Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp 🧄🌴 Savory, Butter-Drenched, and Loaded With Garlic

— North Shore Flavor in Every Bite

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a street food legend: shell-on shrimp pan-fried in rich garlic butter with a hint of paprika and lemon.

The shells lock in flavor, the garlic hits hard, and the butter ties it all together. Serve it with rice, lemon wedges, and that extra buttery pan sauce poured right on top.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

• 1 lb large shrimp, shell-on (deveined if possible)
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil
• 6–8 cloves garlic, very finely minced (or grated)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Optional: chopped parsley or chili flakes

Shell-on shrimp = traditional and extra flavorful. Peel at the table, hands encouraged.

Instructions

Step 1: Dry and Season

1. Pat shrimp very dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, mix flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Lightly toss shrimp in this dry mix to coat the surface.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic Butter

1. Heat olive oil + 3 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté gently for 1–2 minutes — stir constantly and don’t brown it.
3. Push garlic to the side and raise heat slightly.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. Add shrimp in a single layer. Sear 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and lightly crisp at the edges.
2. Add the remaining 2 tbsp butter and lemon juice, swirling to coat.
3. Spoon garlicky butter over the shrimp as it finishes.

Step 4: Serve North Shore Style

1. Plate shrimp over white rice, pour extra garlic butter on top.
2. Serve with lemon wedges, parsley, or a dusting of chili flakes.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Garlic Shrimp – Add ½ tsp cayenne or a dash of chili oil
• Coconut Garlic Shrimp – Use half coconut oil and finish with lime
• Pineapple-Lemon Twist – Add a splash of pineapple juice to the butter at the end
• Garlic Herb Version – Add fresh thyme, parsley, or cilantro with the lemon

Serving Ideas

• Classic: Over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
• Island-style plate: Add macaroni salad and cabbage slaw
• Garlic Shrimp Tacos with lime crema
• Tossed with noodles or stir-fried veggies
• Served with grilled pineapple and sweet chili dipping sauce

Pro Tips

• Mince garlic very fine for even distribution and max flavor
• Don’t overcook shrimp — once they curl and go pink, they’re done
• Use good butter — it’s carrying the whole dish
• Keep shells on for authenticity and juicier texture

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp brings big island energy to your kitchen — buttery, garlicky, citrus-bright, and deeply satisfying. It’s fast, indulgent, and made for casual eating with your hands and a cold drink nearby.

Sizzle loud. Butter hard. Garlic everywhere. 🧄🌴🔥

🍤 Explore More Great Shrimp Recipes

Versatile, fast, and flavor-packed — these shrimp recipes cover every cooking style, from smoky grills to sizzling stir-fries. Whether you’re going classic or bold, there’s a method for your menu.

🔥 Grilled Shrimp – Lightly charred and perfectly seasoned over open flame.
🍤 Fried Shrimp – Crispy, golden, and straight-up irresistible.
🔥 Baked Shrimp Scampi – Oven-baked in garlicky butter and white wine.
🍽️ Air-Fried Shrimp – Crunchy texture with less oil and no mess.
🥢 Stir-Fried Shrimp – Quick wok-seared shrimp with bold flavors.
🍋 Sautéed Lemon Garlic Shrimp – Bright, buttery, and ready in minutes.
🍷 Shrimp Scampi – Classic stovetop scampi in a silky garlic-wine sauce.
🌶️ Cajun-Style Shrimp – Spicy, smoky, Southern-style perfection.
🧄 Butter Garlic Shrimp – Simple, rich, and loaded with garlic butter.
🍚 Shrimp Fried Rice – Savory wok-fried rice with juicy shrimp and veggies.

🌍 Regional Shrimp Recipes: From buttery Southern comfort to bold Thai curries and island-style garlic shrimp, these recipes bring global flavor to your shrimp game — no passport required.

🌺 Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp – Island-style shrimp in a buttery garlic sauce, just like the food trucks.
🍝 Italian Shrimp Pasta – Savory shrimp tossed with herbs, garlic, and al dente noodles.
🌮 Mexican Shrimp Tacos – Zesty, juicy shrimp with bold toppings and fresh tortillas.
🍤 Southern Shrimp & Grits – Creamy grits topped with saucy, smoky shrimp.
🥢 Asian Shrimp Stir-Fry – Quick, colorful, and loaded with veggies and soy-sesame flavor.
🔥 Cajun Shrimp – Spicy, buttery, and perfect with rice or crusty bread.
🌶️ Bang Bang Shrimp – Crispy shrimp coated in creamy, sweet-heat sauce.
🍱 Teriyaki Shrimp – Sticky-sweet glaze with a savory umami kick.
🍛 Thai Shrimp Curry – Rich coconut curry with lemongrass, chili, and herbs.