Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Easy Prep and Cleanup: Everything is cooked in individual foil packets, so there’s no mess to clean up.
• Full of Flavor: Packed with shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes, all seasoned with bold Cajun spices.
• Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Grilling or Baking: These foil packets are versatile and can be cooked on the grill, in the oven, or even over a campfire.

Key Ingredients

• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined, work best for this recipe.
• Andouille Sausage: Adds a smoky, savory flavor to the packets. You can use any sausage you prefer.
• Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn, cut into smaller pieces, brings sweetness and texture to the packets.
• Baby Potatoes: Red or Yukon gold baby potatoes are perfect for boiling and roasting in the packets.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the seasonings stick to the ingredients.
• Cajun Seasoning: The star of the dish, adding a spicy, smoky kick. You can use homemade or store-bought Cajun seasoning.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon slices add a bright, tangy flavor to the packets.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor.
• Parsley: Optional, for garnish.

How to Make Shrimp Boil Foil Packets

Step 1: Preheat the Grill or Oven

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Boil the Potatoes and Corn

• In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add 1 pound of baby potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes until they are fork-tender but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside.
• Cut 2 ears of corn into thirds and set aside with the potatoes.

Step 3: Prepare the Foil Packets

• Cut 4 large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12×18 inches each). Divide the shrimp (about 1 pound), potatoes, corn, and 1/2 pound of sliced andouille sausage evenly among the four pieces of foil.

Step 4: Season the Ingredients

• Drizzle each packet with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Add 1 minced garlic clove to each packet and squeeze a wedge of lemon over the top. Place a slice of lemon on top of each packet for extra flavor.

Step 5: Seal the Foil Packets

• Fold the sides of the foil up and over the shrimp mixture, sealing the packets tightly so no steam escapes during cooking.

Step 6: Cook the Packets

• Grill Method: Place the foil packets on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
• Oven Method: Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and the potatoes are tender.

Step 7: Serve

• Carefully open the foil packets (be cautious of the steam) and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra lemon wedges if desired. Serve hot!

Tips for the Best Shrimp Boil Foil Packets

1. Use Heavy-Duty Foil: Heavy-duty foil ensures that the packets won’t tear while cooking. If using regular foil, consider doubling it for extra strength.
2. Pre-Boil the Potatoes: Boiling the potatoes ahead of time ensures they’ll be tender and fully cooked by the time the shrimp and other ingredients are done.
3. Adjust the Spice Level: You can customize the heat by using more or less Cajun seasoning, or swap it for a mild seasoning if preferred.
4. Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the packets for extra color and flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Shrimp Boil: Add extra heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the seasoning mix.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Boil: Use more garlic and butter, and reduce the Cajun seasoning for a milder, buttery flavor.
• Low-Carb Shrimp Boil: Skip the potatoes and add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or cauliflower.
• Seafood Mix Foil Packets: Add clams, mussels, or scallops to the packets for a mixed seafood boil.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these foil packets ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the foil packets up to a few hours in advance. Just keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill or bake them.

2. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure they’re thawed, peeled, and deveined before adding them to the foil packets.

3. What other side dishes go well with shrimp boil foil packets?

These packets are a complete meal on their own, but they pair well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or coleslaw.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.