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hawaiian-style garlic butter shrimp

Best Hawaiian-Style Garlic Butter Shrimp

Delicious Best Hawaiian-Style Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe with step-by-step instructions.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 975
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
  • 1/3 cup garlic (finely minced)
  • 1.5 tbsp flour
  • 1.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 6 tbsp salted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp granulated sugar

Method
 

  1. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for getting a good sear and preventing the butter from splattering. In a small bowl, combine the flour, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Toss the dried shrimp with this seasoning mixture until evenly coated, making sure each piece gets a light, even layer. Set the seasoned shrimp aside on a plate. While you're organizing, mince your garlic finely and measure out your lemon juice and parsley so everything is ready to go when you need it.
  2. Heat the salted butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter is fully melted and the oil shimmers. Once the pan is hot, add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds—you want to bloom the garlic's flavor without letting it brown, which would make it bitter. I like to keep the heat at medium rather than high here because it gives the garlic time to infuse the fat without burning.
  3. Increase the heat to medium-high and carefully add the seasoned shrimp from Step 1 to the garlic-infused butter, spreading them out in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without stirring, allowing them to develop a golden crust. Flip each shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes on the second side until they're pink and just cooked through. The shrimp will continue cooking slightly from residual heat, so don't overcook them or they'll become tough and rubbery.
  4. Remove the pan from heat and immediately squeeze the lemon juice into the pan with the cooked shrimp and butter sauce. Sprinkle in the granulated sugar—this small amount balances the acidity of the lemon and rounds out the Hawaiian-inspired flavors. Toss everything gently to combine, then fold in the fresh chopped parsley. This final addition of fresh herbs brings brightness and color to the finished dish.
  5. Transfer the shrimp to a serving plate or bowl, pouring all the garlic butter sauce from the pan over the top. The combination of tender shrimp, rich garlic butter, and bright citrus-herb finish is best served immediately while warm. Enjoy as is or serve with crusty bread, rice, or over a fresh green salad to soak up that delicious sauce.