Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Hawaii to your dining table. This recipe features tender shrimp coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfectly balanced with the sweetness of pineapple. Ideal for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp offers a unique culinary experience that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 25 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, and pineapple juice creates a deliciously rich sauce that enhances the shrimp.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, with pasta, or on its own as an appetizer for a tropical twist.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients like garlic and cilantro elevates the dish’s flavor profile and makes it healthier.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this dish impresses with its vibrant colors and tantalizing aroma.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and allows you to easily toss the shrimp in the delicious garlic sauce.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping garlic and cilantro quick and effortless.
- Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements help maintain the balance of flavors in this dish.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is useful for combining ingredients like pineapple juice and soy sauce before adding them to the skillet.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
- 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
For Garnish
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: pineapple chunks, lime wedges, and extra cilantro
How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure that your shrimp are peeled and deveined. Mince the garlic finely.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Heat your skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow it to melt completely.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
Step 5: Make The Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), ground ginger, and lime juice. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the shrimp.
Step 6: Combine
Let everything simmer together for about 3-4 minutes until heated through. Stir occasionally to coat all shrimp evenly in the sauce.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Remove from heat and stir in fresh cilantro. Serve warm with optional garnishes like pineapple chunks or lime wedges for an extra tropical touch!
How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience, making it suitable for any occasion.
On a Bed of Rice
- Serve the shrimp over a bed of fluffy white rice or jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
With Fresh Pineapple
- Add some fresh pineapple chunks on top for a tropical twist that complements the dish’s sweetness.
In Tacos
- Use warm tortillas to create shrimp tacos, adding shredded cabbage and lime crema for extra flavor and crunch.
As Part of a Poke Bowl
- Incorporate Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp into a poke bowl with avocado, cucumber, and sushi rice for a refreshing meal.
With Lime Wedges
- Offer lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp, enhancing its zesty flavor.
Garnished with Cilantro
- Sprinkle additional chopped cilantro over the dish before serving to elevate its presentation and taste.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
To ensure your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shrimp and garlic will significantly enhance the flavor and aroma of your dish.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Cook until just pink and opaque; this keeps them tender and juicy.
- Balance flavors: Adjust sweetness with honey or brown sugar according to your taste preferences.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add red pepper flakes or paprika for an extra kick.
- Garnish creatively: Use colorful garnishes like sliced limes or herbs to make your dish visually appealing.
- Marinate if possible: Allowing shrimp to marinate briefly in the mixture can deepen flavors before cooking.
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Complement your Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp with these delightful side dishes that bring out its tropical flair.
-
Coconut Rice
Creamy coconut rice pairs well with shrimp, adding a rich texture and flavor that enhances the meal. -
Grilled Vegetables
A medley of seasonal vegetables grilled lightly provides color and crunch alongside your flavorful shrimp. -
Coleslaw
A tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the garlic butter sauce. -
Steamed Broccoli
Lightly steamed broccoli offers a healthy side option while its mild flavor pairs nicely with shrimp. -
Mango Salsa
This sweet and spicy salsa complements the dish beautifully, adding brightness and zest. -
Quinoa Salad
A chilled quinoa salad with diced veggies is a nutritious addition that brings texture and freshness to your plate. -
Garlic Bread
Serve some warm garlic bread on the side for an indulgent treat that’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. -
Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy sweet potato fries add a hint of sweetness and are an excellent alternative to traditional sides.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, some common pitfalls can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are key mistakes to watch out for:
- Using frozen shrimp: Fresh shrimp makes a big difference in taste. Always opt for fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best results.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become tough if overcooked. Aim for a cooking time of just a few minutes until they turn pink.
- Skipping the marinating step: Allowing the shrimp to marinate enhances flavor. Even a short marinade can improve the dish significantly.
- Neglecting seasoning: Salt and pepper are essential. Don’t forget to season generously at every stage of cooking.
- Not balancing flavors: The sweetness from pineapple juice should be balanced with lime juice or soy sauce. Taste as you go to achieve harmony.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Keep Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Bake until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium in a skillet with a splash of water or broth until warmed, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp that might help you create this delicious dish.
What is Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a flavorful seafood dish featuring shrimp cooked in garlic butter sauce with tropical ingredients, often served with rice.
How do I make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the garlic butter sauce for an extra kick that complements the sweetness of the dish.
Can I use other seafood for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute shrimp with scallops or even fish fillets, adjusting cooking times as needed for each type of seafood.
What should I serve with Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, coconut rice, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it alongside grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor that transports you straight to paradise. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting sweetness levels. Try this delightful recipe at your next gathering or weeknight dinner!
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x
Description
Enjoy delicious Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, a quick and flavorful dish that brings tropical vibes to your table. Try this easy recipe today!
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup fresh pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and mince the garlic.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt olive oil with 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper; cook until pink (2-3 minutes per side).
- In a bowl, mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), ground ginger, and lime juice.
- Pour the mixture into the skillet; simmer for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Stir in fresh cilantro before serving with optional garnishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
