Oh my goodness, are you ready to dive into a tropical paradise? Let me tell you, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is one of those dishes that makes my heart sing. Picture this: the sun shining down, a gentle breeze wafting the smell of garlic through the air, and a plate of succulent shrimp just waiting to be devoured. This recipe brings a taste of Hawaii right into my kitchen and reminds me of the beautiful moments spent by the ocean, enjoying fresh seafood and the company of friends.
I first discovered this delight on a trip to Oahu, where the food trucks lining the beaches were dishing out this heavenly creation. Ever since, it’s been a staple in my home. It’s super easy to whip up on busy weeknights or for a fun weekend dinner. Trust me, whether you’re feeding the family or impressing guests, this dish is sure to create smiles all around!
What’s in Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?
Let’s break down what makes this dish so delectable!
Shrimp: I use one pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined—because who wants to deal with shells when the food is calling? Fresh shrimp is always best, but frozen can work just as well; just make sure it’s thawed before cooking.
Unsalted Butter: We’re using 4 tablespoons of rich, creamy butter to create that luscious sauce. Unsalted is key here, as it allows us to control the saltiness.
Garlic: Six cloves! Yes, I said six! Minced garlic is the star of this show, adding that aromatic goodness that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
Red Pepper Flakes: A half teaspoon for just a little zing, but you can always adjust based on your heat preference.
Soy Sauce: One tablespoon of soy sauce gives a savory boost and complements the shrimp beautifully.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and balances the flavors perfectly. Honestly, a splash of sunshine in every bite!
Salt and Pepper: Just a sprinkle to enhance all those fantastic flavors.
Fresh Parsley: A quarter cup of freshly chopped parsley for garnish adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Cooked White Rice: We’ll serve this lovely shrimp over a steaming bed of rice, because what’s better than soaking up that sumptuous sauce?
Is Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Good for You?
Absolutely! This dish is a great way to enjoy shrimp, which is high in protein and low in calories.
Shrimp: Packed with protein and essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12, shrimp is a wholesome seafood option. Just be sure to keep an eye on portion sizes if you’re watching your cholesterol.
Butter: While it’s a source of saturated fat, you can adjust how much you use. Swapping in olive oil is a lighter option if you prefer!
Overall, this dish is all about balance. It’s delicious comfort food, but I’d recommend enjoying it as part of a varied diet with plenty of veggies on the side—maybe a colorful salad to keep things fresh!
Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Cooked white rice (for serving)
This recipe serves about 4 people, depending on how big your appetite is—or how much shrimp you want to keep for yourself!
How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Let it bubble gently, bringing that delicious aroma alive!
2. Once the butter is melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant—just don’t walk away and let it burn!
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet along with red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to personal taste.
4. Cook those shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. They should be glorious and juicy at this point!
5. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for that extra flair.
6. Serve the garlic shrimp over a bed of cooked white rice, and voilà! Dive in and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions and Tips for a Perfect Dish!
Want to take it to the next level? You could serve it with a squeeze of fresh lemon on top, or even some steamed veggies on the side for a complete meal. Sometimes, I throw in a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added crunch—whatever floats your culinary boat!
Don’t forget, this dish is also perfect for meal prep. Make a larger batch and enjoy it for lunch the next day or share it with friends on a casual gathering. Honestly, they’ll think you’re a gourmet chef!
There you have it—my treasured Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe. I can’t wait for you to give it a whirl! It’s a dish that always brightens my spirits and fills my kitchen with amazing aromas, and I know you’ll love it just as much. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!
