Details
4 servings
15 minutes
30 minutes
380
This dish was born from the bustling garlic shrimp trucks that line Oahu’s North Shore, where the scent of sizzling butter and garlic mingles with ocean breeze. I’ve captured that magic in a home-friendly version that brings Hawaii’s sun-soaked flavors to your kitchen, no matter how far you are from island shores.
Picture a plate of golden, crispy shrimp glistening with a rich garlic butter glaze, served atop a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. Each bite is a burst of flavor-smoky paprika, a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, and the irresistible richness of garlic-infused butter. The shrimp are perfectly seared, with a light, crunchy crust that gives way to tender, juicy meat inside.
The dish is finished with a drizzle of leftover garlic butter over the rice, adding a luxurious touch, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions for a pop of color and brightness. The aroma of garlic and butter fills the air, transporting you to a breezy Hawaiian beachside kitchen.
This meal is a perfect balance of textures and flavors-crispy, savory, and slightly spicy, with a touch of tropical flair. Serve it with a side of grilled pineapple or a fresh mango salad for a complete island-inspired feast.
Key Elements 🔑
- Flavor Profile: Smoky paprika, spicy cayenne, and rich garlic butter.
- Texture Play: Crispy shrimp vs. velvety coconut rice.
- Signature Technique: Dry-marinating shrimp for maximum crust.
- Cultural Nod: Hawaiian-inspired with a modern, pan-seared twist.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
Pair With: Steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or Hawaiian mac salad
Garnish: Sliced green onions, lime wedges, toasted coconut flakes
Complete The Meal: Serve with grilled pineapple and a simple green salad
Why You’ll Love This Dish
✅ Restaurant-quality crunch in under 30 minutes
✅ Bold, beachy flavors with garlic, spice, and butter
✅ Versatile base for rice bowls, salads, or tacos
✅ Weeknight easy, guest-worthy impressive
This Hawaiian Garlic Butter Shrimp is more than just a meal-it’s a vacation on a plate! 🌴✨
Hawaiian Garlic Butter Shrimp with Crispy Aloha Crust 🌺🍤
Course: Asian u0026amp; Pacific Islands, Dinner, Lunch, Main Dishes (Entrées)Cuisine: Hawaiian-American FusionDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes30
minutes380
kcalSucculent shrimp coated in a smoky-spiced crust, drenched in garlicky butter, and served over jasmine rice – a beachside luau in every bite.
Ingredients
- Shrimp & Seasonings
1 lb large shrimp (16/20 count), shell-on & deveined
2 tbsp cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
1 tbsp smoked paprika
½ tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp kosher salt
- Garlic Butter Sauce
6 tbsp unsalted butter
6 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 small head)
2 tbsp coconut oil (or neutral oil)
- For Serving
Steamed jasmine rice
Sliced green onions
Lime wedges
Toasted coconut flakes (optional)
Directions
- Prep the Shrimp
- Pat 1 lb of shrimp bone-dry with paper towels (key for maximum crispiness!). Toss them in a bowl with 3 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp red pepper flakes, ¼ tsp cayenne, and ½ tsp salt. Let the shrimp marinate in this “tropical armor” for 10 minutes.
- Pan-Sear to Golden Glory
- Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil (or neutral oil) in a large skillet over medium-high until it shimmers. Add shrimp in a single layer-don’t crowd the pan! Sear for 2 minutes per side until golden and lightly crispy, like a beachside tan. Work in batches if needed, then set aside.
- Garlic Butter Magic
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt 4 tbsp butter in the same pan, then add 6 minced garlic cloves. Sizzle gently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant (but not browned!), letting the garlic infuse the butter with its soul.
- Reunite & Coat**
- Return the shrimp to the pan, tossing them in the garlic butter until they glisten like ocean treasures. Cook for 1 more minute to meld flavors.
- Aloha Assembly
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice (or coconut rice for extra island vibes). Drizzle any leftover garlic butter from the pan over the rice, then top with sliced green onions, a squeeze of fresh lime, and toasted coconut flakes if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
- Pro Tip: Add a splash of pineapple juice to the garlic butter for a sweet-tangy twist! 🌴
- 🍍 Pair With:
Coconut lime rice
Grilled pineapple skewers
Mango avocado salad
This Hawaiian garlic butter shrimp brings the spirit of Oahu’s famous North Shore shrimp trucks to your home kitchen. The contrast between the crispy seasoned exterior and the tender, succulent shrimp creates an unforgettable bite that’s elevated by the aromatic garlic butter sauce. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or casual entertaining, this dish promises to transport your taste buds to island time.
