Discover the Magic of Hawaii's Iconic Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Hawaii is a melting pot of culinary traditions, and its local dishes are a reflection of the island's rich cultural heritage. One dish that stands out is Garlic Shrimp, a beloved favorite, especially on Oahu's North Shore. If you’ve ever strolled through a bustling food truck scene in Hawaii, you know the scent of buttery, garlicky shrimp sizzling on a flat top is irresistible. This dish is simple yet packed with flavor, combining the natural sweetness of shrimp with a savory, garlicky punch, typically served with a side of white rice.

Photo byNick Davies

Garlic Shrimp has roots in the island's diverse cultural history, blending Hawaiian, Asian, and Western influences. It's no wonder that this dish has gained legendary status for locals and visitors alike. If you want to bring a piece of Hawaii into your kitchen, this garlic shrimp recipe will take you straight to the islands!

Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 10-12 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant and golden brown.
2. Add the shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
3. Reduce the heat to low, add the butter and white wine (or chicken broth) to the skillet, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes, making a savory sauce.
4. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and toss the shrimp in the garlic butter sauce.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the shrimp over hot white rice to soak up all the garlicky goodness.

Conclusion

Garlic shrimp is one of those dishes that embodies the spirit of Hawaiian cuisine—simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Whether you're dreaming of a tropical vacation or just craving a new seafood dish, this recipe brings a bit of Aloha into your home. Try it out and let your tastebuds travel to the sunny shores of Hawaii!

If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment below and don’t forget to follow me for more delicious Hawaiian-inspired dishes!

Sources:

• Lacademie: Traditional Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp​(L'Academie)
• Salt & Wind Travel: Popular Local Dishes in Hawaii​(Salt & Wind Travel)
• TasteAtlas: Hawaiian Cuisine Highlights​(TasteAtlas: Travel Global, Eat Local)