What is Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a simple yet bold dish featuring shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Served hot alongside a scoop of white rice (and often a side of tangy coleslaw), it’s a quintessential Hawaiian plate.

Key Features

• The Shrimp: Usually locally caught, shell-on shrimp are pan-fried for a slightly crispy texture.
  
  
• The Sauce: A rich, garlicky butter sauce with hints of lemon and sometimes a dash of spice.
  
  
• The Pairings: White rice to soak up the sauce and optional sides like coleslaw or salad.
  
  
  

A Brief History of Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp traces its roots to the shrimp farms of Oahu’s North Shore. The warm waters of Hawaii are perfect for aquaculture, and in the 1990s, local food trucks began serving fresh shrimp with bold garlic flavours, drawing from local and international culinary influences.

Over time, the dish became a street food staple, with places like Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck and Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp becoming culinary landmarks.

Why Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a Street Food Favourite

1. Unbeatable Flavour: The garlicky, buttery sauce is rich, indulgent, and unforgettable.
   
   
2. Freshness: Many vendors use shrimp straight from local farms, ensuring the freshest taste.
   
   
3. Affordable Luxury: While it feels gourmet, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is accessible and budget-friendly.
   
   
4. Iconic Experience: Eating garlic shrimp from a food truck on Hawaii’s North Shore is a bucket-list moment.
   
   
   

What Makes Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Unique?

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp stands out thanks to its:

• Garlic-Forward Flavour: Unlike many shrimp dishes, the garlic here takes center stage.
  
  
• Rustic Presentation: Often served shell-on, the shrimp invite diners to get hands-on.
  
  
• Cultural Roots: It reflects Hawaii’s blend of fresh local ingredients and diverse culinary influences

Where to Try Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp in Hawaii

Some of the best spots to savour Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp include:

• Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (North Shore, Oahu): One of the original food trucks serving this iconic dish.
  
  
• Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp (Kahuku, Oahu): Known for its fresh shrimp sourced directly from nearby farms.
  
  
• Macky’s Shrimp Truck (Haleiwa, Oahu): Another favourite offering a perfectly balanced garlic shrimp plate.
  
  
• Street Markets: Local farmers’ markets often have vendors serving up freshly cooked garlic shrimp.
  
  
  

Why You Should Try Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

This dish isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience that embodies the essence of Hawaii. The combination of fresh, local shrimp and bold, garlicky butter sauce captures the islands’ vibrant flavours. Whether you enjoy it from a famous food truck on Oahu or whip it up at home, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp delivers a taste of paradise in every bite.