Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a delicious, flavorful dish that offers a true taste of paradise. This popular recipe combines tender, juicy shrimp with a garlic butter sauce that provides incredible depth of flavor. Once you learn how to make authentic Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp at home, you’ll be able to recreate the magic of Hawaii’s famous food trucks whenever you want.
This recipe guide will teach you the secrets to preparing perfect Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, from choosing the freshest ingredients to mastering the quick sauteing method that infuses the shrimp with flavor. With the right techniques, you’ll be able to achieve restaurant-quality results. Read on to learn why you should add Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp to your dinner rotation.
Why You Should Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Here are some of the best reasons to try making Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp yourself:
- It’s quick and easy. The active cooking time is only about 10 minutes.
- It’s versatile. Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp can be served over rice, with noodles, or atop a fresh salad.
- It’s impressively flavorful. The garlic butter sauce takes this dish to the next level.
- It feels like a Hawaiian vacation. Between the fresh shrimp and island-inspired flavors, this meal provides a taste of the tropics.
- You’ll impress guests. Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp makes an easy yet impressive appetizer or main dish.
With just a few ingredients and basic techniques, you can make this sensational shrimp dish at home. Let’s explore what makes it so special.
A Taste of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp encapsulates the bright, fresh flavors of the islands. When perfectly prepared, each bite will transport you straight to the Hawaiian coastline. Here’s an overview of what makes this recipe so unique:
- Tropical Flavors: The combination of garlic, butter, soy sauce, honey, and lime mimic the flavors of popular Hawaiian dishes. These ingredients come together to create a balanced sweet, salty, and savory sauce. The shrimp soak up all the complex flavors as they quickly sauté.
- Juicy Shrimp: Fresh, plump shrimp are briefly cooked so the outside is seared while the inside stays tender and moist. This method yields shrimp with great texture and moisture.
- Island Inspiration: The recipe stemmed from shrimp trucks popular along the Hawaiian coastline. Food trucks serve quick meals with local flavor, often dishing up garlic shrimp plates. This recipe channels the relaxed yet flavorful spirit of Hawaiian cuisine.
Overall, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp delights the senses with a medley of island-inspired flavors and the satisfying texture of succulent shrimp. Now let’s break down exactly how to prepare it.
Ingredients and Preparation
Taking a little time to prep your ingredients is essential for quick cooking and maximum flavor. Follow these tips when gathering ingredients and prepping to make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp:
Shrimp
- Use fresh or thawed shrimp. Raw, shell-on shrimp work best as they’ll soak up the most flavor.
- Opt for larger shrimp. Go with 26 to 30 count per pound or larger.
- Peel and devein shrimp. Remove shells and devein while leaving the tails on for appearance.
Garlic Butter Sauce
- Use fresh garlic. The sauce has a full tablespoon of minced garlic.
- Softened butter. Soften 1/2 cup of salted butter so it blends smoothly.
- Soy sauce. Use 1/4 cup of regular soy sauce. Low-sodium works too.
- Honey. 1 tablespoon of honey adds sweetness.
- Lime juice. The juice of 1 lime adds brightness.
Veggie Prep
- Onion – Dice 1/2 onion into small pieces.
- Bell pepper – Small dice 1 bell pepper.
- Green onions – Thinly slice green onions for garnish.
Equipment Needed
- Large saute pan or wok
- Small bowl for garlic butter sauce
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Serving plates or bowls
Prepping all your ingredients before cooking is the key to quick and easy Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp!
How to Cook Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
With prepped ingredients at the ready, you can now focus on cooking techniques for perfect Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp:
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Combine the softened butter, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl.
- Whisk vigorously until fully blended and smooth. Set aside.
The secret is whisking the sauce ingredients to a creamy, emulsified texture. This helps the flavors permeate the shrimp.
Sear the Shrimp
- Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in an even layer and cook undisturbed for 1 minute.
- Flip and cook 1 minute more until just opaque throughout.
- Transfer shrimp to a clean bowl.
Searing the shrimp quickly over high heat caramelizes the outside while keeping the inside tender.
Saute the Vegetables
- Add a bit more oil to the pan if needed.
- Add the onions and bell peppers. Saute 3 minutes.
- Pour the garlic butter sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer.
Cooking the sauce with the vegetables further builds flavor.
Return the Shrimp to the Pan
- Add the seared shrimp back to the pan and toss to coat in sauce.
- Cook 1 to 2 minutes more until the shrimp are glazed and heated through.
Returning the shrimp to the pan allows them to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Follow these steps for shrimp that are bursting with the incredible flavors of Hawaii!
Assembly and Serving
With perfectly cooked Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp ready, it’s time for the fun part – assemble and garnish beautiful plates or bowls to showcase this delicious dish:
Bowl Assembly
- Start with a base of white or brown rice.
- Add Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp on top.
- Sprinkle with diced pineapple, mango, or papaya for tropical flavor.
- Top with thinly sliced green onions.
Plate Assembly
- Place a bed of leafy greens or cabbage slaw.
- Arrange shrimp over the top.
- Garnish with extra lime wedges.
- Drizzle with chili oil or sriracha for heat.
Food Truck Style
- Serve shrimp over rice in takeout containers.
- Provide condiments like soy sauce, chili garlic paste, and hot sauce.
- Add a pineapple slice or orange wedge for garnish.
However you choose to assemble it, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is beautiful served with fresh veggies, herbs, and pops of color. Aloha!
FAQs About Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Are you supposed to eat the shell of Hawaiian garlic shrimp?
No, you do not eat the shell of Hawaiian garlic shrimp. The shell is typically discarded and only the shrimp meat is eaten. The shell helps impart garlic flavor during cooking but is not meant to be consumed.
How long does garlic shrimp last in the fridge?
Properly stored, cooked garlic shrimp will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Store in an airtight container and make sure the shrimp is cooled completely before refrigerating.
Is it safe to eat cooked shrimp left out overnight?
It is not recommended to eat shrimp that has been left out at room temperature overnight. Cooked shrimp should be refrigerated within 2 hours. Leaving it out too long risks food poisoning from bacterial growth.
How do you reheat garlic shrimp?
To reheat garlic shrimp, the best method is to place the chilled shrimp in a skillet with a little butter or oil and gently heat through. You can also reheat in the microwave at 50% power in 30 second intervals just until warmed. Take care not to overcook the shrimp when reheating.
Conclusion: Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Cooking up a batch of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is easier than you think. Just remember these key steps:
- Use fresh, raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- Make the quick garlic butter sauce
- Sear the shrimp over high heat
- Toss the shrimp in the sauce to coat
- Serve over rice with bright toppings
Following the secrets in this guide will help you achieve the signature garlic shrimp flavor in an easy weeknight meal. With a few key ingredients and some simple prep, you can recreate the taste of Hawaii. Make this dish on repeat to give your dinner routine a tropical twist.
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Food Truck Style)
Ingredients
- Ingredients for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Food Truck Style) (serves 2-4):
- 1 pound large shrimp (21/25 or 16/20 count), peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your preference)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or potato starch)
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 head garlic, minced (about 10-12 cloves)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
- Optional Ingredients:
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a spicier kick)
- 1 tablespoon dry white wine or sake (for deglazing the pan, adds a touch of acidity)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with cornstarch, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels to ensure they crisp up nicely when cooked.
- Heat the pan: Melt butter and olive oil together in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Swirl the pan to coat the bottom.
- Sear the shrimp: Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the shrimp in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches if your pan isn't large enough to hold all the shrimp in a single layer). Don't overcrowd the pan, or the shrimp will steam instead of sear. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Don't overcook, or they will become tough and rubbery.
- Add garlic and optional ingredients (optional): Once the shrimp are cooked, transfer them to a plate using a slotted spoon (to drain excess oil). Add the minced garlic to the hot pan and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant and slightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Here's where you can add your optional ingredients: deglaze the pan with white wine or sake (scraping up any browned bits), add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Return the shrimp and coat in sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan with the garlic and toss to coat them in the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the pan from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley (if using). Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the shrimp, and enjoy.
Notes
- Using jumbo shrimp is recommended for a heartier dish, but any size shrimp will work.
- Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your shrimp. Smaller shrimp will cook faster.
- Don't overcook the shrimp, or they will become tough and rubbery.
- You can substitute other seasonings for paprika, like garlic powder, onion powder, or a pre-made Hawaiian seasoning blend.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the texture and flavor will be best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition Facts
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Food Truck Style)
Serves: 2-4 servings
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Amount Per Serving: 1 serving
|
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|---|---|---|
| Calories | 400-550 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 20-30g | 30.8% | |
| Saturated Fat 10-15g | 50% | |
| Trans Fat 0g | ||
| Cholesterol 150-200mg | 50% | |
| Sodium 300-500mg | 12.5% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 5-10g | 1.7% | |
| Dietary Fiber 1g | 4% | |
| Sugars 1-2g | ||
| Protein 30-40g | ||
| Vitamin A Excellent source | Vitamin C Low | |
| Calcium Low | Iron Good source | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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