If you’ve ever wanted to whip up a festive, flavorful feast without the fuss of messy pots and endless cleanup, then this Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Bursting with tender shrimp, smoky sausage, sweet corn, and tender red potatoes all wrapped up in a perfectly seasoned foil packet, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes but an explosion of classic coastal flavors that comes together so easily. It’s the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend cookout with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for the Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe is key to nailing that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each item plays a crucial role — from the creamy red potatoes to the hearty smoked sausage — making the dish vibrant and satisfying.
- 1 pound baby red potatoes (halved): These bring a creamy texture and soak up all the delicious seasonings.
- 1 (12-oz) package smoked sausage: Adds a smoky, savory depth that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- 1 pound uncooked peeled and deveined extra-large shrimp: The star of the show, offering a tender, juicy bite every time.
- 2 ears fresh corn (cut into 1 inch pieces): Sweet and crisp, they add popping bursts of freshness.
- 1 yellow onion (peeled, halved and thinly sliced): Brings a subtle sweetness and aroma to the mix.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a robust, savory kick that elevates the entire packet.
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning: Classic coastal spice blend that ties everything together with a little heat and zest.
- ½ teaspoon dried garlic powder: Intensifies the garlic flavor for those who love it bold.
- 1 tablespoon oil: Helps everything cook evenly and prevents sticking.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Simple essentials to balance flavor.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and keeps the shrimp moist during cooking.
- 1 lemon (cut into 8 wedges): Brightens up each packet with fresh citrusy notes.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for serving): A fresh, herbal garnish to add color and a pop of flavor.
How to Make Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe
Step 1: Pre-cook the Potatoes
Start by giving your baby red potatoes a quick tenderizing session. Microwave them on high for about 5 to 6 minutes, or if you prefer, boil them in salted water for 8 to 10 minutes until just fork-tender. Let them cool for 10 minutes — this step ensures they absorb all the seasoning later without a mushy texture.
Step 2: Heat Up Your Cooking Space
Get your oven or grill preheated to a hot 425°F. This heat level is perfect for cooking the shrimp and sausage quickly while allowing the veggies to soften just right inside each packet.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients for Flavor
In a large bowl, toss the cooled potatoes with the sausage, shrimp, corn, onion, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, oil, salt, and pepper. This step is where the magic begins — every piece coats with the spices, setting the stage for a perfectly seasoned packet.
Step 4: Assemble Your Foil Packets
Lay out four pieces of aluminum foil, each at least 18 inches long, then evenly divide the potato and shrimp mixture across them. Top each pile with a tablespoon of butter and squeeze juice from one lemon wedge over it. Fold the foil carefully and crimp all edges tightly to create sealed, leak-proof pouches that lock in all the flavor and steam.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Place your sealed packets on the grill or directly on an oven rack and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the shrimp turns bright pink, the sausage is heated through, and the vegetables are tender and infused with all those delicious flavors.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Open your foil packets carefully—watch out for hot steam and joyful juices that spill out. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra lemon wedges to drizzle a little zing on top. This final touch brightens every bite and makes your presentation shine.
How to Serve Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over your foil packets just before serving. It adds a lovely burst of color and herbal freshness that feels special but requires zero extra effort. Don’t skip the extra lemon wedges — a little squeeze of lemon juice brightens the rich, buttery flavors.
Side Dishes
This Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe practically stands on its own, but you can round out your meal with simple, fresh sides like a crisp green salad, crusty garlic bread, or even a tangy coleslaw. These will balance out the richness and give your table more variety without overshadowing the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your foil packets on large wooden boards or picnic-style plates and let everyone open their own at the table. This interactive presentation amps up the casual, festive vibe and makes meal time feel like a special occasion. You can also add small ramekins of melted butter or hot sauce on the side for personalized dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, tightly wrap the foil packets or transfer the contents to an airtight container and store in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, and the flavors often deepen beautifully after resting overnight.
Freezing
This dish isn’t the best candidate for freezing once cooked because shrimp can become rubbery, but you can prepare the foil packets ahead of time without cooking. Freeze them raw, tightly wrapped, for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge and cook as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover packets in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the shrimp tough and the potatoes less pleasant in texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in the Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat the shrimp dry before combining with the other ingredients. This helps prevent excess moisture that can steam the foil packets too much and affect the texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
You can swap the shrimp and sausage for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and plant-based sausage substitutes. Use vegan butter or olive oil and plenty of seasoning for a similar bold flavor experience.
What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
No worries! You can use Cajun seasoning or create your own blend with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and celery salt to keep that classic shrimp boil flavor profile alive and kicking.
Is it better to cook this recipe in the oven or on the grill?
Both methods work wonderfully. The grill adds a fantastic smoky aroma and char, perfect for outdoor dining, while the oven provides a consistent heat source for easy indoor cooking.
How spicy is this Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe?
The heat level depends on how much Old Bay or Cajun seasoning you use. You can easily adjust it to your preference by using less seasoning or adding a pinch of sugar to mellow it out.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe is such a delightful way to enjoy classic seafood boil flavors without any of the hassle or mess. It’s straightforward, customizable, and incredibly crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a fun get-together, these foil packets bring joy, flavor, and ease all wrapped up in one. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how simple and delicious a shrimp boil can be!
Print
Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Shrimp Boil Foil Packets recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make one-pot meal perfect for grilling or oven-baking. Combining tender baby red potatoes, juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, fresh corn, and aromatic seasonings all sealed in foil packets ensures juicy, well-cooked ingredients infused with savory spice. It’s a casual, yet impressive dish ideal for summer cookouts or simple weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Seafood
- 1 pound baby red potatoes, halved
- 1 pound uncooked peeled and deveined extra-large shrimp
- 2 ears fresh corn, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow onion, peeled, halved, and thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges
Meat
- 1 (12-ounce) package smoked sausage, sliced
Seasonings & Others
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning, or both to taste)
- ½ teaspoon dried garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Par-cook Potatoes: Place halved potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 5 to 6 minutes, or alternatively boil them in salted water on the stove for 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes. This softens the potatoes partially so they finish cooking evenly in the packets.
- Preheat Cooking Equipment: Heat your oven or grill to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking or grilling the foil packets.
- Mix Ingredients: Once potatoes have cooled, place them in a large mixing bowl with sliced smoked sausage, shrimp, corn pieces, sliced onion, minced garlic, Old Bay or Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well so everything is evenly coated with seasonings and oil.
- Assemble Foil Packets: Lay out four large pieces of aluminum foil, each at least 18 inches long. Divide the mixed ingredients evenly among the foil sheets. Top each pile with 1 tablespoon of butter and juice from 1 lemon wedge. Fold and tightly crimp foil edges to create sealed, leak-proof packets.
- Cook Packets: Place the foil packets on the preheated grill or inside the oven. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until shrimp turns pink and opaque, the sausage is heated through, and vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Carefully open the hot foil packets (watch for steam!) and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately for a delicious, fuss-free meal.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage with Andouille or any spicy sausage for extra heat.
- Adjust seasoning levels according to your spice preference; combining Old Bay and Cajun seasoning adds complexity.
- If you don’t have a grill, baking in the oven provides the same great results.
- Be cautious when opening foil packets—steam will be hot and can cause burns.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
