Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a easy Hawaiian recipe that serves 2. 260 calories per serving. Recipe by Derek Chen on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 30 min
Cost: $14.62 total, $7.31 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined; cut lengthwise to remove the vein)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
- 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (high smoke‑point oil for frying)
- 2 Tbsp Rice Flour (provides a light crisp coating)
- 1 Tbsp Cornstarch (helps create a crunchy texture)
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Lemon (juiced)
- 2 cups Cooked White Rice (to serve)
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp
Place the peeled shrimp on a cutting board and slice each piece lengthwise down the back to expose and remove the dark vein (the “poop”). Rinse briefly and pat dry with paper towels.
Time: PT2M
Mince Garlic and Make Garlic Butter
Mince the garlic cloves. In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, add the minced garlic, and sauté until the butter turns a light golden‑brown and the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium
Mix the Coating
In a mixing bowl combine rice flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir until the mixture is uniform.
Time: PT2M
Coat the Shrimp
Add the prepared shrimp to the bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated with the flour mixture. Shake off excess coating.
Time: PT2M
Pan‑Fry the Shrimp
Add the vegetable oil to the skillet (the same pan used for garlic butter) and heat over medium‑high heat. Place the coated shrimp in a single layer and fry for about 2‑3 minutes per side, or until both sides are golden brown and the shrimp are just opaque.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Finish with Garlic Butter and Lemon
When the shrimp are golden, return the garlic‑butter mixture (or add a fresh pat of butter if the pan is dry) and toss the shrimp to coat. Squeeze the lemon juice over the top, give a quick stir, and remove from heat.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Plate the shrimp over warm cooked rice, drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the top, and serve immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 260
- Protein
- 22g
- Carbohydrates
- 12g
- Fat
- 13g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten‑Free (using rice flour and cornstarch), Low‑Carb
Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Large Shrimp: Prawns
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Ghee
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Peanut oil
- Instead of Rice Flour: All‑purpose flour
- Instead of Cornstarch: Potato starch
- Instead of Paprika: Smoked paprika
- Instead of Lemon: Lime juice
- Instead of Cooked White Rice: Jasmine rice, Brown rice
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Spoon
- Large Skillet
- Tongs
- Serving Plate
- Lemon Squeezer (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Deveining the shrimp to remove the dark vein.
- Ensuring the shrimp are completely dry before coating.
- Coating the shrimp evenly and shaking off excess flour.
- Frying at the correct temperature to achieve a golden crust without burning.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high smoke‑point oil like canola or peanut to prevent the butter from burning.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- Serve with a side of pickled ginger for a traditional Hawaiian touch.
Troubleshooting
Shrimp turn rubbery.
Do not overcook; shrimp are done when they turn opaque and firm to the touch, about 2‑3 minutes per side.
Coating falls off during frying.
Make sure the shrimp are patted dry before coating and that the oil is hot enough before adding the shrimp.
Garlic butter burns.
Keep the heat at medium and add a splash of oil if the butter starts to brown too quickly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to retain crispness.
Freezer: Not recommended; the coating becomes soggy after freezing.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to food safety.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dry coating mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store in an airtight container.
- Mince the garlic and keep it refrigerated; the garlic butter can be made ahead and reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp in Hawaiian cuisine?
Garlic shrimp, known locally as "‘ula‘ula shrimp," became popular in Hawaii after World War II when Asian immigrants introduced garlic‑butter techniques. It is now a staple at shrimp trucks and beachside eateries, representing the fusion of Pacific seafood with Asian flavors.
What are the traditional regional variations of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp in Hawaii?
In North Shore Oahu, shrimp are often tossed with soy sauce and chili flakes, while in Maui they may be served over garlic‑infused rice. Some versions add coconut milk for a richer sauce, but the core ingredients—shrimp, garlic, butter, and lemon—remain constant.
What occasions or celebrations is Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp traditionally associated with in Hawaiian culture?
Garlic shrimp is a favorite casual dish for beach picnics, sunset gatherings, and after‑work meals at shrimp trucks. It’s also served at local festivals and luaus as a quick, crowd‑pleasing seafood option.
How does Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp fit into the broader Hawaiian cuisine tradition?
Hawaiian cuisine blends native Polynesian staples with Asian influences. Garlic shrimp exemplifies this blend by using locally abundant shrimp with Asian‑style garlic butter, illustrating the island’s multicultural palate.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include fresh shrimp, garlic, unsalted butter, and a splash of lemon. Substitutes can be prawns for shrimp, all‑purpose flour for rice flour, or ghee for butter, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
What other Hawaiian dishes pair well with Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?
Garlic shrimp pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, a simple cabbage slaw, or a side of macaroni salad—common accompaniments at Hawaiian shrimp trucks.
What makes Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp special or unique in Hawaiian cuisine?
Its simplicity and bold garlic‑butter flavor set it apart. The quick pan‑fry method creates a crisp coating while keeping the shrimp tender, delivering a satisfying contrast that epitomizes island comfort food.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp at home?
Common errors include overcooking the shrimp, using insufficient heat which leads to a soggy coating, and burning the garlic butter. Follow the timing guidelines and keep the oil hot for a crisp crust.
How do I know when Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is done cooking?
The shrimp will turn opaque and firm, and the coating will be golden‑brown on both sides. A quick bite should feel tender, not rubbery, and the garlic butter should coat the shrimp without pooling.
What does the YouTube channel Derek Chen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Derek Chen focuses on fast, under‑30‑minute meals that blend Asian techniques with Western home‑cooking, emphasizing flavorful, approachable dishes for busy cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Derek Chen's approach to Hawaiian cooking differ from other Hawaiian cooking channels?
Derek Chen emphasizes speed and minimal equipment, delivering authentic Hawaiian flavors like garlic shrimp in a concise 30‑minute format, whereas many other channels may explore longer, more traditional preparations or elaborate plating.
Last updated: September 4, 2026






