Garlic Shrimp Plate Lunch
Juicy, plump shrimp swimming in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, served with fluffy white rice and a creamy macaroni salad. A taste of Hawaii's North Shore food trucks right in your kitchen!
For 4 servings
8 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare the Macaroni Salad: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
- a.Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until very tender (slightly past al dente is key for authentic texture). Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Mix the Mac Salad Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, grated onion, grated carrot, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- 3
Combine and Chill Mac Salad: Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing bowl
- a.Stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the dressing.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Rice: While the macaroni salad is chilling, cook the rice according to your preferred method (rice cooker or stovetop). Keep it warm until ready to serve.
- 5
Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels
- a.In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Add the dry shrimp to the flour mixture and toss until each piece is lightly and evenly coated.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Cook the Garlic Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it. Increase the heat to medium-high. Shake off any excess flour from the shrimp and add them to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and curl into a 'C' shape. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- 7
Finish the Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat
- a.Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley, tossing to coat the shrimp in the garlic butter sauce.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Assemble the Plate Lunch: On each of the four plates, place two scoops of warm rice and one generous scoop of the chilled macaroni salad. Divide the hot garlic shrimp among the plates, spooning any extra garlic butter sauce from the pan over the shrimp and rice. Serve immediately with a lemon wedge on the side.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic mac salad, let it chill for at least an hour. The pasta will absorb the dressing and the flavors will deepen.
- 2Don't overcook the shrimp! They cook very quickly and will become tough if left on the heat for too long. They are done when they are opaque and form a 'C' shape.
- 3Using fresh, minced garlic is non-negotiable for the best flavor. Avoid pre-minced jarred garlic.
- 4Patting the shrimp completely dry before dredging in flour is crucial for getting a nice, light crust and preventing a soggy result.
- 5The key to a creamy Hawaiian-style mac salad is to slightly overcook the pasta so it's very soft and absorbs the dressing well.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Version
Increase the cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for extra heat.
Different ProteinDifferent Protein
This garlic butter sauce is also delicious with scallops or bite-sized pieces of chicken breast.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Sauté some sliced mushrooms or bell peppers in the pan before adding the garlic for extra nutrients and flavor.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Use your favorite gluten-free elbow pasta for the salad and dredge the shrimp in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Shrimp is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting muscle mass.
Rich in Selenium
A single serving of shrimp provides a significant amount of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, supports immune function, and is crucial for thyroid health.
Heart-Healthy Garlic
Garlic contains the compound allicin, which has been studied for its potential to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, contributing to better cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
This is a hearty and indulgent meal. A single serving is estimated to have between 950 and 1150 calories, primarily from the butter, mayonnaise, and rice. It's best enjoyed as a satisfying treat.