Juicy prawns cooked in a garlicky buttery sauce, this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is just like the shrimp trucks you’d find in Hawaii.

If you’ve ever been to Oahu’s North Shore, chances are you’ve made a stop at one of the famous shrimp trucks parked along the roadside. And if you haven’t—let me tell you, Hawaiian garlic shrimp is something special. Garlicky, buttery, and full of bold flavor, it’s the kind of dish that instantly transports you to island life with just one bite.

This recipe is inspired by the iconic plates served up in places like Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and delivers restaurant-level flavor right from your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of jumbo shrimp with shell on (cleaned and deveined)
• 2 1/2 tablespoons of all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 18 large garlic cloves minced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

Why Shell-On Shrimp?

Leaving the shells on might seem like extra work, but it’s so worth it. They help trap flavor, keep the shrimp juicy, and give you that satisfying, messy, eat-with-your-hands experience—just like in Hawaii.

LOTS of garlic goes in this recipe so don’t be surprised when you read it requires `18 cloves of garlic. It’s needed to get that garlicky flavor. I recommend using fresh garlic, but you can also use the minced garlic that is sold in grocery stores. It’s a great time saver if you are pressed for time, and don’t feel like chopping up a bunch of garlic. 

How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry. In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Lightly coat the shrimp in the seasoned flour. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook Garlic in Butter + Oil

In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant and golden (but not burnt). Scoop most of the garlic out and set it aside—this keeps it from overcooking while the shrimp cooks.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

Add the floured shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and slightly crispy. Add the garlic back in and toss everything together so the shrimp is coated in buttery, garlicky goodness.

Serve It Up

Plate it with white rice and lemon wedges. If you want to go full Hawaiian food truck style, serve with a side of macaroni salad too. Trust me—this meal tastes like sunshine.

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Tips for the Best Garlic Shrimp

Feel free to add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of cayenne for extra brightness or kick.

Use fresh garlic, not the pre-minced kind in a jar—it makes a big difference.

Don’t overcook your garlic or shrimp—watch closely!

Tried this recipe? Tag me @evseats so I can see your plate—and maybe repost it!