Name: Hawaiian Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp sea salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 2 tablespoons flour; 12 oz shrimp, cleaned and deveined; 1/2 stick unsalted butter; 7 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh chopped parsley, optional for garnish

Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Shrimp Recipe

This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients.

The shrimp are coated in a light seasoned flour mixture, giving them a flavorful golden crust.

Garlic butter adds rich, savory flavor without making the dish complicated.

It works well as a main dish, appetizer, or topping for rice, noodles, salads, and tacos.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tsp paprika
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tablespoons flour
12 oz shrimp, cleaned and deveined
1/2 stick unsalted butter
7 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh chopped parsley, optional for garnish

Directions

In a large resealable bag, combine paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and flour. Seal the bag and shake until the mixture is evenly combined.

Add the cleaned and deveined shrimp to the bag. Seal tightly and shake again until the shrimp are evenly coated in the seasoned flour mixture.

In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, just until fragrant.

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer.

Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink, golden brown, and fully cooked.

Return the sautéed garlic to the skillet and gently stir everything together. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Let the shrimp rest briefly before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

For a spicy version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture.

For a citrusy flavor, squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice over the shrimp before serving.

For a tropical-style meal, serve the shrimp with pineapple salsa, coconut rice, or grilled vegetables.

For a lighter version, reduce the butter slightly and use extra olive oil instead.

For extra crunch, add a little more flour to the coating mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Hawaiian Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low to medium heat until heated through. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil if needed.

Avoid overheating, as shrimp can become tough and rubbery.

Freezing is not recommended for the best texture, but cooked shrimp can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely, then pat them dry before coating so the seasoning sticks well.

What size shrimp works best?

Medium or large shrimp work best because they cook quickly while staying tender.

Can I make this without flour?

Yes. You can skip the flour, but the shrimp will have less of a golden crust.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, it is savory and mildly smoky from the paprika. Add cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce the sea salt slightly to avoid making the dish too salty.

What should I serve with Hawaiian Shrimp?

It pairs well with rice, noodles, salad, roasted vegetables, tacos, or pineapple salsa.

Can I cook this in a nonstick skillet?

Yes. A cast iron skillet gives great browning, but a nonstick skillet also works.

How do I know when shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink, opaque, and curl slightly.

Can I add pineapple?

Yes. Add small pineapple chunks near the end of cooking for a sweeter tropical flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Cook the shrimp in batches so they stay in a single layer and brown properly.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Shrimp is a fast, flavorful seafood recipe with buttery garlic, warm spices, and a golden finish. It is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough to serve for guests. Serve it with rice, vegetables, or a fresh tropical side for a complete and satisfying meal.