Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Hawaii to your dinner table. This easy-to-make recipe features juicy shrimp bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, with hints of sweet pineapple and zesty lime. Perfect for casual weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp delivers a taste of the tropics that’s sure to impress. Whether served over rice or enjoyed solo, this dish is a delicious escape to paradise.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Shrimp
• How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
• Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
• Step 2: Heat the Skillet
• Step 3: Cook the Garlic
• Step 4: Add Shrimp to Skillet
• Step 5: Create the Sauce
• Step 6: Toss & Serve
• How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
• Over Rice
• With Fresh Salad
• In Tacos
• As an Appetizer
• With Grilled Vegetables
• How to Perfect Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
• Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
• Reheating Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?
• Can I use other types of seafood?
• How spicy is Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?
• What should I serve with Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and pineapple juice creates a sauce that’s both savory and sweet.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on its own or served over rice; it’s perfect for any occasion.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh shrimp and pineapple juice enhances the flavor profile and provides a tropical touch.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress family and friends, making it great for gatherings or potlucks.

Tools and Preparation

To make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, having the right tools simplifies the cooking process. Below are essential items you’ll need to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or frying pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or frying pan: A sturdy skillet ensures even cooking of the shrimp while allowing ample space for sautéing.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements help achieve the perfect balance of flavors in your garlic butter sauce.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for quickly prepping ingredients like garlic, cilantro, and lime.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the shrimp without damaging their delicate texture.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 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

How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Mince the garlic, chop the cilantro, and squeeze fresh lime juice.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the unsalted butter until melted.

Step 3: Cook the Garlic

Add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Add Shrimp to Skillet

Place shrimp into the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), ground ginger, and lime juice. Pour this mixture over the cooked shrimp in the skillet.

Step 6: Toss & Serve

Gently toss everything together in the skillet until well combined. Cook for an additional minute to heat through. Garnish with chopped cilantro along with optional pineapple chunks and lime wedges before serving.

Enjoy your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp as part of an unforgettable meal!

How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serving this shrimp dish creatively can elevate your dining experience, making it even more memorable.

Over Rice

• Serve the shrimp over a bed of steamed jasmine or brown rice for a hearty meal. The rice will soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

With Fresh Salad

• Pair Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp with a light salad made of mixed greens, avocado, and mango. This adds a refreshing contrast to the savory shrimp.

In Tacos

• Use soft tortillas to create shrimp tacos. Top with cilantro, lime juice, and crunchy cabbage for a fun twist on traditional tacos.

As an Appetizer

• Serve smaller portions as an appetizer at gatherings. Skewer the shrimp on toothpicks for easy serving and eating.

With Grilled Vegetables

• Complement your meal with grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. The smoky flavors pair wonderfully with the sweet and savory shrimp.

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How to Perfect Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

To ensure your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp reaches its full potential, keep these tips in mind:

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh shrimp and garlic will enhance the flavor significantly compared to frozen or pre-minced options.

• Don’t overcook the shrimp – Cook just until they turn pink and opaque for the best texture. Overcooking can make them tough.

• Adjust seasoning – Taste your sauce before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or honey to suit your palate.

• Garnish thoughtfully – Add pineapple chunks or lime wedges as garnishes for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

• Let it marinate – If time allows, marinate the shrimp in the garlic butter sauce for 30 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor infusion.

Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Pairing side dishes with Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Coconut Rice – This sweet and creamy rice complements the savory notes of the shrimp perfectly.
2. Grilled Pineapple – The caramelized sweetness of grilled pineapple adds a tropical touch that matches the dish’s theme.
3. Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw can provide a nice textural contrast while balancing out flavors.
4. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad mixed with veggies offers a healthy option that pairs well with shrimp.
5. Garlic Bread – Serve crispy garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce from the shrimp; it’s always a hit!
6. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition without overpowering the main dish.
7. Fried Plantains – Sweet fried plantains introduce a Caribbean twist that complements the dish beautifully.
8. Corn on the Cob – Grilled corn on the cob seasoned with lime can add an enjoyable crunch alongside your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using frozen shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal for this recipe. If you must use frozen, ensure they are completely thawed and drained.
• Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so watch them closely. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink to prevent a rubbery texture.
• Skipping the marination: For better flavor, marinate the shrimp in the sauce for at least 15 minutes before cooking. This enhances the dish’s tropical taste.
• Not balancing flavors: Ensure a balance between sweet and savory. Adjust ingredients like honey or soy sauce according to your taste preference.
• Neglecting garnishes: Don’t skip the garnishes! Pineapple chunks and lime wedges not only add color but also elevate the dish’s flavor profile.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

• Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place shrimp in a baking dish and cover with foil for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed. Avoid overheating, as this can make shrimp tough.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp.

What is Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a flavorful dish made with shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and infused with tropical flavors like pineapple juice and lime.

Can I use other types of seafood?

Yes! While shrimp works best, you can substitute with scallops or fish fillets, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

How spicy is Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?

The recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or chili powder if you prefer some heat.

What should I serve with Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp brings a delightful taste of paradise right to your table. Its versatility makes it perfect for both casual dinners and festive gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your palate!