How To Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp With Butter Sauce Today

There’s something irresistible about the aroma of sizzling garlic and butter that draws people to those famous Hawaiian shrimp trucks dotting the North Shore of Oahu. Hawaiian garlic shrimp has become a beloved dish that captures the essence of island-style cooking – simple ingredients, bold flavors, and fresh seafood. Today, I’ll guide you through creating this iconic dish in your own kitchen, complete with that mouthwatering butter sauce that makes this recipe so special.

The Origin of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Hawaiian garlic shrimp, often called “garlic shrimp scampi” locally, has its roots in the fusion cuisine that defines Hawaii’s food culture. While many associate Hawaii with traditional dishes like poke or kalua pork, this garlicky shrimp preparation showcases the multicultural influences that shape Hawaii’s culinary landscape.

The dish gained popularity through the legendary shrimp trucks and roadside stands along Oahu’s North Shore, where local vendors serve heaping plates of shell-on shrimp swimming in garlic butter sauce alongside two scoops of white rice. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck is often credited with popularizing this style of Hawaiian shrimp to visitors, but locals have been enjoying similar preparations for generations.

What makes Hawaiian garlic shrimp distinct from other garlic shrimp recipes is the preparation method – typically using shell-on shrimp (which adds flavor), a heavy hand with the garlic, and cooking everything in a richly flavored butter sauce that becomes almost caramelized. The result is shrimp that’s tender inside with shells that become crisp enough to eat if desired.

QUICK RECIPE CARD: HAWAIIAN GARLIC SHRIMP

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Servings: 4

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 375
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Cholesterol: 280mg

Equipment Needed:

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Kitchen scissors (for deveining)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or spatula
• Paper towels

Ingredients for Authentic Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

To make Hawaiian garlic shrimp with butter sauce that rivals the famous shrimp trucks, you’ll need:

• 2 pounds large shrimp (16-20 count), shell-on and deveined
• 16-20 cloves garlic, minced (about 3-4 full heads)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons white wine (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Cooked white rice for serving

The key to authentic Hawaiian garlic shrimp is using shell-on shrimp, which protects the meat from overcooking while adding flavor to the sauce. However, if you prefer easier eating, peeled shrimp will still work—just reduce the cooking time slightly.

Preparing the Shrimp

The preparation of your shrimp is crucial to achieving the perfect Hawaiian garlic shrimp. Here’s how to get started:

1. Clean the shrimp: If the shrimp have not been deveined, take kitchen scissors and carefully cut along the back of each shrimp to extract the dark intestinal vein while ensuring the shell remains intact. Afterward, rinse the shrimp under cold water and use paper towels to dry them completely.
2. Season the shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the dried shrimp with 1/3 of your minced garlic, half the paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix the shrimp thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with the marinade, then place them in the refrigerator to marinate for 15 to 30 minutes.
3. Prepare the garlic: Although traditional Hawaiian shrimp trucks may rely on pre-minced garlic, using fresh garlic at home is always a better option. Mince your garlic cloves finely—this dish is supposed to be garlic-forward, so don’t be shy!

Creating the Perfect Butter Sauce

The signature butter sauce is what transforms simple garlic shrimp into authentic Hawaiian garlic shrimp. Here’s how to make it:

1. In a large skillet or wok, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the remaining minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds. Since garlic can burn quickly, watch it closely while cooking.
3. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely, then stir in the remaining paprika and cayenne pepper.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux that will thicken your sauce.
5. If using, add the white wine and lemon juice, which will add brightness and depth to your Hawaiian garlic shrimp sauce.
6. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and the raw flour taste cooks out.

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still be loose enough to drizzle. If it becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water to adjust the consistency.

Cooking the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Now comes the exciting part—cooking the shrimp to perfection:

1. Increase the heat to medium-high under your sauce.
2. Place the marinated shrimp in the pan in a single layer. If your pan isn’t large enough, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which will steam rather than sear the shrimp.
3. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shells turn pink and slightly crispy. The shells will take on a beautiful orange-red hue when properly cooked.
4. As the shrimp cook, spoon the garlic butter sauce over them continuously. This basting technique ensures the flavors penetrate the shells and infuse the meat.
5. The shrimp are done when they form a “C” shape—if they curl into a tight “O,” they’ve overcooked.
6. Take it off the heat and garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness..

Serving Your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

To serve Hawaiian garlic shrimp in authentic island style:

1. Plate a generous scoop of steamed white rice.
2. Arrange the garlic shrimp alongside or on top of the rice.
3. Drizzle additional butter sauce from the pan over the entire plate.
4. Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of additional parsley if desired.

In Hawaii, this dish is often served with a side of macaroni salad or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the butter sauce. Some vendors also provide moist towelettes or finger bowls since eating shell-on shrimp can be a deliciously messy experience!

Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Every Time

To ensure your Hawaiian garlic shrimp rivals the famous shrimp trucks, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t skimp on the garlic: The “garlic” in Hawaiian garlic shrimp isn’t just a suggestion—it’s the star. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
• Use the right shrimp: While any shrimp can work, larger shrimp (16-20 count per pound) with shells on will give you the most authentic result and prevent overcooking.
• Watch your heat: If your heat is too high, the garlic and butter will burn; too low, and your shrimp won’t develop that characteristic caramelized exterior.
• Be careful with salt: Between the butter and the natural salinity of the shrimp, it’s easy to over-salt this dish. Taste as you go.
• Serve immediately: Hawaiian garlic shrimp is best enjoyed hot from the pan when the butter sauce is at its most aromatic and the shrimp at their juiciest.

Variations on Classic Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

While the traditional recipe is perfect as is, here are some variations to consider:

Spicy Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: Double the cayenne pepper and add a tablespoon of sriracha or sambal oelek to the butter sauce for heat lovers.

Coconut Hawaiian Shrimp: Replace half the butter with coconut milk for a tropical twist that’s still recognizably Hawaiian.

Lemon-Herb Hawaiian Shrimp: Add the zest of one lemon and double the herbs, mixing in some fresh thyme and dill with the parsley.

Pineapple Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: Add 1/2 cup of small pineapple chunks during the last minute of cooking for a sweet-savory combination that highlights Hawaii’s famous fruit.

Making it a Complete Hawaiian Meal

To create a full Hawaiian-inspired feast centered around your garlic shrimp:

1. Start with an appetizer of fresh poke or a simple green salad with papaya.
2. Serve your Hawaiian garlic shrimp as the main course.
3. Add sides of traditional Hawaiian macaroni salad, two scoops of white rice, and some quick-pickled vegetables for contrast.
4. Finish with haupia (coconut pudding) or pineapple slices for dessert.

Don’t forget to pair your meal with a tropical drink—a mai tai, POG (passion fruit, orange, guava) juice, or even a cold Hawaiian beer like Kona Brewing Company’s Longboard Lager complements the rich flavors of Hawaiian garlic shrimp beautifully.

Bringing Hawaii Home

The beauty of Hawaiian garlic shrimp is how it transports you to the islands with just one bite. As you enjoy this dish at home, you might find yourself mentally sitting at a picnic table by the beach, watching surfers catch waves while savoring each garlicky, buttery bite of shrimp.

This recipe captures the essence of Hawaii’s food culture—unpretentious, flavorful, and made with aloha. Whether you’ve visited the famous shrimp trucks of Oahu’s North Shore or simply dream of an island vacation, making Hawaiian garlic shrimp at home lets you experience a taste of paradise whenever the craving strikes.

So heat up that pan, mince that garlic, and get ready to bring the flavors of Hawaii to your dinner table today. Your family and friends will be amazed by how such simple ingredients can create such an impressively delicious dish. With this authentic Hawaiian garlic shrimp recipe in your cooking arsenal, you’re always just 30 minutes away from a mini tropical vacation for your taste buds.

Aloha and enjoy!

Additional Resources

The Ultimate Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe You’ll Love

The Best Shrimp Bowl Recipe For Busy Weeknights

North Shore Shrimp Trucks