Hawaii-Style Garlic Shrimp

Hawaii-Style Garlic Shrimp is a bold, buttery seafood dish inspired by the iconic North Shore food trucks of Oʻahu. Juicy jumbo shrimp are quickly seared and tossed in a rich browned butter sauce loaded with crispy garlic chips. Served over warm rice, this 30-minute meal delivers irresistible flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Island Flavor – Inspired by Oʻahu’s famous food truck garlic shrimp.
• Quick 30-Minute Meal – Minimal prep with fast stovetop cooking.
• Crispy Garlic Perfection – Golden garlic chips add texture and deep flavor.
• Rich Brown Butter Sauce – Nutty, aromatic butter enhances the shrimp naturally.
• Flexible Ingredients – Works with fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp.
• Plate Lunch Ready – Perfect over rice with classic Hawaiian mac salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Garlic Shrimp

• 1 pound jumbo shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined with tails on – Provides meaty texture and presentation appeal.
• 3–4 tablespoons olive oil, divided – Used for marinating and searing.
• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped – Infuses the shrimp with bold flavor.
• ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper – Adds gentle heat (optional but recommended).
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus black pepper to taste – Enhances seasoning balance.
• 1 tablespoon rice flour (or all-purpose flour) – Light coating for better sear and slight crispness.

For the Crispy Garlic Brown Butter

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter – Forms the nutty browned butter base.
• 8 cloves garlic (half finely chopped, half thinly sliced) – Combination provides flavor infusion and crispy chips.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Shrimp
Rinse shrimp and pat completely dry. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, chopped garlic, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor.

Prepare the Garlic Brown Butter
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add both chopped and sliced garlic. Cook 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until butter foams and garlic turns golden brown. Reduce heat if needed to prevent burning. Transfer mixture to a bowl.

Lightly Coat the Shrimp
Wipe skillet clean and return to medium heat. Toss marinated shrimp with rice flour to create a light coating that enhances browning.

Sear the Shrimp
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet. Once hot and shimmering, cook shrimp in a single layer for 1½–2 minutes per side until golden and just opaque. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Combine with Garlic Butter
Return all shrimp to skillet and pour in prepared garlic brown butter. Toss for 30–60 seconds until well coated and flavors meld.

Serve Immediately
Spoon shrimp and sauce over warm Calrose rice. Garnish with lemon wedges for brightness and optional green onions for color.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Dry Shrimp Thoroughly – Moisture prevents proper searing and caramelization.
• Don’t Overcook – Shrimp cook quickly; remove once opaque to avoid rubbery texture.
• Control Garlic Browning – Lower heat once butter foams to prevent bitterness.
• Cook in Batches – Overcrowding causes steaming instead of searing.
• Use Fresh Garlic – Essential for bold, authentic flavor.
• Serve Immediately – Best texture and flavor when freshly made.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2–4
Calories: Approximately 450–550 per serving (without rice, estimated)

Perfect Pairings

• Steamed Calrose rice
• Hawaiian macaroni salad
• Grilled pineapple slices
• Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or tropical mocktail

Ideal Occasions

• Weeknight dinner
• Summer gatherings
• Hawaiian-themed meals
• Quick date-night entrée

Storage & Serving Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently in skillet over medium-low heat to preserve texture.
• Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent rubbery shrimp.
• Store rice separately for best freshness.

Creative Variations to Try

• Spicy Island Style – Add crushed red pepper flakes or chili oil.
• Citrus Boost – Finish with fresh lime zest and juice.
• Coconut Twist – Add a splash of coconut milk to the butter sauce.
• Garlic Herb Version – Stir in chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Shrimp rubbery – Overcooked; reduce cook time slightly.
• Garlic bitter – Cooked too dark; reduce heat sooner.
• Sauce greasy – Ensure proper butter emulsification and avoid overheating.
• Shrimp not browning – Pat dry thoroughly and avoid overcrowding pan.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish relies on high-heat searing to create flavorful browning on the shrimp while maintaining tender texture. The rice flour coating provides just enough surface dryness to encourage caramelization. Browned butter develops nutty depth through milk solids caramelization, while the combination of chopped and sliced garlic ensures both infused flavor and crisp texture. Quick cooking preserves the natural sweetness of the shrimp while the butter sauce adds richness and balance. At roughly 450–550 calories per serving (excluding rice), it’s indulgent yet protein-rich and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Hawaii-Style Garlic Shrimp is a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that brings island comfort straight to your kitchen. Rich browned butter, crisp garlic, and perfectly seared shrimp make it unforgettable. For a lighter option, reduce the butter slightly or serve with a side of grilled vegetables while still enjoying that iconic North Shore flavor.