Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter

Imagine succulent shrimp bathed in a golden, aromatic garlic butter sauce with just the right hint of Hawaiian spice. Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible dish that brings the flavors of Hawaii’s famous food trucks right to your kitchen. This island-inspired delicacy balances rich butter with punchy garlic and tender shrimp for a meal that feels like an oceanside vacation on a plate. You’ll learn how to achieve that perfect garlic-infused butter sauce and cook shrimp to juicy perfection while capturing authentic Hawaiian flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter delivers an explosion of flavors that will transport you straight to the North Shore of Oahu. The rich, velvety butter sauce, infused with copious amounts of garlic, coats each shrimp perfectly, creating a luxurious mouthfeel that’s balanced by a subtle kick of cayenne. What makes this dish truly special is how the sweetness of the shrimp contrasts with the savory, garlicky butter sauce.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between impressive and accessible. Despite its restaurant-quality results, it comes together in under 20 minutes with ingredients you likely already have. The textures create a delightful sensory experience—the plump, tender shrimp with their slight resistance, the crispy edges caramelized in butter, and the smooth, rich sauce that begs to be soaked up with rice or bread.

Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or just looking to bring a taste of Hawaii to your dinner table, this garlic butter shrimp recipe will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

For the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs (900g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your preference)
• 12 cloves garlic, minced (about 1/4 cup)
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable)
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Hawaiian sea salt (or kosher salt)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons white wine (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced

The signature flavor comes from the generous amount of garlic—don’t be tempted to reduce it! For authentic Hawaiian flavor, use fresh, high-quality shrimp, as they’re the star of the dish. If possible, get shell-on shrimp and peel them yourself, saving the shells to make a quick seafood stock for other dishes.

Pro Tips

Get the Perfect Sear: For restaurant-quality Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter, don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook shrimp in batches if necessary, giving each piece enough space to develop a beautiful sear. Overcrowding causes the shrimp to steam rather than sear, resulting in a less intense flavor and softer texture. A properly seared shrimp should have an appealing golden-brown crust on the outside while remaining juicy inside.

Garlic Technique Matters: To develop the rich, complex flavor that makes Hawaiian garlic shrimp legendary, cook the garlic slowly in butter until fragrant but not browned. Burnt garlic becomes bitter and can ruin the entire dish. For best results, add the garlic to the melted butter over medium-low heat and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until it becomes aromatic and just begins to turn golden.

Timing is Everything: Shrimp cook incredibly quickly—typically 2-3 minutes per side. Watch for them to turn from translucent to opaque and curl into a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O,” they’re overcooked. Remember that residual heat continues cooking the shrimp after removing them from the heat, so it’s better to remove them from the pan slightly earlier than later.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for achieving a good sear. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cayenne pepper, and Hawaiian sea salt. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over the shrimp, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly. Let the shrimp sit for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Base
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt half the butter (1/4 cup) with the oil. Once the butter stops foaming, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and just slightly golden. Be vigilant here—you want the garlic infused into the butter but not browned or burnt.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Increase heat to medium-high and add half the seasoned shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side until you see a nice golden crust forming. Flip each shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they turn opaque and form a loose “C” shape. Transfer this first batch to a plate and repeat with the remaining shrimp.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce
Return the pan to medium heat and add the remaining butter. Once melted, pour in the white wine (if using) and lemon juice, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 1 minute to reduce slightly and meld the flavors together into a luxurious Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return all the cooked shrimp to the pan, along with any accumulated juices. Toss gently to coat each shrimp in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 30 seconds to warm everything through. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley and green onions. Serve immediately for the most authentic Hawaiian food truck experience.

Variations

Spicy Hawaiian Shrimp: For heat lovers, transform your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter into a fiery treat by doubling the cayenne pepper and adding 1-2 finely chopped Thai chili peppers to the garlic butter. The extra heat complements the richness of the butter beautifully, creating a more complex flavor profile that many North Shore food trucks are famous for.

Coconut Garlic Shrimp: For a tropical twist, substitute half the butter with coconut cream and add 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut to the sauce. This variation adds a subtle sweetness and creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the garlic and creates a fusion between traditional Hawaiian shrimp and Thai-inspired flavors. Finish with a squeeze of lime instead of lemon for a more tropical citrus note.

Pineapple Garlic Butter Shrimp: Embrace Hawaiian flavors fully by adding 1/2 cup of finely diced fresh pineapple to the sauce in the final minute of cooking. The natural sweetness and acidity of pineapple cut through the richness of the garlic butter, creating a perfectly balanced sweet-savory dish that’s quintessentially Hawaiian.

Storage and Serving

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through—avoid microwaving as this can make the shrimp tough. Add a small pat of fresh butter when reheating to refresh the sauce.

For the most authentic Hawaiian experience, serve this garlic shrimp over two scoops of steamed white rice with a side of macaroni salad—the classic “plate lunch” format found throughout Hawaii. The rice absorbs the flavorful butter sauce perfectly, ensuring not a drop goes to waste.

For a lighter option, serve over cauliflower rice or alongside a fresh green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For an elevated dinner party presentation, pair with crusty French bread for dipping and a side of grilled pineapple spears to enhance the Hawaiian theme.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well, but ensure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before cooking. Excess moisture prevents proper searing and dilutes the sauce.

Why is my garlic burning instead of turning golden?
Your heat is likely too high. Cook garlic over medium-low heat and stir constantly. If it’s still burning, try adding the garlic after the butter has cooled slightly off the heat.

What’s the secret to preventing rubbery shrimp?
Don’t overcook them! Shrimp need only 2-3 minutes per side. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose “C” shape.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best fresh, you can prepare the components ahead: combine the seasonings and clean the shrimp in advance, but cook just before serving for optimal texture.

What makes this Hawaiian-style rather than just garlic shrimp?
The Hawaiian version specifically uses a high ratio of garlic to butter, paprika for color, and is typically served over rice. It’s inspired by the famous North Shore food trucks of Oahu.

Conclusion

This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Butter is comfort food at its finest — rich, aromatic, and reminiscent of sunny beaches and ocean breezes. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a mini-vacation, bringing the iconic flavors of Hawaii’s North Shore food trucks into your home. Whether you’re serving it over rice for an authentic experience or alongside crusty bread to soak up every drop of that luxurious garlic butter sauce, this recipe delivers island-inspired satisfaction that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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