Hawaiian Shrimp

Quick Hawaiian shrimp in garlicky butter sauce is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the tropics to your table. With its juicy shrimp and rich garlic butter, this recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. Ready in just 20 minutes, it stands out with its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation, making it an ideal choice for both experienced cooks and beginners alike.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Shrimp
• For the Sauce
• Garnish
• How to Make Hawaiian Shrimp
• Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning
• Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
• Step 3: Cook the Garlic
• Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
• Step 5: Combine and Serve
• How to Serve Hawaiian Shrimp
• With Coconut Rice
• Over Fresh Salad
• In Tacos
• Accompanied by Grilled Veggies
• With Pineapple Salsa
• As an Appetizer
• How to Perfect Hawaiian Shrimp
• Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Shrimp
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Hawaiian Shrimp
• Reheating Hawaiian Shrimp
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes this Hawaiian Shrimp recipe unique?
• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
• What side dishes pair well with Hawaiian Shrimp?
• How spicy is this Hawaiian Shrimp dish?
• Can I customize the ingredients?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of garlic and butter elevates the shrimp, resulting in a deliciously rich dish.
• Versatile: Serve Hawaiian shrimp as an appetizer, main dish, or even toss it in pasta for a hearty meal.
• Healthy Option: Low in calories yet high in flavor, this dish fits well into various dietary preferences.
• Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and garnishing options make it visually appealing for guests.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Hawaiian shrimp, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure smooth cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Large resealable bag
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet: Retains heat well and provides even cooking for perfectly sautéed shrimp.
• Large resealable bag: Ideal for coating shrimp evenly with spices without creating a mess.
• Knife: Essential for chopping garlic efficiently while ensuring uniform pieces for cooking.

Ingredients

Quick Hawaiian shrimp in garlicky butter sauce—juicy, flavorful, and ready in 20 minutes. Perfect tropical meal for dinner.

For the Shrimp

• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tablespoon flour
• 12 oz. shrimp (cleaned and deveined)

For the Sauce

• 1/2 stick unsalted butter
• 7 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoon olive oil

Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

How to Make Hawaiian Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning

1. Place paprika, salt, black pepper, and flour in a large resealable bag.
2. Shake well to mix.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

1. Add the shrimp to the bag.
2. Seal it tightly and shake until the shrimp are coated with the flour mixture.
3. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Garlic

1. Add the butter to a large 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Once melted, add minced garlic.
3. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until garlic becomes translucent.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

1. Remove cooked garlic from the pan and set aside.
2. Add olive oil to the skillet; heat until shimmering.
3. Add coated shrimp to the pan in a single layer; do not overcrowd.
4. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Once all shrimp are cooked through, return cooked garlic back into the skillet.
2. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
3. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Hawaiian shrimp as a standout dish at your next meal!

How to Serve Hawaiian Shrimp

Serving Hawaiian shrimp can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this tropical dish.

With Coconut Rice

• Coconut rice pairs beautifully with the garlicky shrimp, adding a creamy texture and subtle sweetness that complements the flavors.

Over Fresh Salad

• Serving Hawaiian shrimp over a bed of mixed greens creates a refreshing salad. Add mango or avocado for a tropical twist.

In Tacos

• Create delicious shrimp tacos using warm corn tortillas. Top them with fresh salsa, cabbage, and a squeeze of lime for added zest.

Accompanied by Grilled Veggies

• Grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini enhance the meal’s color and flavor, making it a vibrant plate.

With Pineapple Salsa

• A pineapple salsa brings a fruity punch to your shrimp dish. Combine diced pineapple, onion, cilantro, and lime juice for a refreshing topping.

As an Appetizer

• Serve Hawaiian shrimp as an appetizer at gatherings. Provide toothpicks for easy serving and dipping sauces on the side.

How to Perfect Hawaiian Shrimp

To make your Hawaiian shrimp truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp has superior flavor compared to frozen varieties. Look for shrimp that smells clean and has a firm texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches ensures even cooking and prevents steaming. This helps achieve that perfect sear on each shrimp.
• Adjust seasoning: Feel free to tweak the amount of paprika or salt based on your taste preferences. Experiment with spices like cayenne for heat.
• Serve immediately: Enjoying the dish right after cooking ensures maximum juiciness and flavor. The garlic butter sauce is best when fresh.
• Garnish generously: Adding chopped parsley not only enhances presentation but also adds freshness to every bite.

Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Shrimp

Pairing side dishes with Hawaiian shrimp can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Lightly fragrant jasmine rice complements the rich flavors of the shrimp without overpowering them.
2. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled to perfection adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with tropical dishes.
3. Mango Quinoa Salad: This salad combines quinoa, mango, cucumber, and lime dressing for a refreshing side packed with nutrients.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their sweetness balances the savory notes of the shrimp while adding a hearty element to your plate.
5. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides texture contrast and is perfect for cutting through the richness of the garlic butter.
6. Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is excellent for soaking up any leftover sauce from your shrimp dish—a real treat!
7. Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad dressed in vinegar offers a cool crunch that complements hot dishes beautifully.
8. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring tropical fruits like pineapple and kiwi can provide a sweet end to your meal while enhancing its theme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Hawaiian shrimp can be simple, but certain mistakes can ruin the dish. Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the shrimp properly can lead to bland flavors. Always make sure to coat the shrimp well with your seasoning blend.
• Overcrowding the pan: Adding too many shrimp at once will steam them instead of searing. Cook in batches if necessary for better results.
• Not monitoring garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, which adds bitterness. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the heat once it’s golden and fragrant.
• Using frozen shrimp without thawing: Cooking frozen shrimp directly can result in uneven cooking. Always thaw your shrimp before cooking for best texture and flavor.
• Ignoring cooking time: Shrimp cook very fast; overcooking makes them rubbery. Watch closely and remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked Hawaiian shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before sealing them in a container.

Freezing Hawaiian Shrimp

• Place cooked Hawaiian shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Hawaiian Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the shrimp on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10 minutes, ensuring they don’t dry out.
• Microwave: Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil and sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Hawaiian shrimp, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some commonly asked questions.

What makes this Hawaiian Shrimp recipe unique?

This recipe features a special garlicky butter sauce that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp, making it stand out from other seafood dishes.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but it’s important to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before cooking them. This ensures even cooking and better texture.

What side dishes pair well with Hawaiian Shrimp?

Hawaiian shrimp pairs wonderfully with rice or quinoa. You can also serve it alongside grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.

How spicy is this Hawaiian Shrimp dish?

This recipe is not spicy as it primarily uses paprika and black pepper. However, feel free to add chili flakes if you prefer some heat!

Can I customize the ingredients?

Absolutely! You can add tropical fruits like pineapple or mango for added sweetness, or adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian shrimp is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. This dish brings tropical flavors right to your dinner table in just 20 minutes! Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or serve it alongside various sides for a delightful meal everyone will love.