Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Sliders

The perfect blend of island flavors and comfort food, these Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Sliders are a mouthwatering treat. Juicy grilled shrimp marinated in garlic and spices rest atop a sweet and tangy pineapple slaw, all tucked into buttery toasted Hawaiian rolls. Ideal for summer gatherings or a fun weeknight dinner, these sliders come together quickly but deliver huge on flavor. Whether you’re firing up the grill or using a stovetop skillet, the tropical aroma of garlic shrimp paired with refreshing slaw will transport you straight to the shores of Hawaii.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup shredded cabbage

• 1/2 cup grated carrots

• 1/2 cup diced fresh pineapple

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 6 Hawaiian rolls, split

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine shrimp, garlic, olive oil, fish sauce, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and marinate for 15–20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, in another bowl, mix cabbage, carrots, pineapple, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar. Set aside to let flavors meld.

3. Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.

5. Brush the cut sides of the rolls with melted butter and toast lightly on the skillet until golden.

6. Assemble each slider by layering pineapple slaw, grilled shrimp, and fresh cilantro on the bottom bun. Top with the other half of the roll.

7. Serve warm and enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 285 kcal | Servings: 6 sliders

A Taste of the Islands: Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Sliders

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Sliders bring the flavors of the North Shore right to your plate. Inspired by the famous shrimp trucks lining the coasts of Oahu, this dish combines juicy, garlicky shrimp with the tropical sweetness of pineapple slaw and the soft, pillowy texture of Hawaiian rolls. It’s more than just a sandwich—it’s a complete sensory experience that transports you to a warm beachside breeze with every bite.

This slider recipe is a perfect balance of bold flavor, satisfying texture, and ease of preparation. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, casual parties, game day eats, or even elegant summer gatherings. Let’s dive deeper into what makes this dish so special and why it deserves a place in your regular meal rotation.

Cultural Background and Inspiration

The inspiration behind Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Sliders comes from the renowned food trucks in Hawaii—particularly on the North Shore of Oahu. Trucks like Giovanni’s and Fumi’s have become legendary for their no-frills, mouthwatering garlic shrimp plates served with rice and lemon. The shrimp is typically sautéed in butter, olive oil, and a hefty amount of garlic, creating a deeply savory flavor with just a hint of tropical zing.

This recipe takes the essence of that dish and gives it a modern, shareable twist by transforming it into a slider format. By adding a pineapple-infused slaw and serving it on sweet Hawaiian rolls, it builds on the traditional flavors while making it more versatile and fun for everyday cooking and entertaining.

A Nutrient-Packed Protein Choice

Shrimp is more than just delicious—it’s also an excellent source of lean protein. Each serving offers about 20 grams of protein while being low in calories and fat. Shrimp also contains several important nutrients, including selenium, vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients support immune function, heart health, and energy production.

Incorporating shrimp into your diet can be especially beneficial if you’re trying to eat light while still feeling satisfied. Unlike red meats or fried snacks, this dish offers the indulgence of flavor without compromising your health goals.

The Power of Garlic: Flavor and Wellness Combined

One of the key flavor drivers in this dish is garlic—used generously to infuse the shrimp with savory intensity. But garlic isn’t just about taste. It’s been recognized for centuries for its health benefits. Rich in antioxidants and compounds like allicin, garlic is known for boosting immunity, reducing blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels.

Cooking garlic in olive oil, as done in this recipe, mellows its sharpness and turns it into a fragrant, almost buttery component that coats the shrimp beautifully. It enhances not only the aroma but also the depth of taste in every bite.

Pineapple Slaw: A Refreshing Tropical Twist

What really sets these sliders apart from traditional shrimp sandwiches is the pineapple slaw. This slaw adds sweetness, acidity, and crunch—all of which are essential to balance the richness of the shrimp and garlic.

Fresh pineapple provides a burst of vitamin C, enzymes like bromelain that aid digestion, and natural anti-inflammatory benefits. Combined with shredded cabbage and carrots, the slaw also adds fiber, texture, and vibrant color to the sliders, making them visually appealing as well as delicious.

The slaw’s creamy yet tangy dressing—made with mayo and apple cider vinegar—ties everything together and keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.

Why Hawaiian Rolls Make All the Difference

Not all bread is created equal, and Hawaiian rolls are the perfect match for these garlic shrimp sliders. Their slight sweetness complements the savory shrimp and tart slaw without overpowering them. Their soft, tender texture is easy to bite into, making every slider feel indulgent and cohesive.

Because they’re small, Hawaiian rolls also promote portion control while encouraging guests or family members to go back for seconds—creating a fun, communal dining experience.

Quick and Easy to Make

One of the top reasons home cooks love this recipe is how quickly it comes together. From marinating the shrimp to building the sliders, the entire process takes about 30 minutes or less. The shrimp itself cooks in just a few minutes, making this ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu get-togethers.

Even better, the pineapple slaw can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors actually improve as it sits, meaning you can prepare it hours before you need to serve, freeing up time and energy when guests arrive.

Customizations and Variations

Another reason this dish stands out is its adaptability. Here are a few easy ways you can modify the sliders to fit dietary needs or flavor preferences:

• Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or chili flakes to the garlic marinade for heat.

• Low-Carb Version: Serve the shrimp and slaw in lettuce wraps instead of rolls.

• Dairy-Free: Substitute the mayo in the slaw with vegan mayo or Greek yogurt.

• Grilled Pineapple: Lightly grill the pineapple before adding it to the slaw for a smoky dimension.

• Extra Crunch: Add crushed macadamia nuts or fried onions as a garnish for textural contrast.

This level of versatility makes it easy to serve the dish again and again without it ever getting old.

Perfect for Entertaining and Meal Prep

Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, tailgating with friends, or planning a family movie night, these sliders are a hit. Their compact size makes them easy to handle, and they can be served warm or at room temperature.

Want to make them ahead? No problem. Simply grill the shrimp and prepare the slaw, then store both components separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the shrimp for a minute or two and assemble. You’ll have a gourmet-quality meal in minutes.

They also pack well for lunches—whether for the office or a picnic—making this recipe not only tasty but incredibly convenient.

Kids and Adults Alike Will Love It

It’s not always easy to find a meal that satisfies both adventurous adult palates and picky eaters. But this dish bridges that gap perfectly. The sliders are small and approachable for kids, while the bold garlic and tropical flavors appeal to adults who appreciate more complex taste profiles.

You can even involve kids in the cooking process—letting them help assemble the sliders or mix the slaw. It’s a fun, hands-on meal that brings families together.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Pair these sliders with:

• Coconut rice or jasmine rice for a fuller meal

• Sweet potato fries or plantain chips for a tropical side

• Mango lemonade or pineapple mojitos for a refreshing beverage

• Grilled veggies like corn or zucchini for added nutrition

Because of their bright, tropical flavor, these sliders go especially well with light, citrusy drinks and fresh sides. The result is a meal that feels like a vacation on a plate.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Sliders aren’t just another shrimp dish—they’re a flavorful fusion of traditional Hawaiian street food, modern convenience, and nutritional balance. With their juicy, garlicky shrimp, crunchy pineapple slaw, and sweet rolls, they offer the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and refreshing in each bite. This recipe is easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and a crowd-pleaser every single time. Whether you’re serving them at a party, prepping meals for the week, or just indulging in a delicious dinner, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Sliders deliver on flavor, fun, and simplicity. Add them to your menu, and you’ll have a go-to favorite that never disappoints.