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Garlic Shrimp Truck Style – Big Island Vibes on Your Plate

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This dish is a love letter to Oahu’s shrimp trucks—juicy shrimp sautéed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a touch of paprika for warmth and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a subtle kick. It’s messy, it’s delicious, and it’s dripping with that Aloha vibe I grew up on. Serve it hot over sticky rice with a side of mac salad, and you’ve got a plate that’s pure North Shore nostalgia with a worldly twist from my travels.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 Servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
For the Shrimp:
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on for that truck vibe)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced (go big or go home!)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika (adds a smoky depth)
  • 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (my fusion touch)
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 tbsp, for brightness)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for a pop of green)
For Serving:
  • 2 cups cooked white rice (sticky rice is best, kept warm)
  • Optional: Hawaiian mac salad or a simple green salad

Instructions

  1. Prep the Shrimp: Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels—dry shrimp means better browning. Season lightly with salt and pepper, and set aside.
  2. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat. The combo keeps the butter from burning and adds a nice sheen.
  3. Cook the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown too much, or it’ll get bitter. Stir in the paprika and chili flakes for a quick bloom of flavor.
  4. Sauté the Shrimp: Toss in the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and start to curl. Don’t overcrowd—work in batches if needed.
  5. Finish the Sauce: Add the remaining 2 tbsp butter, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Stir everything together for 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are coated in that glossy, garlicky goodness. Taste and adjust with more salt or lemon if you like.
  6. Serve It Up: Spoon the shrimp and sauce over warm rice, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and dig in hot—truck style! Pair with mac salad for the full island plate.

Notes

  • Shrimp Tip: Fresh is best, but frozen works—just thaw in cold water for 20 minutes first.
  • Fusion Twist: Swap soy sauce for fish sauce if you’re feeling extra Southeast Asian vibes.
  • Storage: Best fresh, but leftovers keep in the fridge for 1-2 days—reheat gently to avoid rubbery shrimp.
  • Author: CurtisJ
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 10
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Protein: 25g