Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe

This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp (also known as Garlic Butter Shrimp from the famous Giovanni's Shrimp Truck in Hawaii) is a juicy, garlicky, buttery explosion of flavor—plump shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic-butter sauce with a touch of lemon and green onions. This iconic North Shore Oahu street food is simple, fast, and insanely addictive—perfect for weeknight dinners, beach parties, or when you crave a taste of Hawaii!

This crowd-pleasing shrimp dish is a standout in our collection of tropical seafood favorites, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with just a handful of ingredients in under 20 minutes.

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

• Cuisine: Hawaiian, American
• Category: Main Dish, Seafood
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: approx. 450-550 CALORIES per serving

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is the legendary street food that made food trucks famous on Oahu's North Shore. Inspired by Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, this dish features shell-on shrimp cooked in an outrageous amount of garlic butter, with a splash of lemon and green onions for brightness. It's messy, garlicky, buttery, and utterly addictive—exactly what makes it a must-try Hawaiian classic.

The secret is using shell-on shrimp (keeps them juicy), loads of fresh garlic, and real butter for that rich, glossy sauce. Served over sticky white rice, it soaks up every drop of garlicky goodness.

When you bite in, the shrimp are tender and succulent, coated in a silky butter sauce with intense garlic flavor balanced by a hint of lemon. The shells add extra flavor and fun finger-eating vibes!

This dish is perfect for summer dinners, luau-style parties, or whenever you want a quick tropical escape. Pair it with pineapple slices, macaroni salad, or lomi lomi salmon for the full Hawaiian plate lunch experience.

Leftovers (rare!) store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce. It's indulgent with protein from shrimp and healthy fats from butter—enjoy responsibly!

Variations: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat, use prawns, or go shell-off for easier eating (though the shells make it more authentic and flavorful).

From testing, the key is high heat for quick searing and not overcooking the shrimp. Use fresh garlic (not pre-minced) for the best punch!

All in all, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is pure island magic—simple, bold, and unforgettable. Once you make it, you'll be dreaming of the North Shore!

If you’re ready to bring Hawaii to your kitchen, check the recipe below. Aloha!

Recipe

This authentic Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe recreates the famous North Shore food truck version—juicy shell-on shrimp in a rich garlic-butter sauce, served over rice for the ultimate island comfort dish.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs large shell-on shrimp (16-20 count), deveined
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
• 1 head fresh garlic (about 10-12 cloves), minced (yes, that much!)
• 1/4 cup flour (for dredging)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon (plus extra wedges for serving)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Pat shrimp dry. Mix flour, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Lightly dredge shrimp in the seasoned flour.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant (don't burn!).
3. Add dredged shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
4. Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
5. Remove from heat, garnish with green onions, and serve immediately over hot rice. Spoon extra sauce over everything!

Rated 4.9 by 262 of island food lovers.

Recipe Tags: Hawaiian garlic shrimp, Giovanni's shrimp truck, garlic butter shrimp, North Shore Hawaii food, shell-on shrimp recipe, tropical seafood, quick shrimp dinner

Published by: Crisprecipe