Quick Hawaiian Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

I absolutely adore this Quick Hawaiian Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe because it brings together juicy shrimp cooked in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with just the right hint of tropical flair. It’s fast to prepare, packed full of bold flavors, and always impresses whether I’m whipping it up for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun get-together with friends. The bright garlic notes and buttery richness combined with a touch of paprika and black pepper make this dish a total winner in my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Quick Hawaiian Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

What really captivates me about this recipe is that delicate balance between simplicity and bold taste. The shrimp are succulent and tender, their natural sweetness enhanced by the savory garlic butter and a subtle smoky hint from the paprika. I love how the seasoning and butter meld gently during cooking, transforming a few simple ingredients into something truly special. It’s a flavor-packed experience that feels both comforting and a little bit exotic at the same time.

On top of the amazing flavor, the ease of preparation makes this dish one of my go-tos when I want something impressive but without spending hours in the kitchen. The entire process takes about 20 minutes, from seasoning the shrimp to the final garnish with fresh parsley. I find it’s perfect for busy weeknights but also great when entertaining guests who appreciate delicious, restaurant-quality flavors served right at home. This recipe really stands out because it combines speed, taste, and a little tropical vacation vibe all in one skillet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

I always find that the magic in this recipe is in its simple, accessible ingredients—all playing a key role to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make every bite exciting.

• Paprika: Adds a gentle smoky warmth and beautiful color to the shrimp coating.
• Sea salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp and balances all the flavors.
• Black pepper: Provides a subtle kick and depth to the seasoning mix.
• Flour: Helps the seasoning stick to the shrimp perfectly and creates a light, velvety texture in the butter sauce.
• Shrimp (12 oz., cleaned and deveined): The star ingredient—fresh, juicy, and ready to soak up all the flavors.
• Unsalted butter (½ stick): Builds the rich garlicky base that makes this dish so irresistible.
• Garlic cloves (7, minced): Infuses the shrimp with robust, aromatic flavor that defines the dish.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used for cooking the shrimp without burning the garlic, adding smooth richness.
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional): Provides a burst of color and fresh, herbal brightness at the end.

Directions

Step 1: In a large resealable bag, combine the paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and flour; shake well to mix everything evenly.

Step 2: Add the shrimp to the bag and seal it tightly, then shake again to coat every shrimp piece thoroughly with the seasoned flour mixture. Set the shrimp aside while you prepare the pan.

Step 3: Melt the butter in a large 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. As soon as the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes translucent and just starts to darken—be careful, as it cooks quickly and you don’t want it to burn.

Step 4: Remove the garlic from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Pour the olive oil into the pan and heat it over medium-high heat.

Step 5: Add the coated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure they sear perfectly. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they’re pink, opaque, and slightly crispy around the edges.

Step 6: Return the cooked garlic to the skillet, stirring it gently into the shrimp to coat everything in that rich garlic butter sauce. Reheat briefly just until everything is warmed through.

Step 7: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot and full of garlicky goodness.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people generously, making it perfect for small family dinners or gatherings. The prep time is just about 5 minutes since most ingredients just need mixing and peeling garlic. The shrimp cook super fast, taking only 15 minutes, so the total time to get this beautiful dish from start to finish is approximately 20 minutes. There’s no resting or cooling time needed, so you can enjoy it piping hot right away.

How to Serve This Quick Hawaiian Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

One of my favorite things about serving this shrimp dish is its versatility. I love plating it over fluffy white rice or coconut rice which perfectly soaks up the buttery garlic sauce, adding a subtle sweetness that complements the shrimp beautifully. For a lighter option, it pairs wonderfully with steamed or sautéed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or snap peas, adding a crisp texture and vibrant color to the plate.

To make it feel extra special, I often garnish with a little more fresh parsley or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten all the flavors. For drinks, this shrimp pairs delightfully with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing tropical cocktail for a true island vibe. It’s equally perfect for casual weeknight dinners or as a show-stopping appetizer at parties. I always serve it hot, straight from the pan, because the garlic butter sauce is at its most luscious then.

For presentation, I like to neatly arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a large platter or individual plates, finishing with a sprinkle of parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side. Portion-wise, about 3 ounces of shrimp per person hits the spot nicely, especially if you’re serving alongside rice and veggies or a light salad. This recipe never fails to get compliments and happy smiles every time I share it.

Variations

I enjoy customizing this Quick Hawaiian Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. If you want a little heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili when you cook the garlic gives it a spicy kick I adore. You can also swap the paprika for smoked paprika or even a little curry powder if you want to add some smoky or earthy layers to the dish.

For those following gluten-free diets, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to maintain the coating’s texture without compromising flavor. If you’re vegan or prefer plant-based, I recommend using firm tofu or large king oyster mushrooms instead of shrimp, cooking them in vegan butter with garlic and similar seasonings—still packed with flavor and equally satisfying.

Another fun twist is to cook the shrimp on a grill rather than in a skillet, which adds a beautiful char and smokiness that’s perfect for outdoor meals or summer parties. Just brush the shrimp and garlic butter mixture onto the grill-ready shrimp and cook quickly on each side. However you choose to make it your own, this recipe adapts well and always delivers that irresistible Hawaiian garlic butter goodness.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. The shrimp keeps well this way for up to 2 days. I find that using glass containers with tight-fitting lids helps preserve the flavors without absorbing odors from other foods. Because the dish is best enjoyed fresh, I try to finish leftovers quickly.

Freezing

Though I typically recommend enjoying this shrimp freshly made, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. To freeze, spread the shrimp out on a baking sheet to flash freeze first, so they don’t clump together. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to remove as much air as possible. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a touch of butter or olive oil to revive the sauce’s richness. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it tends to make shrimp rubbery and dry. Stirring occasionally and going slowly helps maintain the juicy texture and fresh flavors. Only reheat until warmed through to avoid overcooking the shrimp again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before coating with the flour mixture. This helps achieve the best sear and prevents excess moisture that could steam instead of brown the shrimp.

Is this dish spicy?

By itself, this Quick Hawaiian Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is mild with warm, savory flavors from paprika and garlic. If you like a bit of heat, you can easily add red pepper flakes or fresh chili to spice things up.

What can I serve instead of rice?

You can enjoy this dish with mashed potatoes, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even a fresh green salad to keep it light. All these options soak up the flavorful garlic butter nicely and make for a balanced meal.

Can I prepare parts of the recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix your flour and seasoning in advance and store it in an airtight container. You can also peel and devein the shrimp ahead, making the final cooking step quick and easy when you’re ready to eat.

How do I know when the shrimp is cooked perfectly?

Shrimp cook very quickly; they’re done when they turn pink and opaque—and the flesh feels firm but still slightly springy to the touch. Overcooking results in rubbery texture, so timing 2 to 3 minutes per side is ideal.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Quick Hawaiian Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe because it truly brings a burst of flavor and effortless sophistication to your table. It’s one of those dishes that satisfies your craving for something deliciously garlicky and buttery but comes together in a flash. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorite quick meals. Give it a go and enjoy every succulent bite!

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