Craving a taste of Hawaii? Forget expensive flights! This Giovanni's Shrimp Truck recipe brings the iconic Hawaiian garlic shrimp experience right to your kitchen. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual weekend gathering, or even a sophisticated appetizer. Get ready for juicy, succulent shrimp bursting with flavor – it’s unbelievably delicious and surprisingly simple to make. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Feel free to double or triple it depending on your hungry crew!
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Don't rush this step; you want the butter to melt completely and gently heat up.
Sauté the garlic:
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste.
Add the shrimp:
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
Make the sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Combine and simmer:
- Pour the sauce over the shrimp and cook for another minute or two, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the shrimp evenly. The sauce will start to bubble and caramelize slightly – that's what we want!
Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately over rice, if desired.
Tips for the Best Garlic Shrimp:
- Fresh is best: Use the freshest shrimp you can find for the most delicious flavor.
- Don't overcook: Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Adjust the spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit it altogether.
- Make it a meal: Serve your garlic shrimp over rice, with a side salad, or alongside some crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce.
Variations:
- Spicy Shrimp: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Lemon Herb Shrimp: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives along with the garlic.
- Pineapple Shrimp: For a sweeter variation, add 1/4 cup of diced pineapple to the skillet along with the shrimp.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 25-30g Fat: 20-25g Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This delicious and easy Giovanni's Shrimp Truck recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a fantastic example of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas that are both satisfying and flavorful. Perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire of best recipes. Enjoy!