Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a delightful dish that captures the essence of tropical cuisine. This recipe features tender shrimp enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce, complemented by the sweetness of pineapple and a zing of lime. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or an exciting beach-themed party, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant flavors and quick preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and pineapple juice creates an irresistible sauce that enhances the shrimp’s natural taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, or on its own as an appetizer or main dish.
- Healthy yet Satisfying: Rich in protein and low in carbs, this dish is a great addition to any healthy meal plan.
- Beautiful Presentation: Garnish with fresh pineapple chunks and lime wedges for an eye-catching plate.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having the right equipment on hand makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: A wide surface area allows for even cooking of the shrimp and prevents overcrowding.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accuracy in measuring ingredients for consistent results.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce
- 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. Make sure the shrimp are peeled and deveined. Mince the garlic, chop the cilantro, and measure out the sauces.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter until melted.
Step 3: Sauté the 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. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Pour in ½ cup of pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey (or brown sugar), 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve hot with optional garnishes like pineapple chunks or lime wedges. Enjoy your delicious Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp!
How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a quick meal or a festive presentation, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
With Rice
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice for a fragrant and filling meal.
- Try coconut rice for an extra tropical taste.
With Vegetables
- Pair with sautéed broccoli or green beans for a colorful plate.
- Roasted bell peppers add sweetness and crunch.
As Tacos
- Fill corn tortillas with the shrimp and top with fresh cilantro and lime for a fun twist.
- Add avocado slices for creaminess and flavor.
As Appetizers
- Serve as skewers with pineapple chunks for easy finger food.
- Use small cups to serve shrimp with dipping sauce for parties.
On Salad
- Toss shrimp on a bed of mixed greens with mango slices and a citrus vinaigrette.
- Add crunchy nuts for texture and flavor contrast.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
To achieve the perfect Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, consider these essential tips:
- Use fresh shrimp: Freshly sourced shrimp enhances taste compared to frozen ones.
- Don’t overcook: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to maintain tenderness.
- Balance flavors: Adjust sweetness and acidity by tweaking honey and lime juice to your liking.
- Garnish creatively: Use vibrant garnishes like cilantro or lime wedges to make the dish visually appealing.
- Marinate briefly: Letting shrimp marinate in the sauce for 15-30 minutes deepens the flavors without overpowering them.
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Pairing side dishes with Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp elevates your meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Coconut Rice: Fluffy rice cooked in coconut milk adds richness that complements the shrimp.
- Grilled Pineapple: Sweet, caramelized pineapple brings out the tropical notes of the dish.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and a nice contrast in texture.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies provides a healthy boost alongside the shrimp.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Mango Salsa: A refreshing mango salsa adds sweetness and brightness, balancing out the savory elements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, avoiding common pitfalls ensures you enjoy the best flavors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping fresh ingredients: Using old or low-quality shrimp and garlic can ruin the dish’s flavor. Always opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients to enhance taste.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Cooking shrimp too long makes them tough and rubbery. Aim for just a few minutes until they turn pink and opaque for perfect tenderness.
- Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season properly can lead to bland shrimp. Ensure you add enough salt, pepper, and other spices to elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Using too much oil or butter: Adding excess fat can make the dish greasy instead of flavorful. Stick to the recommended amounts for a balanced sauce.
- Not letting flavors meld: Rushing through cooking can prevent the sauce from developing its full flavor. Allow ingredients to simmer together briefly for a deliciously cohesive taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp can last up to 2 days in the fridge.
- Make sure it’s cooled down before sealing the container.
Freezing Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place shrimp in a baking dish with a splash of water or broth, cover with foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until warmed evenly.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil or butter and sauté for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a flavorful seafood dish featuring shrimp cooked in garlic butter sauce with tropical flavors like pineapple juice and lime.
How do I serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?
You can serve Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp over steamed rice, alongside grilled vegetables, or as part of a beach-themed buffet spread.
Can I customize the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli, or adjust the sweetness by using more honey or brown sugar according to your taste preferences.
Is Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp healthy?
This dish is relatively healthy as it provides lean protein from shrimp and can be prepared with minimal fats. Just watch portion sizes if you’re monitoring calories.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is not just easy to prepare; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or impress guests at your next gathering. With simple customization options, this recipe allows you to create your perfect version of this tropical delight!
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x
Description
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a vibrant and flavorful dish that transports your taste buds straight to the tropics. Featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, this recipe is accentuated by the sweetness of pineapple juice and a refreshing hint of lime. It’s quick to prepare in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve it over rice or as a stand-alone appetizer, and enjoy the beautiful presentation with fresh garnishes. With its delightful blend of flavors and simplicity, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is sure to impress anyone at your dining table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients. Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter until melted.
- Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Pour in pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), ground ginger, and lime juice. Stir well.
- Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through; season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4 oz (113g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
