If you love butter and garlic and shrimp, you’re undoubtedly going to love classic Garlic Shrimp found in Hawaii.
Hawaiian cuisine has a strong Japanese influence, which makes it especially meaningful to me, being Japanese. From the use of rice as a staple side to flavors like soy sauce, miso, and sesame, you can see how Japanese immigrants left a lasting impact on local food. Even Garlic Shrimp, which is often seasoned simply with butter and garlic, sometimes gets a hint of shoyu (soy sauce) or is served alongside classic Hawaiian-Japanese dishes like macaroni salad or rice with furikake.
Garlic Shrimp is one of my absolute favorite things to eat in Hawaii. The combination of plump, juicy shrimp drenched in a buttery, garlicky sauce is so irresistible. Whether you’re at a famous shrimp truck on Oahu’s North Shore or a local hidden gem, this dish is a must-try.
The shrimp are typically cooked shell-on, allowing them to soak up all that rich, garlicky flavor, and they’re often served with a scoop of rice to soak up the extra sauce. Trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop of the liquid gold.
It’s a dish that instantly transports me back to Hawaii. I love recreating it at home when the cravings come. Whether you serve it as a quick weeknight meal or for a tropical-inspired gathering, Garlic Shrimp is always a crowd-pleaser.
Using High-Quality Butter
High-quality butter makes all the difference in Garlic Shrimp. Since the dish relies on just a few ingredients (butter, garlic, shrimp, and seasoning) using the best butter enhances the flavor.
The richness of high-quality butter, especially if it’s from grass-fed cows, adds a deeper, more luxurious taste that perfectly balances the bold garlic and slight spice from seasonings like paprika or cayenne.
In addition, high-quality butter, especially grass-fed or organic varieties, is often better for you than lower-quality alternatives. Grass-fed butter is better for heart health and reduced inflammation. It also contains more fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, which support immune function, bone health, and overall well-being.
When it comes to Garlic Shrimp, using better butter not only enhances flavor but also provides these added nutritional benefits. Since the dish is already rich, opting for a higher-quality butter allows you to enjoy it with a little extra peace of mind, knowing you’re getting more nutrients and healthier fats in each bite.
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
Hawaiian garlic shrimp is a buttery, garlicky, and succulent dish featuring juicy shrimp pan-seared to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce, often served with rice and a side of mac salad.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, tail-on (you can leave the entire shell on for maximum flavor, or remove it)
- You can use frozen shrimp, just make sure it is completely thawed before use
- 1 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for light coating)
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional; for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season with paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Lightly coat the shrimp in flour.
- To a large pan over high-medium heat, add 3 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes.
- In the same pan, add in the minced garlic, and flip the shrimp to cook the other side for an two minutes.
- Drizzle the lemon juice on top of the shrimp and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Allow to cook for one more minute.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with steamed rice and mac salad for a true Hawaiian-style meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3
Kyrié is a half-Japanese food content creator and avid home cook who specializes in Asian cuisine, with a focus on Japanese. She loves developing recipes and sharing approachable yet authentic meals. When she’s not in the kitchen, she’s helping her husband Jeff tend to their garden, or on some artistic venture.