Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a delightful dish that transports your taste buds to the sunny shores of Hawaii. With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a tropical-themed feast. The combination of succulent shrimp in a garlic butter sauce, complemented by the sweetness of pineapple juice, makes this dish truly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can have this delicious meal ready in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: The mix of garlic, butter, and pineapple juice creates a rich and exciting flavor profile that tantalizes your palate.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp on its own or serve it over rice for a satisfying meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress family and friends with its vibrant colors and delicious taste.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, it’s a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures smooth cooking and enhances your overall experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Garlic press
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A large skillet is crucial for evenly cooking the shrimp while allowing space for the garlic butter sauce to develop.
- Garlic press: Using a garlic press ensures that the garlic is finely minced, releasing maximum flavor into the dish.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup pineapple juice, preferably fresh
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Pineapple chunks
- Lime wedges
- Extra cilantro
How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Mince the garlic, chop the cilantro, and measure out all liquids.
Step 2: Heat Your Skillet
Heat your skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until melted.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Once the butter has melted, add in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, ground ginger, and lime juice. Pour this mixture into the skillet with cooked shrimp.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in chopped cilantro just before serving.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp hot with optional garnishes like pineapple chunks, lime wedges, and extra cilantro for added freshness. Enjoy!
How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Whether you’re keeping it casual or going for a more festive presentation, these serving suggestions will help you enjoy this delicious dish.
On a Bed of Rice
- Serve the shrimp over fluffy white rice or brown rice. The rice will soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce, making each bite even better.
With Grilled Vegetables
- Pair Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp with a mix of grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus. This adds vibrant colors and nutrients to your plate.
As Tacos
- Use warm tortillas to create shrimp tacos. Top with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and diced pineapple for a tropical twist.
With Fresh Salad
- Serve the shrimp alongside a refreshing green salad. Add ingredients like avocado, red onion, and a light vinaigrette to complement the richness of the shrimp.
In a Pasta Dish
- Toss the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp with pasta for a delightful seafood pasta dish. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can enhance the flavors even more.
As an Appetizer
- Serve the shrimp as an appetizer with toothpicks or skewers. This makes it easy for guests to enjoy at parties or gatherings.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
To make your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp even better, consider these helpful tips that ensure perfect results every time.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and garlic will provide the best flavor. If possible, choose local seafood for an authentic taste.
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Don’t Overcook: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them tough.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste your garlic butter sauce before serving. You can add more lime juice or honey depending on your preference for sweetness or tanginess.
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Garnish Creatively: Enhance presentation by garnishing with pineapple chunks and lime wedges. It adds color and visual appeal.
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Serve Immediately: Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp tastes best when served hot right off the stove. Plan your sides accordingly to keep everything warm.
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Experiment with Spice: If you like heat, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for extra flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Pairing side dishes with Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors beautifully.
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Coconut Rice: This sweet and creamy rice dish pairs perfectly with the savory shrimp while adding an extra layer of tropical flavor.
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Mango Salsa: A fresh mango salsa brings sweetness and acidity that contrasts wonderfully with the garlic butter sauce.
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Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and freshness, balancing out the richness of the shrimp dish nicely.
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Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad filled with herbs can offer protein while being a healthy addition to your plate.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is great for soaking up any leftover sauce from your shrimp dish, making each bite satisfying.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the flavors of Hawaii and provides a fun summer vibe when served alongside the shrimp.
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Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs provide a hearty side that pairs well with seafood.
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Sweet Potato Fries: These offer a sweet contrast to savory dishes while being both delicious and nutritious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Using frozen shrimp: Fresh shrimp makes a significant difference in flavor. Always opt for fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp for the best results.
- Not marinating long enough: Marinating the shrimp enhances the flavors. Aim for at least 15 minutes, but no more than 30 minutes, to avoid over-marination.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly; overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Skipping the garlic: Garlic is essential for this dish’s flavor. Don’t skimp on it; use fresh garlic for an aromatic boost.
- Ignoring seasoning: Proper seasoning elevates the dish. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp can last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place shrimp in a baking dish covered with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds on medium power until warmed throughout.
- Stovetop: Sauté in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a bit of butter if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp that might help you make the best version of this dish.
What is Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a flavorful seafood dish featuring shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with tropical ingredients like pineapple juice and lime.
How can I customize my Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition. Adjust spices according to your taste preferences as well!
What should I serve with Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or even a fresh salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?
Yes! You can substitute chicken or firm fish like salmon or mahi-mahi for a different twist while keeping similar flavors intact.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings. Give this tropical recipe a try, and you’ll bring the islands right into your kitchen!
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the taste of the tropics right to your kitchen. This quick and easy recipe features succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of sweetness from pineapple juice. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this dish offers a delightful combination of flavors that will impress your family and friends. Serve it over rice, toss it into tacos, or enjoy it on its own—this Hawaiian-inspired meal is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup fresh pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and prepare the shrimp by peeling and deveining if necessary.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat; add olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter until melted.
- Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
- In a bowl, mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, ground ginger, and lime juice. Pour into the skillet with shrimp.
- Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly; stir in chopped cilantro before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
