Luch & Dinner

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck Recipe – Freshly Ingredients

Name: Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck Recipe – Freshly Ingredients
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 whole head of garlic, peeled and finely chopped; 1 pound of large shrimp, thoroughly deveined; 1/4 cup of light vegetable oil; 1 stick of rich, creamy butter; 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour; 1 lemon, sliced into wedges; 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper; 1-2 teaspoons of coarse sea salt; 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

Charlotte Shapiro December 10, 2024

Servings: 4 Total Time: 15 mins

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Let me take you back to my first visit to Oahu, specifically to the North Shore, where I stumbled upon a little gem that forever changed my perception of shrimp. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, known for its delicious garlic shrimp, had a line of eager patrons waiting for a taste of their famed dish.

The aromas wafting from the food truck wrapped around me like a blanket, urging me to join the queue. As I savored that first bite, with the flavors exploding in my mouth, I knew I had to recreate this experience in my own kitchen. Here’s how you can do just that.

What is Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck?

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. It showcases succulent shrimp, sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce, seasoned to perfection, and served with a side of lemon wedges.

Each bite is a burst of umami goodness. This dish has become iconic, reflecting the essence of Hawaiian street food. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a meal that transports you right to the shores of Hawaii.

Why You’ll Love This Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck?

You’ll adore this recipe for several reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients. Secondly, the garlic and spice combination creates a flavor profile that is second to none. Thirdly, it’s versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer, main dish, or even add it to a pasta salad. Perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy dinner.

Lastly, you don’t need to fly to Hawaii to enjoy the taste of Giovanni’s shrimp. You can create this beachy delight in your home kitchen, impressing friends and family with your culinary skills.

The Ingredients

Here’s what you will need for this irresistible dish:

1 whole head of garlic, peeled and finely chopped
1 pound of large shrimp, thoroughly deveined
1/4 cup of light vegetable oil
1 stick of rich, creamy butter
3/4 cup of all-purpose flour
1 lemon, sliced into wedges
2 tablespoons of smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1-2 teaspoons of coarse sea salt
1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

Step by Step Instructions

Let’s dive into creating your own Hawaiian feast. Follow these steps for a mouthwatering experience.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all the ingredients. Clean the shrimp under cold water and ensure they are deveined; this step can’t be skipped! Peel the garlic and chop it finely. Having everything ready makes the cooking process quicker and smoother.

Step 2: Heat the Base

In a large skillet, pour in the light vegetable oil and half of the stick of butter. Heat it over medium flame. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped garlic. Sauté the garlic until it’s golden brown; be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can ruin the dish.

Step 3: Add the Shrimp

Once your kitchen fills with the delightful garlic aroma, add the shrimp to the skillet. That sizzle is music to my ears! Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque. Flip them over and repeat on the other side.

Step 4: Season to Perfection

Now, sprinkle the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the shrimp. Stir well, allowing the spices to coat each shrimp beautifully. The colors should be vivid, a good sign of flavor!

Step 5: The Finishing Touch

Once the shrimp are cooked through, remove them from the heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over them for that citrusy zest and add the remaining butter. Toss the shrimp gently in the pan to ensure they’re well coated with that garlicky, buttery goodness. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an extra pop of color.

Step 6: Serve it Up

Plate the shrimp elegantly, perhaps with a side of lemon wedges. You’ll want to capture that Instagram-worthy photo before you dive in. Trust me; this dish is as eye-catching as it is delicious.

Tips & Tricks

Creating Giovanni’s shrimp truck dish is straightforward, but a few tips can elevate your cooking game:

Shrimp Quality: Always use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp. Frozen shrimp should be thawed in the refrigerator overnight for optimal texture.
Butter Vs. Oil: Using a combination of butter and oil prevents the butter from burning, while oil adds a nice crunch when you sear the shrimp.
Add Extra Flavor: Customize the spice level by adjusting the cayenne pepper amount. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash of hot sauce for an additional kick.
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your shrimp; they cook fast. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery.
Serve with Sides: Pair the shrimp with garlic bread, rice, or a refreshing salad to complete the meal.

Can I Store Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck?

Absolutely, you can store leftover shrimp. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 2-3 days. However, shrimp are best enjoyed fresh. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain their tenderness.

What Can I Serve with Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck?

Serving suggestions can turn this dish into a complete meal:

Garlic Butter Rice: The perfect pairing to soak up all that delicious garlic sauce.
Fresh Salad: A light arugula or mixed green salad topped with lemon vinaigrette.
Pasta: Toss shrimp with freshly cooked pasta for a delightful main course.
Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add a smoky flavor that complements the shrimp.
Crusty Bread: Serve with sliced baguette or garlic bread to wipe up every last bit of sauce.

Variations

Feeling experimental? Here are some delightful twists on Giovanni’s shrimp recipe:

Asian-Inspired Shrimp: Swap out smoked paprika for soy sauce and add ginger and scallions for a different take.
Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Increase the cayenne pepper and add Cajun seasoning for a kick that would make New Orleans proud.
Lemon Basil Shrimp: Replace parsley with fresh basil and add a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing taste.
Shrimp Tacos: Serve the shrimp in warm tortillas topped with cabbage slaw and avocado for a fun twist.
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp: Toss shrimp with grated Parmesan cheese before serving for an added depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck recipe is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Hawaiian flavors. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can recreate a taste of paradise in your own kitchen.

The buttery garlic sauce clings to the shrimp, creating an irresistible dish that’s bound to impress. Whether served at a summer gathering or as a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So dust off that apron and get to it! It’s time to indulge in shrimp the way the islanders do.

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Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck Recipe – Freshly Ingredients

Author: Charlotte Shapiro Cuisine: Hawaiian Courses: Luch & Dinner

Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 15 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 752 kcal

Description

Let me take you back to my first visit to Oahu, specifically to the North Shore, where I stumbled upon a little gem that forever changed my perception of shrimp. Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, known for its delicious garlic shrimp, had a line of eager patrons waiting for a taste of their famed dish.