Shrimp Foil Packets – This recipe packs all the savory goodness of shrimp, fresh vegetables, and seasonings into a handy little packet that can be baked, grilled, or even cooked over an open fire.
Why You’ll Love Shrimp Foil Packets
- Effortless Cooking: Minimal prep, no fancy techniques, and easy cleanup. It’s perfect for weeknights.
- Customizable: You can mix and match ingredients, seasonings, and cooking methods.
- Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with protein, veggies, and bold flavors, shrimp foil packets are light yet satisfying.
- Ideal for Grilling and Camping: These packets are portable and can be cooked on a grill, in the oven, or over a campfire—making them great for outdoor adventures.
How to Make Shrimp Foil Packets
Ingredients:
To make your shrimp foil packets, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Lemon: Adds a bright, citrusy finish that pairs well with seafood.
Shrimp (peeled and deveined): Choose large, fresh or frozen shrimp for the best results.
Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, red onions, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus work beautifully.
Olive oil: Helps in coating the shrimp and vegetables, adding a rich flavor.
Seasonings: Garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
Fresh herbs: Parsley, cilantro, or basil to garnish the finished dish.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Foil Packets
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, and you don’t want to end up with rubbery results. Check the packets at the 10-minute mark (especially if grilling) to avoid overcooking.
- Use heavy-duty aluminum foil: This will prevent tearing and ensure that the packets are properly sealed.
- Prep in advance: You can assemble the packets a few hours ahead and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This makes meal planning a breeze.
- Add a starch: For a complete meal in one, toss in some pre-cooked potatoes, corn on the cob halves, or even cooked rice for added texture and substance.
- Control the steam: When sealing the packets, leave a little room for the ingredients to steam properly. This ensures everything is cooked evenly.
Delicious Variations of Shrimp Foil Packets
Shrimp foil packets are highly customizable, allowing you to switch up the flavors and ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in season. Here are some fantastic variations:
Spicy Shrimp with Lime: Use sriracha or chili flakes for a spicy version, and finish with a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy kick.
Cajun Shrimp Foil Packets: Add Cajun seasoning, andouille sausage, and corn for a Southern twist. You can also add slices of sweet potato or baby potatoes.
Garlic Butter Shrimp: Swap the olive oil for melted butter and increase the garlic. A few dashes of Old Bay seasoning also work wonders.
Mediterranean Shrimp Foil Packets: Include kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese. Season with oregano and lemon for a Mediterranean vibe.
Asian-Inspired Shrimp Packets: Use soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Add bok choy, snap peas, or mushrooms for a perfect match.
How to Serve Shrimp Foil Packets
Once you open those beautiful foil packets, you’ll be greeted by a burst of aroma and bright, colorful ingredients. Here’s how to serve them:
- Direct from the foil: This method is rustic and keeps things casual—ideal for a BBQ or camping meal.
- Over rice: Serve the shrimp and vegetables over white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa to soak up the flavorful juices.
- With crusty bread: Use bread to mop up the garlicky, lemony broth at the bottom of each packet.
- On pasta: Shrimp and veggies over a bed of buttery pasta is a winning combo.
- With a side salad: For a lighter meal, serve with a fresh, crunchy salad like Caesar or a Mediterranean-style cucumber and feta salad.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Foil Packets
While shrimp foil packets are best served fresh, you can store leftovers if needed.
- Refrigeration: Store the cooked shrimp and veggies in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the ingredients on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Be cautious when microwaving, as shrimp can overcook easily.
- Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze cooked shrimp foil packets, as the shrimp may become tough upon reheating. However, you can freeze pre-assembled packets (before cooking) for up to 1 month. Just thaw in the refrigerator before baking or grilling.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed before adding to the foil packets. Simply run cold water over the shrimp to thaw them quickly.
What vegetables work best in shrimp foil packets?
The beauty of shrimp foil packets is that you can customize the veggies. Some great options include bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onions, broccoli, asparagus, and baby potatoes. Just be mindful of the cook time for each vegetable—harder veggies like carrots may need to be pre-cooked slightly.
Can I cook shrimp foil packets on the grill?
Absolutely! Grilling shrimp foil packets adds a subtle smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. Just preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the packets for about 10–12 minutes.
What’s the best seasoning for shrimp foil packets?
While there are many great seasonings, some of the most popular options include garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, Old Bay, Cajun spices, and lemon pepper. You can also try blending spices to create your own unique flavor.
Are shrimp foil packets healthy?
Yes! Shrimp foil packets are a healthy option, especially if you use olive oil, fresh vegetables, and limit the sodium. Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein, while the veggies add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your meal.
Shrimp Foil Packets
Shrimp Foil Packets - This recipe packs all the savory goodness of shrimp, fresh vegetables, and seasonings into a handy little packet that can be baked, grilled, or even cooked over an open fire.
Ingredients
- 25 uncooked shrimp, peeled
- 1 pound smoked sausage, cut into chunks
- ½ cup melted butter (or olive oil)
- 6 ears of corn, cut into halves or thirds (18 pieces)
- 4 red potatoes, cubed
- ½ cup chicken broth (you may not need all of it)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cajun seasoning (like Tony Chachere’s), to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- Chicken (bite-sized pieces)
- Italian sausage
- Red onions, celery, bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to 400°F (or set your oven to the same temperature).
- Assemble your packets: On heavy-duty foil sheets (about 12x18 inches each), evenly divide the corn, potatoes, shrimp, and sausage.
- Add flavor: Drizzle melted butter and 2 tablespoons of chicken broth over each packet. Generously season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Seal the packets: Fold up the sides and ends tightly to create a secure seal.
- Grill for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are tender.
- Serve hot and carefully open the packets—watch out for the steam!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 1102Total Fat 66gSaturated Fat 28gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 31gCholesterol 209mgSodium 2546mgCarbohydrates 92gFiber 10gSugar 14gProtein 40g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp foil packets are a dream meal for busy cooks, campers, or anyone looking for a simple, delicious dish that’s both healthy and fun to prepare. With endless variations and minimal cleanup, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your household. Whether you’re enjoying these packets fresh off the grill at a BBQ or baking them in the oven for a quick weeknight dinner, you’ll love the blend of flavors and convenience that shrimp foil packets provide.
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