The vibrant, tropical scent of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter wafted through my kitchen as I sautéed juicy shrimp. You know those days when you crave something exotic yet easy to prepare? That’s exactly how I found myself experimenting with this dish, bringing a touch of the islands right to my dining table. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe marries tender shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce and a sprinkle of paprika, creating a mouthwatering meal that delights both the senses and the palate.
Perfect for busy weeknights or those moments when fast food just won’t cut it, these succulent shrimp are a revelation. Plus, they’re gluten-free if you skip the flour—ideal for anyone looking to stay light and flavorful. As soon as you take that first bite, the blend of garlic with a hint of cayenne will transport you to a sun-soaked Hawaiian beach. Join me as we dive into this quick and delicious recipe that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat!
Why is Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter a Must-Try?
Simplicity: This recipe is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal preparation and basic cooking skills.
Exotic Flavor: With a rich garlic butter sauce and a hint of cayenne, it’s a tropical escape for your taste buds!
Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your family and friends with this delightful dish that brings the flavors of Hawaii to your table—sure to be a hit!
Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, or create mouthwatering shrimp tacos; you’ll find so many tasty ways to enjoy this dish!
Gluten-Free Option: Easily adjust the recipe to fit your dietary needs by omitting the flour, making it accessible for everyone.
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter Ingredients
For the Shrimp
• Extra Large Shrimp – This ensures a juicy, tender bite; you can substitute with jumbo or large shrimp, but they should always be peeled and deveined.
• Minced Fresh Garlic – Provides the rich, aromatic flavor that makes this dish sing; freshly minced garlic is a must for the best results.
• All-Purpose Flour – Coats the shrimp for a nice crust that holds the flavors; omit it for a gluten-free version.
• Paprika – Adds a touch of mild smokiness and vibrant color; try smoked paprika for an even deeper flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper (optional) – This adds a delightful kick; leave it out if you prefer a milder taste.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Essential for enhancing the overall flavor and should be adjusted to your personal preference.
For the Sauce
• Unsalted Butter – Contributes a rich, creamy element to the sauce; cut it into pieces to ensure even melting.
• Olive Oil – Important for sautéing the garlic and shrimp without burning; a trusted staple in the kitchen.
• Fresh Lemon Juice – Brightens up the richness of the butter sauce and balances the flavors beautifully.
• Minced Fresh Parsley (optional) – Used as a garnish for a pop of color and fresh taste; cilantro or green onions can be great substitutes too.
Dive into the tropical goodness of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter—a dish that promises to transport your taste buds to paradise!
How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter
- Prep Shrimp: Pat the extra-large shrimp dry with paper towels and place them in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with all-purpose flour, paprika, optional cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated, creating a delicious crust.
- Heat Oil and Butter: In a large non-stick skillet, heat pieces of unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced fresh garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell its delightful aroma, but be careful not to let it brown.
- Cook Shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for around 2 minutes until they turn pink on one side, then flip them over and cook for another 2 minutes until they are opaque, ensuring perfect tenderness.
- Finish: Remove the skillet from heat, and drizzle fresh lemon juice over the shrimp while tossing gently to combine. Transfer them to a serving platter and sprinkle with minced parsley if desired. Serve immediately with those beautiful pan juices!
Optional: Serve with a side of jasmine rice to soak up that mouthwatering sauce.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter?
When you’re ready to transform your culinary evening into a tropical paradise, consider these delightful pairings to elevate your meal.
- Fluffy Jasmine Rice: This light and fluffy rice soaks up the rich garlic butter sauce, enhancing every bite. It’s a perfect companion, creating a satisfying balance on your plate.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the buttery shrimp. The crunchy textures will keep your palate engaged.
- Grilled Pineapple Slices: Sweet, caramelized pineapple offers a hint of tropical sweetness that complements the savory shrimp beautifully. It’s a bright, flavorful addition that transports your taste buds to the islands!
- Creamy Coleslaw: The crunch of carrots and cabbage dressed in a tangy sauce provides freshness and balances the dish’s richness. Plus, it adds a delightful texture to your meal.
- Garlic Noodles: Tossed in a simple garlic-butter sauce, these noodles echo the flavors of the shrimp, making for a comforting, savory side that pleases everyone at the table.
- Mango Salsa: Bright, zesty mango salsa provides a fruity counterpoint, bringing together sweet, spicy, and tangy elements that enhance the shrimp’s flavors.
- Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the garlicky shrimp, cutting through the richness while complementing the dish’s tropical vibe.
- Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a light lemon sorbet cleanses the palate after the decadent shrimp, leaving a refreshing citrus finish that is simply delightful.
Let your taste buds embark on a culinary journey with these pairings!
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe—there’s a world of flavors waiting for you!
- Coconut Milk: Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy, tropical twist that enhances the island vibes.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or dill into the sauce for an aromatic lift and brightness that will surprise your palate.
- Pineapple Chunks: Toss in small pineapple chunks during the last minute of cooking for a sweet and savory combination that’s simply irresistible.
- Spicy Kick: Replace cayenne with fresh chopped jalapeños for a bolder heat that adds an exciting new layer to this dish.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve the shrimp over spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash instead of rice, infusing a fresh, veggie twist!
- Mango Salsa: Top with a homemade mango salsa for a refreshing contrast; just mix diced mango, red onion, and lime juice for a colorful touch.
- Lemon Zest: For an extra citrus boost, add lemon zest before serving; it’ll brighten the dish and elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
- Sweet Soy Glaze: Drizzle a touch of sweet soy glaze over the shrimp just before serving for umami richness and a glossy finish to this delightful dish.
Make Ahead Options
These Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prep the shrimp by coating them in flour and spices up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can mince the garlic ahead of time and keep it in a sealed container to preserve its freshness. When you’re ready to cook, simply heat the oil and butter, add the garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the prepared shrimp to the skillet and cook for around 4 minutes until they’re perfectly tender and opaque. This way, you’ll enjoy all the delightful flavors of this dish without spending too much time during your busy weeknights!
How to Store and Freeze Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days to keep the shrimp tender and flavorful.
Freezer: It’s best to avoid freezing Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter, as reheating can lead to a rubbery texture; fresh is always better!
Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of lemon juice to refresh the flavors while warming.
Expert Tips for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and high-quality shrimp for the best flavor. Frozen shrimp can work, but fresh always elevates the dish.
- Avoid Overcooking: Cook shrimp just until opaque; overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture. Remember, shrimp cook quickly!
- Garlic Timing: Sauté garlic until it’s fragrant, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning, which can make the garlic bitter.
- Sauce Balance: Adjust the lemon juice to your taste—it should brighten the dish without overpowering the garlic butter flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter experience, simply skip the flour and enjoy over rice or in tacos.
- Storage Reminder: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge. Gently reheat on the stove to maintain tenderness; avoid microwaving.
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter Recipe FAQs
What kind of shrimp should I use for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter?
For the best results, I recommend using extra-large shrimp, as they ensure a juicy, tender bite. You can substitute with jumbo or large shrimp, but make sure they are always peeled and deveined for optimal flavor and texture.
How should I store leftovers of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This keeps the shrimp tender and flavorful, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal later. Just give it a gentle reheat on the stovetop to preserve the dish’s integrity.
Can I freeze Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter?
It’s best to avoid freezing this dish, as reheating can result in a rubbery texture. For the most enjoyable experience, I suggest enjoying it fresh or reheated gently within a couple of days. If you do attempt to freeze, make sure to use an airtight container and consume it within 1 month for the best flavor.
What should I do if my shrimp turn out rubbery?
Rubbery shrimp are often the result of overcooking. Be sure to cook your shrimp just until they are opaque, which takes about 2 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them to ensure they cook properly without drying out; remember, shrimp cook quickly and can easily become tough!
Is Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily make this dish gluten-free by omitting the all-purpose flour. This simple adjustment keeps the flavors intact, allowing everyone to enjoy a light and delicious meal without compromising on taste.
What can I serve with Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter?
Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up that mouthwatering sauce, or you can turn it into shrimp tacos with tortillas for a fun twist. Fresh green salads or a lemon wedge are great sides that complement the dish wonderfully!
Irresistibly Easy Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep Shrimp: Pat the extra-large shrimp dry, then toss with flour, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Heat Oil and Butter: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Cook Shrimp: Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes on one side, flip, and cook for another 2 minutes until opaque.
- Finish: Remove from heat, drizzle lemon juice over shrimp, toss gently, and serve immediately.
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