Transport yourself to a Hawaiian food truck with this mouthwatering Garlic Butter Shrimp! This dish combines plump, juicy shrimp with an irresistible garlic butter sauce, enhanced by a splash of pineapple juice for a touch of sweetness. The balance of buttery richness, aromatic garlic, and tropical flavors creates a truly unforgettable bite.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tropical-themed feast, this dish brings all the island vibes straight to your plate. Serve it over rice, with grilled veggies, or even in tacos for a fun twist. Get ready to enjoy a flavorful escape with every bite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup pineapple juice (preferably fresh)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: pineapple chunks, lime wedges, and extra cilantro
Directions:
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt, then add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Flavor: Stir in pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and ground ginger. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Final Touch: Toss the shrimp in the garlic butter sauce and mix well.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with pineapple chunks and lime wedges over rice, noodles, or a salad.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 300-350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: A Taste of the Islands
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a dish that instantly transports you to the beautiful shores of Hawaii. Known for its bold flavors and simple preparation, this recipe is inspired by the famous shrimp trucks that line the North Shore of Oahu. These trucks serve up succulent shrimp drenched in a garlicky butter sauce, often accompanied by steamed rice and a side of fresh pineapple or a crisp salad.
Whether you’re reminiscing about a past Hawaiian vacation or simply looking for an easy yet flavorful seafood dish, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a fantastic choice. With its perfect balance of savory garlic, rich butter, and a subtle sweetness from pineapple juice, this dish is both indulgent and refreshing.
The Origins of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp has a rich history that is deeply tied to Hawaii’s local food culture. The dish gained popularity thanks to the food trucks along Oahu’s North Shore, where freshly caught shrimp were transformed into flavorful, buttery masterpieces. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, one of the most well-known shrimp vendors, played a significant role in popularizing this style of shrimp.
Hawaii’s food scene is heavily influenced by a mix of cultures, including Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese, and Chinese. Many of these cultures brought their own cooking techniques and flavors, which have blended together to create unique Hawaiian cuisine. The strong garlic butter flavors in this dish may remind you of classic French or Italian cooking, while the use of soy sauce and pineapple juice brings in Asian and tropical influences.
This dish is a great representation of Hawaii’s multicultural culinary heritage, and it continues to be a beloved local favorite.
Why Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is So Popular
There are many reasons why this dish remains a favorite among locals and tourists alike:
1. Easy and Quick to Make
One of the biggest appeals of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is its simplicity. The dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Unlike other shrimp dishes that require complicated techniques, this one is straightforward just sauté the shrimp in a garlicky butter sauce, and it’s ready to serve.
2. Bursting with Flavor
The combination of garlic, butter, and a hint of pineapple juice creates an explosion of flavor in every bite. The garlic is deeply aromatic, the butter adds richness, and the pineapple juice balances it all with a subtle sweetness. This perfect mix of savory and sweet keeps people coming back for more.
3. Versatile Serving Options
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. It is traditionally served over steamed white rice, which soaks up the delicious garlic butter sauce. However, it also works well with noodles, grilled vegetables, or even wrapped in tacos for a fun twist.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion
This dish can be dressed up for a special occasion or served casually for a laid-back meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a dinner party, or just making a quick meal for your family, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is always a great choice.
Tips for Making the Best Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
While this dish is simple to prepare, a few key tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality results:
1. Use Fresh, Large Shrimp
For the best texture and flavor, use fresh, large shrimp. If fresh shrimp isn’t available, frozen shrimp will work too just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. Patting the shrimp dry before cooking helps them achieve a nice sear.
2. Don’t Skimp on the Garlic
Garlic is the star ingredient in this recipe, so don’t be afraid to use a generous amount. Fresh garlic is best, and mincing it finely ensures that it evenly distributes throughout the dish.
3. Balance the Flavors
Hawaiian cuisine often strikes a balance between sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The pineapple juice and lime juice in this dish help brighten up the rich garlic butter sauce. If you prefer a more intense savory flavor, you can adjust the amount of soy sauce accordingly.
4. Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp
Shrimp cook very quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking them can make them tough and rubbery, so be sure to remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
5. Let the Flavors Marinate
For an even deeper flavor, let the shrimp marinate in a bit of the sauce for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps infuse the shrimp with garlicky goodness before they even hit the pan.
How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
There are many ways to serve this flavorful dish, depending on your preference and the occasion:
- With Rice – The classic way to enjoy Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is over steamed white rice, which absorbs all the flavorful sauce.
- With Noodles – Try serving the shrimp over stir-fried noodles or a bed of coconut-infused rice noodles.
- With Grilled Vegetables – Pair the shrimp with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a lighter meal.
- In Tacos – Serve the shrimp in warm tortillas with a fresh pineapple salsa for a fun, tropical taco night.
- As an Appetizer – Serve the shrimp with toothpicks at a party or gathering for a flavorful, bite-sized appetizer.
Variations of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
If you love experimenting in the kitchen, here are some variations of the classic Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe:
- Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to give the shrimp a spicy kick.
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp – Stir in a splash of coconut milk for a creamy, tropical twist.
- Cajun Garlic Shrimp – Mix in Cajun seasoning for a smoky, Southern-inspired variation.
- Pineapple Salsa Topping – Top the shrimp with a fresh pineapple salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
- Bacon-Wrapped Garlic Shrimp – Wrap each shrimp in bacon before cooking for an indulgent treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture for the best sear.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, cook the shrimp and toss them in the reheated sauce.
Is This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the recipe gluten-free.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that captures the essence of island cuisine. Its bold garlic butter sauce, combined with tropical pineapple and fresh herbs, makes it a dish that’s hard to resist. Whether served over rice, in tacos, or as part of a seafood feast, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to your taste.
The best part? It’s quick and easy to make, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Give this recipe a try, and let it bring a taste of Hawaii straight to your table.