Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Inspired by Hawaii’s iconic North Shore shrimp trucks, this buttery garlic shrimp is everything a plate lunch should be — rich, savory, and packed with flavor. Each bite soaks into the rice, delivering the perfect balance of buttery, garlicky goodness you'll crave again and again.
Servings 3
Ingredients
- 1 lb. large shrimp (shell-on)
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Hawaiian salt (or regular sea salt)
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic (fresh is best)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, to thicken sauce)
Instructions
Prep the Shrimp:
- If needed, clean and devein the shrimp, leaving the shells on for maximum flavor.
Season:
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Hawaiian salt, black pepper, paprika, and flour (if using) until lightly coated.
Sauté the Garlic:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to brown the garlic.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and slightly crispy around the edges.
Sauce it Up:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and toss gently to coat everything in that buttery garlic goodness.
Serve Hot:
- Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the shrimp and serve immediately with hot white rice and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Fresh shrimp gives the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if needed to get that perfect sear.
- Rice is non-negotiable — it soaks up the buttery garlic sauce like a dream.
- If you like your garlic butter sauce thinner, you can skip the flour!