Description
This Hawaiian garlic shrimp recipe brings a sun-drenched, vacation vibe to any dinner table. It’s an easy, family-friendly, and healthier alternative to takeout, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off for preference, offering succulent texture
- 8 cloves garlic, finely minced (about 2 tablespoons), for that signature pungent flavor
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted (or ghee for a nuttier flavor), providing richness to the glaze
- 0.25 cup soy sauce, low sodium (or tamari for a gluten-free option), adding umami depth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, brightens the flavors and balances richness
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for searing the shrimp to a beautiful finish
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground for the best aroma
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional), for a subtle, delightful kick
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish), for vibrant color and fresh notes
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp very dry with paper towels to ensure a beautiful golden sear. Set them aside for cooking.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, freshly minced garlic, low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari), fresh lemon juice, and black pepper. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes; the sauce will smell wonderfully aromatic.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large 10-inch skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add shrimp in a single layer; cook for 1.5-2 minutes per side until they turn opaque pink and are just cooked through. (If your pan is crowded, work in batches to avoid steaming the shrimp, which can make them rubbery.)
- Combine and Serve: Pour the fragrant garlic butter sauce over the cooked shrimp in the skillet. Toss gently for 30 seconds to coat thoroughly, letting the sauce warm and slightly cling to each piece. Serve immediately while the shrimp are hot and glossy.
Notes
For a quicker meal, cook shrimp in an air fryer (5-7 minutes at 400F) or on a sheet pan (8-10 minutes at 400F), then toss with the prepared sauce. Consider wild-caught or sustainably farmed shrimp for optimal taste and quality. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 150 g shrimp with sauce
- Calories: 420 calories
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 310 mg