Garlic Shrimp in Buttery Hawaiian Sauce Recipe

Did you know that the famous garlic shrimp sold at food trucks in Hawaii is inspired by a local dish that originated on the North Shore of Oahu? This mouthwatering delicacy has become a staple in Hawaiian cuisine and is loved by locals and visitors alike. The combination of succulent shrimp and a flavorful buttery sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Key Takeaways:

• Create a flavorful sauce by combining garlic and butter.
• Coat the shrimp in a mixture of flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt.
• Cook the shrimp in a combination of butter and olive oil until pink and cooked through.
• Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of minced parsley.
• Enjoy the flavors of Hawaii in the comfort of your own home.

The Best Garlic Shrimp Recipe

This garlic shrimp recipe is widely considered to be the best and delivers exceptional flavors. The shrimp is cooked in a rich, garlicky, butter-based sauce that elevates the dish to a new level of deliciousness. The recipe is easy to follow and requires basic ingredients that are readily available. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or as a main course. The preparation time is minimal, making it a great option for busy days. The combination of succulent shrimp, garlic, and butter creates a mouthwatering flavor that will leave you wanting more.

The Story Behind Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Hawaiian garlic shrimp is a famous local dish in Hawaii that has become synonymous with the vibrant food culture of the islands. Although it is often referred to as “Hawaiian garlic shrimp,” it’s important to note that this dish is not a traditional Hawaiian recipe but rather a creation that originated in Hawaii.

The roots of Hawaiian garlic shrimp can be traced back to the iconic shrimp trucks that are a common sight on the North Shore of Oahu. These trucks, such as Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck and Romy’s Kahuku Prawns and Shrimp, play a significant role in popularizing this delectable dish among locals and visitors alike.

So, what exactly makes Hawaiian garlic shrimp so irresistible? It starts with the use of fresh, local shrimp that are sourced from the surrounding waters. The shrimp are typically coated in a mixture of flour, paprika, and cayenne pepper, which adds a flavorful kick to the dish. Pan-fried to perfection, the shrimp are then served with a generous drizzle of garlic butter sauce that enhances their natural sweetness.

When enjoying Hawaiian garlic shrimp, it’s common to find the dish served with a side of rice and a wedge of lemon to provide a refreshing citrus burst. The combination of succulent shrimp, savory garlic butter sauce, and the accompaniments truly creates a culinary experience that captures the essence of Hawaii.

It’s important to note that while Hawaiian garlic shrimp has become a staple in the local food scene, it is not representative of traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Instead, it showcases the diverse culinary influences that have shaped the food culture in Hawaii, including Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino flavors.

The Name Controversy: Hawaiian vs Garlic Shrimp from Hawaii

The name “Hawaiian garlic shrimp” has become widely used to refer to this dish, especially among tourists visiting the islands. However, locals prefer to call it “garlic shrimp from Hawaii” to differentiate it from authentic Hawaiian cuisine. This distinction ensures that visitors understand the origins of the dish and its unique place in the culinary landscape of Hawaii.

The Influence of Shrimp Trucks

The shrimp trucks on the North Shore of Oahu have played a significant role in the popularity of Hawaiian garlic shrimp. These colorful and bustling food trucks have not only made garlic shrimp accessible to locals and tourists but also created a unique dining experience that celebrates the flavors of Hawaii. Visitors often find themselves lining up for a taste of this beloved dish, creating lasting memories of their time in the islands.

A Comparison of Popular Shrimp Trucks in Hawaii

These shrimp trucks, such as Giovanni’s and Romy’s, have become legendary for their mouthwatering garlic shrimp dishes. Each truck offers its own unique twist on the recipe, creating a friendly rivalry among locals and visitors who debate which one serves the best garlic shrimp.

Whether enjoyed from a shrimp truck on the North Shore or recreated at home, Hawaiian garlic shrimp is a beloved dish that represents the fusion of flavors and cultures found in Hawaii’s vibrant food scene. Its irresistible taste and cultural significance continue to make it a must-try for anyone visiting the islands.

The Shrimp Trucks of Hawaii

When it comes to experiencing the best shrimp dishes in Hawaii, shrimp trucks are a must-visit culinary attraction, especially on the scenic North Shore of Oahu. These vibrant food trucks have become iconic for serving delicious and flavorful shrimp delicacies that have garnered a devoted following.

The Famous Shrimp Trucks

Two shrimp trucks, in particular, have gained widespread recognition for their mouthwatering garlic shrimp plates: Romy’s Kahuku Prawns and Shrimp, and Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck.

“Romy’s Kahuku Prawns and Shrimp and Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck are renowned for their delectable garlic shrimp plates. These two trucks have become legendary among locals and tourists alike.”

Romy’s Kahuku Prawns and Shrimp offers a classic garlic shrimp plate that is simply irresistible. The succulent shrimp, cooked to perfection, are served with a generous side of rice and a spicy shoyu dipping sauce that adds an extra kick of flavor. Locals and visitors rave about the mouthwatering taste and the perfect balance of spices in Romy’s garlic shrimp.

On the other hand, Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck is known for its garlicky shrimp scampi plate, which is served with a generous portion of rice and a tantalizing garlic lemon butter sauce. The combination of tender shrimp and the rich, tangy sauce creates an explosion of flavors that keeps customers coming back for more.

The Debate

With both trucks serving up heavenly garlic shrimp, a debate has emerged among loyal fans as to which one reigns supreme. Some argue that Romy’s Kahuku Prawns and Shrimp’s classic preparation is the epitome of Hawaiian garlic shrimp, while others swear by the bold flavors of Giovanni’s garlicky shrimp scampi.

“The friendly rivalry between Romy’s Kahuku Prawns and Shrimp and Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck has sparked lively debates among fans, adding to the allure and excitement of the North Shore’s shrimp truck scene.”

Visitors to these renowned shrimp trucks might find themselves waiting in line for a taste of shrimp perfection. But rest assured, the wait is well worth it, as the flavor-packed dishes served by Romy’s and Giovanni’s will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.

Experience the irresistible allure of these iconic shrimp trucks and discover for yourself why they have become staples of the Hawaiian culinary scene.

How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp at Home

If you’re craving the deliciousness of Hawaiian garlic shrimp but can’t make it to the iconic shrimp trucks in Hawaii, don’t worry! You can recreate this mouthwatering dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. By following our homemade garlic shrimp recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy the flavors of Hawaii without leaving home.

To start, you’ll need fresh, local shrimp. Make sure to remove the shells and devein the shrimp before cooking. This will ensure that you’re left with succulent shrimp that’s ready to soak up all the flavors.

The next step is to prepare a flavorful coating for the shrimp. In a bowl, mix together flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Coat the shrimp in this mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated. The combination of spices adds a delicious kick to the dish.

Now it’s time to cook the shrimp. In a large skillet, melt butter and add olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add minced garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Now add the coated shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the size of your shrimp. Cooking them in the garlic butter sauce infuses them with rich flavors.

Once the shrimp are cooked, squeeze fresh lemon juice over them to add a refreshing touch. The acidity of the lemon balances the richness of the dish. Finally, garnish with minced parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Now your homemade Hawaiian garlic shrimp is ready to be served. Transfer the shrimp to a platter and enjoy them hot. They’re perfect as an appetizer or as a main course, served with rice to complete the meal.

So why wait? Bring the flavors of Hawaii to your home by cooking this delectable garlic shrimp recipe. It’s an easy and impressive dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the beautiful shores of Hawaii.

Tips and Substitutions for Making Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

When it comes to making delicious Hawaiian garlic shrimp, we have a few tips and substitutions that will help you achieve the best results. While using shell-on shrimp is recommended for maximum flavor, you can also opt for peeled shrimp if you prefer. In terms of garlic, fresh garlic is the preferred choice to enhance the dish’s aromatic flavors, but minced garlic can be a time-saving alternative.

While Mochiko flour is traditionally used in this recipe, you can substitute regular flour if needed. To ensure a crispy coating on the shrimp, make sure to pat them dry before coating them in the flour mixture. This step will help the coating adhere better to the shrimp. It’s crucial to remove the garlic butter from the pan before cooking the shrimp to prevent the garlic from burning and turning bitter.

Cooking the shrimp in batches and in a single layer is important to ensure even cooking and a nice golden color. This will help you achieve beautifully seared and tender shrimp that are bursting with flavor. Follow these tips and substitutions, and you’ll be able to create the perfect Hawaiian garlic shrimp in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Source Links

• https://onolicioushawaii.com/hawaiian-garlic-shrimp/
• https://www.cookingclassy.com/garlic-shrimp/
• https://www.evseats.com/hawaiian-garlic-shrimp/