Garlic Shrimp Plate Lunch
Plump, juicy shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, served over a bed of fluffy steamed rice with a side of tangy mac salad. This iconic Hawaiian plate lunch favorite brings the North Shore food truck experience right to your kitchen.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~20 min
Cook the rice.
1.Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a saucepan. Add a pinch of salt.2.Add rinsed rice, stir once, cover, and reduce heat to low.3.Simmer for 15-18 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.4.Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. - boil · ~12 min
Cook the macaroni for the mac salad.
1.Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil.2.Add elbow macaroni and cook until very tender, about 10-12 minutes (slightly past al dente).3.Drain well and let cool to room temperature.TIPOvercooking the pasta slightly is key to the authentic Hawaiian mac salad texture — it should be soft, not firm. - mix · ~5 min
Make the mac salad.
1.In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated onion, grated carrot, milk, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.2.Add the cooled macaroni and stir until well coated.3.Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.TIPLet the mac salad chill for at least 30 minutes if you have time — the flavors meld beautifully. - prep · ~5 min
Prep the shrimp.
1.Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels.2.Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.3.Dust very lightly with flour — just enough to absorb surface moisture.TIPLeaving the shells on keeps the shrimp juicy and infuses more flavor during cooking. - fry · ~4 min
Cook the shrimp.
1.Heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.2.Lay shrimp in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes without moving.3.Flip shrimp and add minced garlic to the pan.4.Cook 1 more minute, then add remaining butter and lemon juice.5.Toss for 30 seconds until shrimp are opaque and garlic is fragrant.TIPWork in batches if needed — crowding the pan steams the shrimp instead of searing them. - assemble · ~2 min
Plate the lunch.
1.Scoop a generous portion of steamed rice onto each plate.2.Arrange a scoop of chilled mac salad beside the rice.3.Pile the garlic shrimp on top of the rice or beside it.4.Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the shrimp and rice. - garnish
Finish with lemon wedges and serve immediately.
TIPA squeeze of fresh lemon right before eating brightens all the rich garlic butter flavors.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat shrimp exceptionally dry before dusting with flour to ensure a crisp sear.
- 2Leave the shells on the shrimp for maximum juiciness and flavor infusion.
- 3Cook the macaroni until very tender, slightly past al dente, for authentic Hawaiian texture.
- 4Chill the mac salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- 5Sear shrimp in a single layer without crowding the pan to avoid steaming.
- 6Work in batches if needed to maintain high heat for a proper golden crust.
- 7Drizzle every last drop of garlic butter from the pan over the rice and shrimp.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy garlic shrimp
Add 1-2 teaspoons of sambal oelek or red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a fiery kick that cuts through the butter richness, popular on Oahu's food trucks.
low oilLow-oil
Replace half the butter with a splash of shrimp or chicken broth and use a non-stick skillet to reduce fat while still getting a golden sear.
gluten freeGluten-free
Substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour or cornstarch for dusting the shrimp, and use gluten-free pasta for the mac salad — the texture stays remarkably close.
high proteinHigh-protein
Swap the elbow macaroni for chickpea or lentil pasta to boost protein and fiber, and serve with extra shrimp or a side of edamame.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Shrimp provides high-quality, low-fat protein essential for muscle repair and satiety, with about 20 grams per serving.
Good Source of Selenium
Shrimp is one of the best dietary sources of selenium, an antioxidant mineral that supports thyroid function and immune health.
Contains Vitamin A from Carrots
The grated carrot in the mac salad adds beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A for healthy vision and skin.
Low in Carbohydrates (Shrimp Only)
The garlic shrimp itself is naturally low-carb and gluten-free when dusted with almond flour or omitted, fitting keto and paleo patterns.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but the shrimp will be less juicy and may overcook faster. Reduce searing time by about 30 seconds per side and expect a milder garlic butter flavor.
