The Ultimate Garlicky Hawaiian Shrimp Scampi: An Authentic Taste of Aloha

Embark on a culinary journey to the sunny shores of Hawaii with this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make Hawaiian Shrimp Scampi recipe! This dish is a homage to the legendary shrimp trucks found across the islands, delivering an explosion of savory, garlicky goodness that will transport your taste buds straight to paradise. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this shrimp scampi is destined to become a beloved family favorite, offering a delightful blend of rich butter, aromatic garlic, and succulent shrimp.

Today, we’re bringing the vibrant flavors of a Hawaiian shrimp truck right into your kitchen with my homemade version of Hawaiian Shrimp Scampi. But let me be clear from the start: these shrimp are unapologetically, delightfully, and utterly GARLICKY! If you’re a true garlic enthusiast, prepare to fall in love. For those who merely tolerate garlic, consider this fair warning – this recipe is for the hardcore garlic lovers. It’s the kind of dish you share with people who truly know and appreciate your culinary adventures, not necessarily a first-date meal!

Another important note on the “Hawaiian” aspect of this dish: you won’t find any pineapple or pineapple juice here. While I adore pineapple in its own right, especially grilled or in sweet applications, I firmly believe savory dishes benefit from a different flavor profile. My aversion stems from a past “Hawaiian pulled chicken” recipe experiment for the blog that, to this day, remains one of my most regrettable culinary creations. So, rest assured, this scampi focuses on the authentic, savory, and intensely flavorful experience of traditional Hawaiian garlic shrimp, sans the fruit.

The Inspiration: A Memorable Hawaiian Food Truck Experience

My quest to recreate the ultimate Hawaiian Shrimp Scampi began a couple of years ago during a trip to Hawaii. My husband and I stumbled upon an unassuming, tiny food truck that boasted a colossal line, even at lunchtime, with just two dedicated individuals working tirelessly. The wait felt interminable, but the moment I took that first bite, all notions of impatience vanished. It was an ethereal experience, confirming that every minute spent waiting was entirely justified. The irresistible aroma of garlic wafted through the air long before the food even reached our hands, a clear sign of the deliciousness to come. We were so drenched in garlic essence that by the time we boarded our flight home shortly after, the universe seemed to conspire to grant us a secluded corner of the plane – a blessing, as we undoubtedly smelled of pure garlic bliss!

This deep appreciation for garlic is a recurring theme. I’ve previously shared a recipe for the garlic noodles we savored on the very same trip. Clearly, we are a family of serious garlic aficionados! So, it felt like the perfect time to bring you this recipe for the most amazing, garlicky shrimp scampi you’ll ever encounter.

A point of clarification for purists: traditional Hawaiian garlic shrimp are often served shell-on. While this adds to the authentic aesthetic for some, neither my husband nor I are particular fans of peeling shrimp at the table. Therefore, my Hawaiian Shrimp Scampi recipe features peeled and deveined shrimp. To compensate for the lack of shell-on crispness and to add a delightful texture, I opt for a light dusting of cornstarch instead of the traditional all-purpose flour. This not only yields a lovely hint of crispness but also makes the dish naturally gluten-free – a win-win! Of course, if you prefer, you are absolutely welcome to prepare this dish with shell-on shrimp. I simply wanted to address this common difference upfront to avoid any authenticity debates. Ultimately, your kitchen, your rules – make it as authentic to your taste as you desire!

Essential Ingredients for Irresistible Hawaiian Shrimp Scampi

Crafting this incredible Hawaiian Shrimp Scampi requires a handful of key ingredients, each playing a vital role in building its complex, savory, and utterly delicious flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:

Shrimp: The star of the show! Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp, peeled and deveined, are perfect for this recipe.
Garlic (!!!): And I mean a generous amount! Both fresh minced garlic for a pungent kick and pre-fried garlic for aroma and texture are essential.
Butter: Provides a rich, velvety base for the sauce and infuses the shrimp with incredible flavor. Salted butter is generally preferred.
Oil: A high-heat oil like grapeseed, avocado, or canola oil is used alongside butter to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
Cornstarch: A light dusting on the shrimp creates a subtle, appealing crispness and helps the sauce adhere beautifully.
Seasonings: Smoked paprika adds a touch of warmth and depth, while red pepper flakes offer a hint of heat if desired.
Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Introduces umami and a savory depth without making the dish overly salty.
Fish Sauce: Another powerful umami booster that adds incredible complexity and authentic Southeast Asian notes.
Brown Sugar: Balances the savory and acidic elements with a touch of sweetness, contributing to a wonderfully rounded flavor.
Fried Garlic: Essential for a crispy texture and an unparalleled aromatic finish that elevates the dish.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty finish.

Mastering Homemade Fried Garlic from Scratch

While pre-fried garlic offers convenience, making your own from scratch is a rewarding process that yields an incredibly fresh and aromatic ingredient. Many video tutorials are available online if you prefer a visual guide; a quick search for “fried garlic” on YouTube will provide plenty of demonstrations. Here’s how to do it:

You’ll need about a cup of neutral oil (like grapeseed or vegetable) and approximately 15-20 cloves of garlic for this recipe. Begin by heating the oil in a large 9-10 inch skillet over medium-low heat. The goal is warm, not sizzling hot, oil.
Add your finely chopped or thinly sliced garlic to the warm oil and immediately reduce the heat to low. This crucial step prevents the garlic from browning too quickly, which can lead to bitterness.
Stir continuously with a heatproof spatula. This ensures even cooking and prevents any pieces from burning. Cook for roughly 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic turns a beautiful golden brown. It’s important to remove it *just* before it reaches your desired color, as it will continue to cook slightly from residual heat.
Place a large fine-mesh sieve over a heatproof bowl. Carefully pour the garlic and oil mixture into the sieve, allowing the fried garlic to collect in the sieve and the infused garlic oil to filter into the bowl below.
Congratulations! You now have exquisite homemade fried garlic for topping and flavorful garlic oil that can be used immediately in this recipe or stored for future culinary endeavors.

Be aware that this process can take a bit of time, which is why I often reach for pre-fried garlic when I’m short on time.

Where to Find Pre-Fried Garlic for Convenience

If frying garlic from scratch isn’t an option for you, don’t worry – pre-fried garlic is an excellent substitute that still delivers fantastic flavor and texture. I typically find it readily available next to the fried shallots at my local Vietnamese grocery store. Many larger, well-stocked grocery stores in my area also carry it, usually located in the spice aisle in those distinctive, often fancier, glass spice bottles. If you’re still having trouble locating it locally, you can conveniently purchase it online here. It’s a wonderful pantry staple to have on hand for a quick flavor boost.

The Secret to Flavor Depth: Why Use Both Fresh and Pre-Fried Garlic?

You might wonder why this recipe calls for both fresh, minced garlic and pre-fried garlic. The answer lies in the distinct flavor profiles and textural contributions each brings to the dish. Fresh garlic provides that sharp, pungent, and vibrant “punch” that is characteristic of garlic scampi. It infuses the butter and oil with its raw, aromatic essence, creating a robust foundation for the sauce.

On the other hand, pre-fried garlic (or homemade fried garlic) offers a completely different dimension. Its flavor is mellowed, nutty, and deeply aromatic, with an irresistible crispy texture. When added at the end, it doesn’t just contribute flavor; it adds a delightful crunch and an overall richness to the dish’s aroma. Trust me on this: the combined effect is magical. The aroma alone will be enough to draw everyone to the kitchen – you won’t even need to call them for dinner!

Crafting the Best Hawaiian Shrimp Scampi: Step-by-Step

Making this incredible Hawaiian Shrimp Scampi is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple steps to ensure maximum flavor and perfect texture:

Infuse the Butter with Garlic: The first and perhaps most crucial step is to gently infuse the butter and oil with fresh garlic. This low-and-slow process extracts all the wonderful aromatic compounds from the garlic without burning it, creating a rich, garlicky foundation for your scampi.
Prepare and Cook the Shrimp: While the butter infuses, prepare your shrimp by dusting them lightly with cornstarch and smoked paprika. This coating ensures a beautiful texture and helps the flavorful sauce cling to each succulent piece. The shrimp are then quickly cooked in the garlic-infused butter until perfectly pink and curled into a “C” shape, signaling they are just done.
Toss with Flavorings: Next, the cooked shrimp and garlic-infused butter are tossed with a harmonious blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. This creates a deeply savory, umami-rich sauce with a hint of sweetness that coats every shrimp perfectly.
Finish and Serve: The final touches involve sprinkling generously with the reserved butter-infused garlic, freshly sliced scallions, and a handful of crispy fried garlic for texture. A final, crucial squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens all the flavors, cutting through the richness and leaving a wonderfully balanced dish.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Hawaiian Shrimp Scampi

Given the incredible depth of flavor in this Hawaiian Shrimp Scampi, the best accompaniments are often simple, allowing the shrimp to truly shine. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:

Coconut Rice: The creamy, subtly sweet notes of coconut rice provide a wonderful contrast to the savory, garlicky shrimp. (I’ll be sharing a recipe for this soon!)
Garlic Noodles: If you belong to the “there’s no such thing as too much garlic” club, my garlic noodles are a delicious, albeit intensely garlicky, option. Personally, even for a garlic lover like me, this might be a tad overpowering, but don’t let me stop you!
Steamed White Rice: A classic choice. Simple, fluffy white rice is perfect for soaking up every drop of that glorious garlic butter sauce.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad: For a truly authentic Hawaiian plate lunch experience, a scoop of creamy macaroni salad is a must-have.
Steamed Broccoli: A light and healthy option, steamed broccoli adds a fresh, green element and a pleasant textural contrast.
Sautéed Green Beans: Quick-sautéed green beans with a hint of garlic or a squeeze of lemon are another excellent vegetable side.

My general advice is to KIS (Keep It Simple). The shrimp are so packed with flavor that straightforward sides like buttered egg noodles, plain white rice, or lightly steamed vegetables are all you need to complete a satisfying meal!

Key Tips and Insights for Your Hawaiian Shrimp Scampi Success

To ensure your Hawaiian Shrimp Scampi turns out perfectly every time, keep these important points in mind:

Embrace the Garlic: As I’ve repeatedly emphasized, this recipe calls for a generous amount of garlic. It’s what makes this dish so iconic and delicious. However, if you’re not quite ready for full garlic immersion, you can certainly reduce the quantity of fresh garlic to suit your preference. Just remember, a little less garlic means a slightly less “authentic” Hawaiian shrimp truck experience!
Butter, Glorious Butter: Traditional Hawaiian Shrimp Scampi (and many other garlic butter shrimp scampi recipes) are known for using a substantial amount of butter. While I certainly appreciate the richness butter brings, my yoga pants occasionally protest. So, I’ve adjusted this recipe to use 4 tablespoons of butter. This is still more than what we might typically use in everyday cooking, but this shrimp scampi is a special treat, not a weekly staple. It strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and being mindful.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, often in just 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Keep a close eye on them; they are done when they turn opaque and curl into a “C” shape.
Quality Ingredients Matter: Using fresh, high-quality shrimp will make a noticeable difference in the final taste and texture of your scampi. Similarly, fresh garlic and good quality soy and fish sauces contribute significantly to the overall flavor.

I sincerely hope I’ve inspired you to pick up some shrimp on your way home tonight and give this incredibly flavorful garlic butter shrimp scampi a try. The best part? You truly don’t need to fuss much with the sides. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this delicious meal can be on your table in no time!

Yield: 4 servings

Garlicky Hawaiian Shrimp Scampi

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
10 minutes

Total Time
20 minutes

The yummiest, garlicky Hawaiian Shrimp Scampi! These take no time to make at all and would be delicious served with a traditional Hawaiian macaroni salad or even just good old rice! Garlic shrimp scampi is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
6 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons salted butter
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil (or any high heat oil)
1 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon EACH: low sodium soy sauce, fish sauce, AND brown sugar
¼ cup pre-fried garlic, for topping
1-2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (scallions/parsley, for topping)

Instructions

INFUSE THE BUTTER: Add the garlic, butter, and oil to a large skillet and set it over medium-low heat. Let the butter infuse with the garlic for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. The garlic should barely sizzle here, you don’t want it to brown! Prepare the shrimp while the butter is infusing.
SHRIMP: Add the cornstarch and smoked paprika to a large zip top bag, zip and shake to combine. Add the shrimp in, shake to combine, and set aside. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar, stir and set aside for later.
SHRIMP SCAMPI: When the garlic is done, carefully remove it to a small bowl, leaving behind as much of the oil-butter mixture as possible. Kick the heat up to medium-high. Add the shrimp in a single layer, allowing them to cook for roughly a minute on each side or until they start to turn up into a ‘c’ shape. You may need to do this in multiple batches depending on the size of your skillet. Add the prepared sauce mixture, toss to combine. Top with butter infused garlic, sliced scallions, and the fried garlic! Squeeze lemon juice on top before serving.

Notes

I found pre-fried garlic at my local Vietnamese store, but you can also find it here (affiliate link.) There’s also a how-to written in the blog post, or you can search ‘fried garlic’ on youtube for a video demo!

Have you made this recipe?

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below. You can also share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #LITTLESPICEJAR, I’d love to see what you made!