"My Hawaiian Friend Showed Me This Recipe—Been a House Fave Ever Since!"

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Ultimate Hawaiian-Style Garlic Butter Shrimp

There’s something magical about Hawaiian food—comforting, flavorful, and often kissed by the flavors of the ocean and the tropics. A few years ago, a Hawaiian friend shared a recipe with me that instantly became a family favorite. Since then, it's been requested more times than I can count, and every time I make it, I think of that sunny afternoon when she introduced me to it.

The dish? Hawaiian-style Garlic Butter Shrimp, inspired by the legendary shrimp trucks of Oahu’s North Shore. It's buttery, garlicky, savory, with just the right hint of spice—and it's deceptively simple to make at home.

Whether you're craving something tropical or want to bring a bit of aloha spirit into your kitchen, this recipe is a must-try.

🍤 What Makes Hawaiian Garlic Butter Shrimp Special?

Unlike typical shrimp scampi, this Hawaiian version is pan-fried with the shell on, then coated in a garlic-butter-lemon sauce with a hint of paprika or cayenne for color and heat. It’s traditionally served over white rice with a side of pineapple slaw or lemon wedges.

The best part? It takes under 30 minutes to make and tastes like vacation on a plate.

🌺 Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp (shell-on, deveined if possible)

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or avocado oil for high heat)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 6–8 garlic cloves, finely minced

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes

  • Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

  • Steamed rice and lemon wedges, for serving

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

  • Rinse shrimp and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.

  • Leave shells on for authenticity and flavor (you can eat them or peel after cooking).

  • In a bowl or zip bag, mix:

    • 1/2 cup flour

    • 1 tsp paprika

    • 1/2 tsp salt

    • 1/4 tsp black pepper

  • Toss the shrimp in the flour mixture to coat lightly. Shake off excess.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Add shrimp in a single layer (do in batches if needed).

  • Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

  • Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

  • Lower the heat to medium.

  • Add 5 tablespoons butter to the same skillet.

  • Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown).

  • Add lemon juice, and cayenne if using, stir well.

Step 4: Combine & Finish

  • Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the garlic butter sauce.

  • Sauté for another 1–2 minutes to blend flavors.

  • Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.

🍚 How to Serve It

This shrimp is traditionally served Hawaiian plate-lunch style:

  • A generous mound of steamed white rice

  • The garlic butter shrimp on top or to the side

  • Lemon wedges for drizzling

  • A scoop of pineapple coleslaw, macaroni salad, or sliced avocado

🌴 Tips from My Hawaiian Friend

  • Keep the shells on: They lock in flavor and create a slight crunch.

  • Fresh garlic only: No substitutes for the real deal here.

  • Don’t skip the lemon: It brightens the richness of the butter and shrimp.

  • Make extra: Trust me, it disappears fast!

😋 Why Everyone Loves It

This dish hits all the right notes: it’s bold, buttery, garlicky, citrusy, and ever so slightly spicy. It's comfort food with a tropical twist, and it’s hard to beat the simplicity and flavor.

Every time I make it, someone asks for the recipe—and every time I say, “A Hawaiian friend taught me. It’s a house favorite now.”

💬 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re dreaming of island breezes or just want something insanely delicious for dinner tonight, give this Hawaiian Garlic Butter Shrimp a try. It's fast, flavorful, and guaranteed to become a staple in your home too.