Tender shrimp in a buttery garlic sauce over fluffy rice, with a zesty squeeze of lemon. This gluten-free recipe brings a taste of Hawaii to your kitchen!
An Essential Stop on the North Shore
If you’ve ever been to Hawaii or are planning to go, then you MUST be familiar with this! Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is an absolute must-try when you visit. Now, there are so many places where it can be enjoyed, but back when I was growing up, there was only one that truly stood out: Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck in Haleiwa.
Giovanni’s is the go-to spot after a sunny beach day. They’re famous for their Garlic Shrimp served with rice and lemons. And here’s the best part – they generously drizzle extra garlic sauce on the rice. Trust me, it’s incredibly tasty and I can’t stop thinking about it! The line can get super long so I always suggest going before or after lunch rush and get the Shrimp Scampi!
Where did Garlic Shrimp come From?
Many feel it’s a blend of local Hawaiian and immigrant flavors, with Asian cuisines playing a role. With Oahu’s plentiful shrimp, this garlic-focused dish was quickly adopted and loved by many. This dish definitely highlights Oahu’s diverse food heritage.
While there isn’t a single name or place to credit for Garlic Shrimp’s birth, the North Shore, especially spots like Kahuku, have become its heartland. Now, there are so many different shrimp trucks to choose from, each with unique flavors!
Other North Shore Shrimp Trucks:
- Romy’s Kahuku Prawns and Shrimp – Located in Kahuku, a little further from north shore. Has similar options to Giovanni but has a little more options. They get their shrimp from their own shrimp farm behind them! I believe they use fried garlic and I’ve heard their shrimp is a little bigger.
- Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp – Shrimp is very fresh and caught from their own ponds right next to it. They also offer tours of the ponds to visitors. Plates come with a slice of Kahuku Pineapple and they have a couple more options that aren’t shrimp.
- Big Wave Shrimp Truck – Probably has the most options out of all of these like Coconut Shrimp, Steak, and Calamari. Plate comes with side salad and Pineapple. I haven’t been able to try this spot yet but I’ve heard good things about it!
A Few other reminders while visiting these trucks:
- Cash is king – Most of these spots take cash! I’m not sure if things have changed recently but I like to bring some just in case!
- Wait times – These shrimp trucks are so popular that the wait can probably get up to a couple of hours! I suggest arriving early or going at an off time like between lunch and dinner.
- Parking – Most of these places have their own parking! Romy’s and Fumi’s is on the side of the road so you just have to pull over and park, just be careful! Giovannis in Haleiwa and Big wave have a small parking lot so beware they can become very crowded fast! Follow directions and look for signs if parking at other businesses or on the street because you do not want your car to get towed in Haleiwa!
Let’s get Into this Recipe!
Since I don’t live on Oahu anymore, I needed to satisfy my craving for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp! This has been my favorite way to make it so far and I can’t wait to share it with you! I know most recipes call for putting flour on your shrimp but I wanted to make a gluten free recipe thats delicious so everyone can enjoy! I don’t eat the shell anyways, so it doesn’t make a big difference! I believe the flavor is all in the sauce!
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Garlic Shrimp Ingredients
I am assuming, if you’re on my blog right now, that you’re not looking for Oahu Garlic Shrimp recommendations but instead want to make your own! Let’s start with the breakdown of ingredients. *You can also scroll to the bottom of page for the full recipe*
- Shrimp – I like to use Jumbo Shrimp, usually around 16-20 count per pound! Keep the shell on because it holds so much flavor when you cook it and it will make it difficult to overcook the shrimp.
- Butter – Use unsalted.
- Garlic – Pretty much a whole head of garlic. Feel free to add a little extra in there if you’re a garlic lover like me! Trust me it’s so delicious!
- Hot Sauce – I think this adds a little more flavor and acidity to it! We really aren’t adding too much so you really shouldn’t taste the heat. I like to use crystals or tabasco!
- White Wine – Keeps the shrimp tender, adds some acidity, and a little bit of sweetness! We cook this down pretty much all the way so you shouldn’t taste any of it. If you don’t want to use white wine you can substitute it for low sodium chicken broth or water and I would add a little more lemon for acidity.
- Lemon – I love using fresh lemon juice! This makes the dish so tasty and adds fresh flavor.
Seasonings:
- Italian Seasoning
- Cayenne
- Garlic Powder
- Crushed Red Pepper flakes
- Salt & Pepper
Tips for Cooking Garlic Shrimp
I love cooking my garlic shrimp in a cast iron skillet because it gives the shell that perfect crispy sear! But if you don’t have one on hand, a nonstick or any regular skillet works great too. Just remember: after you drop the shrimp in, let them sit for a bit to get that golden finish.
The Finishing Touches
Here’s how you amp it up: Drizzle that leftover garlic sauce on your rice. Add a sprinkle of furikake for an extra flavor kick. And always finish with a fresh lemon squeeze over everything – it makes all the difference. Enjoy!!
Craving more culinary adventures?
If you loved diving into this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe, you’re in for more treats. Seriously, you’ve got to try our Spicy Ahi Poke. And for a refreshing kick? Don’t even get me started on our Acai Bowl. For more recipes, just hop over to the Recipe Page. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb Jumbo shrimp deveined, tail on, shell on
- 2 tbsp butter unsalted
- 10 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ tsp italian seasoning
- pinch cayenne
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp hot sauce tabasco or something similar
- ¼ cup white wine
- 1 lemon half juice, half for garnish
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Set large cast iron skillet over medium high heat and melt 1 Tbsp of unsalted butter. Once butter is melted add shrimp.
- Let the shrimp cook for a couple of minutes then add the minced garlic. Season the shrimp with italian seasoning, cayenne, garlic powder, crushed pepper, salt and pepper.
- Once the shrimp skin gets a little crisp add the white wine, juice from half a lemon, and the last of the butter.
- Let that cook down a little bit and add the hot sauce, mix well, and cut the heat.
- Serve with rice. Use the remaining lemon slices for garnish! Also don't forget to scoop some of the garlic sauce on top of the rice. Its so amazing!