Garlic Shrimp

If you've ever been to Oahu, Hawaii, it's likely that Giovanni's Shrimp Truck was on your food itinerary. I've been fortunate to visit several times for weddings and to visit friends. Each time, I always make the effort to drive to North Shore to get a plate of garlic shrimp from Giovanni's. While the concept of garlic shrimp is fairly simple, the rich buttery sauce that it sits in is so memorable. That plus their mac salad and rice, it's an experience worth seeking.

Of course, not living on Oahu means that I can't get Giovanni's whenever I want. The only way to fight the craving is to try to make my own version at home. While my recipe below isn't exact, it definitely hits the spot!

The last time I made this was for my husband's birthday. I made sure to serve the garlic shrimp with mac salad and rice on a paper plate to make it feel like we were eating outside next to Giovanni's shrimp truck!

Garlic Shrimp

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 10 min

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

• 3/4 lb large shrimp or prawns (shell-on)

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1.5 tbsp paprika

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1/2 tsp sea salt

• Canola oil or other frying oil

• 10 cloves of garlic (minced)

• 5 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2-4 lemon wedges (garnish)

Directions:

• Rinse shrimp under cold water. Using kitchen shears, cut down the back of each shrimp. (This will help you peel the shells off when eating). If shrimp is not already deveined, remove the black intestine with the tip of a knife or toothpick.

• In a separate bowl, add flour, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix spices together.

• Add oil to frying pan, enough to fill about 1/4 inch of pan. Turn on stove to medium high heat.

• Once the oil is hot, generously dredge shrimp in the flour mixture then carefully add to the pan. Let cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the bottom is golden and crispy.

• Turn each shrimp over. After doing so, add in minced garlic and butter. Let cook for about 3-4 minutes or until bottom is golden and crispy.

• Transfer garlic shrimp, fried garlic bits, and butter sauce to serving plates. Squeeze lemon over. Sprinkle with extra sea salt (to taste). Enjoy with rice, mac salad, or other preferred sides.