🍤 Savory Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp (Shrimp Truck Style)

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1½ lbs large shrimp (shell-on preferred, deveined)

• 10–12 cloves garlic, finely minced

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp cayenne (optional)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

• Lemon wedges, for serving

• Cooked white rice (for serving)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry. (Shell-on gives authentic flavor and protects the meat while frying.)

2️⃣ Season & Dredge

Mix flour, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Lightly coat shrimp in the flour mixture (shake off excess).

3️⃣ Cook the Garlic

Heat butter + olive oil in a large skillet over medium.
Add garlic and cook gently 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not brown).

4️⃣ Cook the Shrimp

Increase heat to medium-high.
Add shrimp in a single layer.
Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and lightly crispy.

5️⃣ Finish

Add lemon juice and toss.
Sprinkle with parsley.

Serve immediately over rice with extra garlic butter spooned on top.

❓ Q & A

❓ Can I use peeled shrimp?

Yes, but shell-on is more authentic and juicier.

❓ Why flour?

It creates that slightly crispy, buttery coating like the food trucks.

❓ Can I make it less garlicky?

You can reduce to 6–8 cloves — but traditionally, it’s VERY garlicky.

❓ What sides go best?

• White rice (classic plate lunch style)

• Macaroni salad

• Pineapple slaw

❓ Can I grill it?

This version is pan-fried. For grilling, skip flour and marinate shrimp in garlic butter first.