Flavorful Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe Easy Pineapple Delight to Try

Name: Flavorful Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe Easy Pineapple Delight to Try
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 teaspoon honey; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced; A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

Posted on January 22, 2026

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The sizzle of garlic hitting a hot pan, mingled with the sweet aroma of caramelizing pineapple — that’s the kind of magic that pulls me right into the kitchen every time I make this Hawaiian garlic shrimp with pineapple delight. Honestly, there’s something about the way the garlicky shrimp dance with juicy pineapple chunks that just takes your taste buds on a mini vacation. I first stumbled upon a version of this recipe during a trip to Oahu, where the local flavors blew me away. After tweaking it a few times at home, it’s become a go-to in my recipe box for easy weeknight dinners.

This flavorful Hawaiian garlic shrimp recipe is perfect if you’re craving something that’s both refreshing and comforting, with a little tropical twist. The balance of savory garlic, succulent shrimp, and bright pineapple is just spot-on. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, so it fits right into busy schedules without skimping on taste. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this dish hits all the right notes. I’ve tested it multiple times to get the seasoning just right — and believe me, you’ll want to make it your own signature shrimp recipe too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Simple Ingredients: No need for exotic grocery store trips; you probably already have everything on hand.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s casual family dinner, a weekend get-together, or a tropical-themed party, this shrimp recipe shines.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike rave about the sweet-savory combo, making it great for picky eaters.
Unbelievably Delicious: The garlicky shrimp with caramelized pineapple creates a sensational flavor and texture contrast that keeps you coming back for more.

What sets this Hawaiian garlic shrimp recipe apart is the way the garlic is gently toasted to bring out deep flavors without overpowering the shrimp’s natural sweetness. Toss in fresh pineapple chunks that get caramelized just right, and you’ve got a dish that’s bursting with layers of flavor. Plus, using a quick pan-sear technique keeps the shrimp tender and juicy. This isn’t just another shrimp dish — it’s a well-balanced melody of tastes that feels both fresh and indulgent.

And honestly, after making this a bunch of times, I’ve come to love it for how effortlessly it turns a simple seafood dinner into a tropical treat that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Most are pantry staples, and the fresh pineapple adds that sunny twist.

Shrimp: 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (I prefer wild-caught for the best flavor)
Garlic: 6 cloves, minced (fresh is key here for that punchy garlic flavor)
Fresh Pineapple: 1 cup, cut into bite-sized chunks (ripe, juicy pineapple works best)
Butter: 2 tablespoons, unsalted (adds richness and helps with caramelization)
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (helps prevent butter from burning)
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (I use low-sodium to keep salt in check)
Honey: 1 teaspoon (balances the tangy pineapple and savory garlic)
Fresh Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon (brightens the whole dish)
Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a gentle kick)
Green Onions: 2 stalks, thinly sliced (for garnish and fresh flavor)
Fresh Cilantro: A handful, chopped (optional, adds a fresh, herbaceous note)
Salt & Pepper: To taste

If you want to switch things up, using coconut oil instead of butter adds a subtle tropical flair. For a gluten-free option, ensure your soy sauce is tamari or another gluten-free brand. When picking shrimp, smaller shrimp will work but adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Equipment Needed

Large Skillet or Frying Pan: Preferably non-stick or cast iron for even heat distribution and easy searing.
Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping shrimp, pineapple, and garlic.
Mixing Bowl: To toss shrimp with seasonings if desired.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: For precise ingredient amounts.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring and flipping shrimp gently.

If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan works well too. I find that a good quality non-stick pan makes cleanup a breeze, especially when working with sticky pineapple juices. Investing in a sharp knife pays off here — chopping garlic finely without bruising it really amps up the flavor. For budget-friendly options, any decent-sized frying pan will do; you don’t need anything fancy to nail this recipe.

Preparation Method

Prep the Shrimp (5 minutes): Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to get a nice sear rather than steaming. Toss the shrimp lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Chop the Garlic and Pineapple (5 minutes): Mince garlic finely to release its oils. Cut fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks, avoiding the core. Freshness here is key for sweetness and texture.
Heat the Pan (2 minutes): On medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter together until melted and foamy. Watch carefully so the butter doesn’t brown too fast — you want it to gently sizzle.
Sauté the Garlic (1-2 minutes): Add minced garlic to the pan, stirring constantly. It should smell fragrant and golden but not burnt — burnt garlic tastes bitter, so keep an eye!
Add Pineapple Chunks (3-4 minutes): Toss in pineapple and cook, stirring occasionally, until edges start caramelizing and pineapple softens slightly. You’ll notice a sweet, tropical fragrance filling the kitchen here.
Cook the Shrimp (4-5 minutes): Push pineapple to the side and add shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to get a nice sear, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Shrimp cook quickly, so don’t overdo it or they’ll get rubbery.
Season the Dish (1 minute): Drizzle soy sauce and honey over the shrimp and pineapple, stirring gently to coat everything. Squeeze fresh lime juice over it and sprinkle red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Finish and Garnish (1 minute): Remove from heat and sprinkle sliced green onions and chopped cilantro on top. The herbs add a fresh pop of color and flavor that makes the dish feel complete.

Pro tip: If you want to speed things up, prep garlic and pineapple ahead of time. Also, using room temperature shrimp helps them cook evenly. If your pan gets crowded, cook shrimp in batches so everything sears nicely instead of steaming. The sweet-smoky aroma when pineapple caramelizes is your cue that you’re on the right track!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Getting the perfect Hawaiian garlic shrimp with pineapple delight is all about timing and temperature. You want the pan hot enough to sear but not so hot that garlic burns immediately. I’ve learned the hard way that burnt garlic can wreck the whole dish — so keep stirring and watch the color closely.

Another tip is to use fresh shrimp whenever possible. Frozen shrimp can work but make sure to thaw them fully and pat dry to avoid excess moisture, which leads to soggy shrimp instead of a nice crust.

When adding pineapple, don’t rush caramelization. Letting it sit in the pan a bit before stirring encourages those golden-brown edges that add sweetness and texture contrast. Also, resist the urge to overcrowd the pan — cooking shrimp in a single layer helps them develop that beautiful sear.

Multitasking is easy here: while shrimp cooks, slice green onions and chop cilantro, so garnishing is quick and fresh. I usually finish with a splash of lime juice right before serving — it really brightens up the garlic and pineapple flavors.

Variations & Adaptations

Dietary Twist: Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos to make this recipe soy-free and slightly sweeter.
Seasonal Switch: Instead of pineapple, try mango or peach chunks for a different tropical vibe.
Spice it Up: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for those who like a bolder heat.
Cooking Method: Grill the shrimp and pineapple on skewers for smoky flavor and a fun presentation.
Allergen-Friendly: Use olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter to avoid dairy, and check shrimp sourcing if shellfish allergies are a concern.

One variation I adore is tossing in chopped macadamia nuts at the end for a crunchy texture contrast — it’s unexpected but adds a nice richness that pairs beautifully with the tropical flavors.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Hawaiian garlic shrimp with pineapple delight is best served hot, right off the stove. I love plating it over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice, which soaks up all those garlicky, sweet juices. A side of sautéed greens or a crisp salad balances the richness nicely.

If you’re serving it for a crowd, keep the shrimp warm in a low oven (about 200°F/95°C) while finishing other dishes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp — microwaving tends to make them chewy.

Flavors deepen a bit after resting, so if you make this ahead, it tastes even better the next day. Just give it a quick warm-up and add fresh lime juice or herbs to brighten it back up.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Per serving, this flavorful Hawaiian garlic shrimp with pineapple delight offers roughly 250 calories, 30 grams of protein, and a modest amount of fat thanks to butter and olive oil. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein and provides essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Pineapple adds a boost of vitamin C and dietary fiber, aiding digestion and supporting immunity. This dish is naturally gluten-free and low in carbs, making it a smart choice for many dietary preferences. Just watch soy sauce sodium levels if you’re on a low-sodium diet.

From a wellness perspective, this recipe strikes a nice balance of satisfying flavors without heavy sauces or processed ingredients — it’s wholesome comfort food that you can feel good about eating.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a quick, tasty recipe that brings a little island sunshine to your table, this Hawaiian garlic shrimp with pineapple delight is a winner. The combination of garlicky shrimp, sweet caramelized pineapple, and fresh herbs makes for a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. You can tweak the flavors to suit your mood or occasion, so it never gets boring.

I’ve made this recipe countless times and it never fails to impress, whether for a casual dinner or a special gathering. Give it a try, play around with the ingredients, and let me know how you make it your own. Trust me, once you taste those juicy shrimp with that burst of pineapple sweetness, you’ll be hooked!

Ready to give it a shot? Drop a comment below with your thoughts or any fun twists you try. Happy cooking!

FAQs

What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are ideal for this dish. Wild-caught shrimp tend to have better flavor, but farmed shrimp works fine too. Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Fresh pineapple is best because it caramelizes nicely and has a bright flavor. Canned pineapple is softer and more watery, which can make the dish less textured and a bit soggy.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat and watch for them to turn pink and opaque. They usually take about 4-5 minutes total. Remove them from heat as soon as they’re done to keep them juicy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead, but it’s best to cook the shrimp and pineapple fresh. Leftovers reheat well but should be warmed gently to avoid tough shrimp.

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