Are you supposed to eat the shell of Hawaiian garlic shrimp?

Yes! Many people eat the shell-on Hawaiian garlic shrimp—especially when it's cooked crispy in garlic butter. The shell adds crunch and holds in flavor. While some prefer to peel it, the full flavor experience often includes eating it shell-on.

What is a good side dish for Hawaiian garlic shrimp?

Classic sides include white rice, creamy mac salad, and grilled pineapple. If you're getting creative, try mango slaw, avocado, or even sweet corn. These fresh, vibrant flavors balance the richness of Hawaiian garlic shrimp beautifully.

Why is Giovanni's shrimp truck so popular?

Giovanni’s helped popularize Hawaiian garlic shrimp on Oahu’s North Shore. Their shell-on shrimp is cooked in a secret garlic butter sauce that’s savory, bold, and unforgettable. Tourists and locals alike line up daily for a taste.

What is Hawaii shrimp?

Hawaii shrimp usually refers to locally farmed Pacific white shrimp or blue shrimp. These are known for their fresh, sweet flavor and firm texture—perfect for traditional Hawaiian garlic shrimp recipes.

What part of shrimp can you not eat?

You should avoid eating the head and sharp tail tips of shrimp. With Hawaiian garlic shrimp, the shell is often eaten, but the vein (digestive tract) should be removed for cleanliness and flavor.

Do you eat the shell-on garlic shrimp?

Many do! When cooked properly, shell-on garlic shrimp offers a crispy texture that soaks up the sauce. But it’s okay to peel them if you prefer.

Is garlic shrimp healthy?

Yes—shrimp is high in protein and low in calories. The garlic butter sauce in Hawaiian garlic shrimp adds fat, but you can make it healthier with olive oil, less butter, or added veggies.

What is deviled shrimp?

Deviled shrimp is a spicy Latin-style dish, different from Hawaiian garlic shrimp, which is more buttery and savory. Deviled shrimp often uses chili sauce or tomato-based spice blends.

Does mantis shrimp taste like shrimp?

Mantis shrimp has a sweet, lobster-like flavor—not quite like regular shrimp. It’s not used in Hawaiian garlic shrimp but is considered a delicacy in other cuisines.

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp – The Best 9-Step Guide For 2025

Name: Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp: The Best Island-Style Recipe Guide
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1 lb shell-on large shrimp; 10 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 lemon (juiced)

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb shell-on large shrimp
10 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
1 lemon (juiced)

Instructions

Instructions:

Clean and devein shrimp, keeping shells on.
Mix flour, paprika, salt, and pepper; coat shrimp.
Heat butter and oil in skillet; fry shrimp 2–3 mins per side.
Sauté garlic in same pan; add lemon juice.
Toss shrimp back in; coat and serve with rice.

Notes

Can be made with olive oil only for a lighter option.

Author: Mike
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Fried
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 200mg

Keywords: hawaiian shrimp, garlic shrimp, lemon butter shrimp, easy shrimp recipe, seafood