Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe (20 Minutes, So Flavorful!)

Name: Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 7 oz Shrimp; 6 tbsp Butter; 2 Cloves Garlic ((minced)); 1 Lemon ((cut into wedges)); 1 tbsp Flour; 1 tsp Chili Pepper; 1 tsp Salt; Black pepper ((to taste)); 2 tbsp Olive Oil; Rice ((for serving))

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This buttery, zesty Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and brings major island vibes straight to your kitchen.

I’ve never been to Hawaii’s North Shore, but when I lived in Auckland, we had plenty of backyard luaus and Hawaiian-style feasts—garlic shrimp, pineapple, and all. That’s where I first fell in love with the bold, buttery flavors of Hawaiian garlic shrimp.

This recipe brings those memories to life with juicy shrimp, sizzling garlic butter, and a tangy lemon kick. It’s the kind of dish I’d serve alongside my Instant Pot Huli Huli Chicken and a scoop of Carrot and Raisin Salad with Pineapple—a tropical spread you can whip up any night of the week.

Jump to:

💖 Why This Recipe Works
⭐ Star Ingredients
📖 Substitutions & Variations
🔪 How To Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
👩‍🍳 Expert Tips
💭 FAQs
💖 Serving Suggestions
🍽 More Summer Favorites!
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

💖 Why This Recipe Works

Flavor overload: Garlic, butter, lemon, and chili—rich, zesty, and totally irresistible.
Fast & fuss-free: From skillet to plate in under 30 minutes.
Versatile: Serve it taco-style, rice bowl-style, or party-style.

⭐ Star Ingredients

Ingredients to make Hawaiian garlic shrimp.

Shrimp: Go for large, juicy shrimp (I like 16/20 count). Shell-on brings more flavor, but peeled is quicker—either way, pat them dry for that perfect sear.
Fresh Garlic: This dish is all about the garlic. I grate mine with a microplane so it melts into the sauce—fresh is key, not the jarred stuff.
Butter: Butter gives this shrimp its signature richness. I pair it with a little olive oil to keep it from burning while the garlic sizzles.

For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

📖 Substitutions & Variations

Creamy Island Style: Add a splash of coconut milk for a velvety, tropical twist.
Crispy Crunch: Coat in panko after flouring for extra texture.
Gluten-Free: Sub cornstarch for flour.
Low-Heat: Skip the chili for a milder, kid-friendly version.
Citrus Swap: Try lime juice if that’s what you have.

Want more seafood dishes? Try Creamy Tuscan Salmon or Garlic Paprika Air Fryer Shrimp.

🔪 How To Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: n a small bowl, mix together the flour, red pepper, salt, and black pepper.

shrimp covered in paprika and seasoning.

Step 2: Coat the shrimp evenly with the flour mixture, making sure each piece is well covered.

Step 3: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat until the butter melts and the pan is hot.

hawaiian shrimp in a skillet pan cooked in butter.

Step 4: Carefully place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer.

Step 5: Cook the shrimp for a few minutes on each side until they turn golden and crispy.

Step 6: Add the grated garlic to the pan and stir well. Place lemon wedges around the shrimp and sprinkle with fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Step 7: Serve the cooked garlic shrimp alongside a bed of fluffy rice on a plate.

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp on a white plate with rice and chives.

Step 8: Enjoy your delicious Hawaii Garlic Shrimp!

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp on a white plate with rice.

👩‍🍳 Expert Tips

Cast-iron is best: It gives the shrimp a beautiful crust and holds heat like a dream.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches for the best texture.
Add garlic in stages: Some early for depth, some at the end for that bold finish.

Garlic shrimp on a white plate with rice.

💭 FAQs

Should I cook the shrimp with the shell on or shell off?

Cooking shrimp with the shell on enhances flavor and helps retain moisture. Many traditional Hawaiian recipes keep the shell intact.

Do I need to devein the shrimp for this garlic shrimp recipe?

Deveining is a personal preference. While it's not harmful to consume, removing the vein can improve the shrimp's appearance and texture.

What is the best flour to coat this garlic Hawaiian shrimp?

All-purpose works great. For a crispier edge, try half flour, half cornstarch.

What's the best way to reheat this garlic shrimp Hawaii recipe?

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

💖 Serving Suggestions

Want some suggestions for serving Hawaii Garlic Shrimp? Try these:

Soft Tacos: Wrap shrimp in warm tortillas with slaw and spicy mayo.
With Grilled Pineapple: Sweet and smoky—perfect contrast to the garlic butter.
Over Coconut Rice: Creamy, fragrant, and sauce-ready.
Topped with Pineapple Mango Salsa: Bright, juicy, and next-level tropical.

💡 Leftovers = Next-Day Brunch Hero
Use extra shrimp for: