dinners or make-your-own taco nights — no utensils required.
• Grilled Garlic Shrimp Skewers:
  • Take it outdoors! Toss the shrimp in your garlic butter mixture ahead of time as a marinade, then thread them onto skewers and grill them over medium-high heat for that smoky char and juicy bite. Brush on more garlic butter as they cook and serve with grilled pineapple and lime wedges. A total summer crowd-pleaser.
• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Bowl:
  • Craving comfort food? Turn your shrimp into a creamy garlic dream. After cooking, stir a spoonful or two of sour cream or Greek yogurt into the pan sauce to make it extra luscious. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or even mashed sweet potatoes for a tropical-meets-cozy twist that hits all the right notes.

Gluten-Free Version

Great news: this recipe is naturally gluten-free — so you’re already starting ahead! Shrimp, garlic, butter, citrus, herbs — they’re all naturally safe. But as any seasoned gluten-free home cook knows, the real key is double-checking the extras.

Here’s how to make sure every bite stays safely delicious:

Check Your Wine or Broth:
If you’re using white wine to deglaze your pan or build flavor, be sure it’s labeled gluten-free. Most wines are naturally gluten-free, but some inexpensive varieties or cooking wines may contain trace additives. As a backup, you can always sub in gluten-free chicken broth or vegetable stock.

Watch the Sides:
This garlicky shrimp is typically served with something starchy — so choose steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or gluten-free rice noodles to keep it celiac-safe. Want to shake it up? Go for cauliflower rice, quinoa, or roasted sweet potatoes — all great gluten-free companions that soak up the sauce beautifully.

Beware of Store-Bought Sauces:
If you’re adding a drizzle of extra sauce (like soy, sriracha, or chili paste), be extra cautious. Some contain hidden wheat or gluten-based thickeners. Stick to tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce for any umami boosts. Read labels carefully, especially for pre-made slaws or dressings if you’re serving this in a bowl or lettuce wrap.

Make it a Bowl:
For a fresh, gluten-free twist, pile the shrimp over rice and top with shredded cabbage, avocado, pineapple salsa, or a citrusy slaw. All naturally gluten-free, all flavor-packed.

Kid-Friendly Version

Go Easy on the Garlic:
Garlic gives this dish its signature depth, but younger taste buds often prefer milder flavors. Simply cut the garlic amount in half or sauté it until lightly golden and mellow to soften its punch. You’ll still get delicious savory notes, but without the intensity that might turn kids away.

Skip the Red Pepper Flakes or Spice Boosters:
Any heat — chili flakes, sriracha, cayenne — is a no-go for most kids. Just leave out the spice entirely when cooking their portion. You can always add it later to yours if you’re craving that kick.

Serve with Familiar Favorites:
Build the plate with foods kids already love. Pair the shrimp with fluffy white rice or buttery jasmine rice for a soft, neutral base. Add a scoop of pineapple chunks or mandarin oranges for a sweet, juicy contrast that makes every bite more fun. Even frozen peas or corn on the side can keep things approachable and colorful.

Add a Sweet Glaze They’ll Love:
To balance out the garlic and citrus flavors, drizzle the shrimp with a bit of honey or teriyaki sauce right before serving. It gives the shrimp a slightly sticky, sweet finish — like a tropical version of sweet-and-sour — that’s hard for kids to resist.

Make it Interactive:
Kids love DIY meals. Serve the shrimp build-your-own style with small bowls of rice, fruit, and optional sauces. Or turn it into a tropical taco night by tucking the shrimp into mini tortillas with rice and pineapple salsa. When they get to assemble their own dinner, they’re far more likely to eat it!

Bonus Tip: Tail-Off Shrimp = Less Fuss
Peel the shrimp fully before serving so kids don’t have to deal with tails. Less mess, less confusion — just bite after delicious bite.

Taste What’s Next

Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce
Black Pepper Chicken
Chicken Pesto Wraps
or you Can Dig Deeper Recipes by clicking this: Appetizer, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Desserts.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge:
  • Transfer any leftover shrimp — along with its garlicky sauce — into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Shrimp tends to dry out or turn rubbery when stored too long, so it’s best enjoyed within that window. If you’re storing it alongside rice or sides, keep them in separate containers to prevent sogginess.
• Reheat Like a Pro:
  • The key to reheating shrimp is low and slow — just enough heat to warm them through without toughening the texture. Skip the microwave (tempting, I know) because it zaps the moisture and overcooks shrimp in seconds.
• Here’s the best method:
  • Stovetop Skillet: Warm a splash of water, broth, or even a little extra butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the shrimp and gently toss for 2–3 minutes, just until heated through. Keep them moving to avoid uneven cooking, and don’t walk away — they heat fast!
• Freezing? Not This Time:
  • As much as we love batch-cooking, this dish doesn’t freeze well. Cooked shrimp tends to lose its tender texture and can turn rubbery or grainy once thawed. Plus, the buttery garlic sauce can separate and lose its punch in the freezer. So enjoy it fresh, and if you have leftovers, plan to eat them within a couple of days.
• Chef’s Tip: If you know in advance you’ll have leftovers, cook the shrimp just shy of done on the first go. That way, when you reheat them, they finish cooking perfectly — still juicy, not overdone.

Equipment

• Cast-iron or heavy skillet
• Tongs or spatula
• Citrus juicer (optional)
• Cutting board & knife
• Measuring spoons

FAQs

How do you make garlic shrimp Hawaiian style at home?
Sear shrimp in garlic butter with a splash of lemon and parsley. Serve hot over rice. It mimics the shrimp trucks of North Shore Oahu in flavor and speed.

What’s in traditional North Shore Hawaiian garlic shrimp?
It includes large shrimp, garlic, butter, olive oil, lemon, and sometimes paprika. Often served with white rice and lemon wedges.

Can I use frozen shrimp for Hawaiian garlic shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely, pat dry, and cook as directed. Make sure they’re not pre-cooked—raw shrimp work best for searing.

How spicy is Hawaiian-style garlic shrimp?
It’s usually mild with rich garlic flavor, but you can spice it up with chili flakes, sriracha, or hot sauce to your liking.

What should I serve with garlic shrimp Hawaiian style?
Stick to classics like steamed rice and slaw. Grilled pineapple, macaroni salad, or avocado chunks are great tropical side options.

External Resources

• Shrimp Nutrition Data
• Healthline – Garlic’s Health Benefits
• University of Hawaii – Local Shrimp Farming

Conclusion

So there you have it—Garlic Shrimp Hawaiian Style made fresh in your own kitchen. Every bite is buttery, garlicky, and packed with tropical flavor that’s both bold and comforting. Whether you’re dreaming of beachy days or just need something delicious and fast, this dish delivers sunshine in every bite.

Now it’s your turn to give it a go. Fire up that skillet, grab some shrimp, and let the garlic do its thing. And when you do? Tag me or mention me in your post—I want to see your shrimp creations sizzle!