If you’re looking for a meal that captures summer flavors, family-style fun, and easy clean-up all in one, this Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Plump shrimp, sweet corn, buttery potatoes, and smoky sausage all nestle together under a fragrant blanket of Old Bay seasoning, then steam to perfection in hearty foil packets—on the grill or in the oven. Trust me, your weeknights (or weekends!) are about to get a taste of the Gulf Coast, no matter where you are, thanks to this foolproof and crowd-pleasing seafood feast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role—bringing color, bite, and buckets of flavor—so don’t skip a single one. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love it:
- Shrimp: Large shrimp soak up seasonings and cook quickly; keep tails on for flavor or off for easy eating.
- Corn on the cob: Chunky, sweet corn adds crunch and sweetness to every bite.
- Baby red or gold potatoes: Their creamy texture and petite size make for a perfect hearty base.
- Smoked sausage: The sausage brings a smoky, savory element and a satisfying chew.
- Olive oil or melted butter: For moisture and richness, helping all those classic Lowcountry flavors meld together.
- Old Bay seasoning: Absolutely classic—no shrimp boil would be complete without this zesty, spicy blend.
- Garlic powder: For mellow, aromatic depth that ties everything together.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and fantastic color to the mix.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for bringing out every flavor in the packet.
- Lemon juice: A splash of brightness that wakes up the whole dish.
- Fresh parsley & lemon wedges: For a fresh, fragrant, and colorful serving finish.
How to Make Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Equipment
First things first—get your oven to 425°F (220°C) or fire up the grill to medium-high. Having everything preheated means your packets steam up beautifully, cooking everything evenly and locking in all those gorgeous flavors.
Step 2: Parboil the Potatoes
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and drop in your halved potatoes. Give them about 10 minutes—just until they’re fork-tender but not falling apart. This little head start ensures the potatoes cook perfectly in sync with the shrimp and corn once they’re nestled in the foil packets.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
In the biggest bowl you have, combine shrimp, parboiled potatoes, corn, and sliced sausage. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter, then shower the mix with Old Bay, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Toss well so every bite is coated in those zesty, soulful flavors—this is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Assemble and Seal the Packets
Evenly divide your shrimp boil mixture among four large squares of heavy-duty aluminum foil (you want enough room to tightly seal them). Fold the foil over the pile, crimping edges to create a snug packet with no leaks. This step is what makes the Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe both effortless and mess-free!
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
If you’re using the oven, place packets on a baking sheet and bake for 15–17 minutes. On the grill, 12–15 minutes does the trick. The packets will puff up—open one carefully to check that the shrimp are opaque and everything is piping hot and steamy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Carefully open the foil (hot steam alert!) and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Finish with lemon wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of brightness. You’ll see and smell the Southern magic instantly.
How to Serve Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a pop of green and a clean, herbal note that lifts the whole packet. Don’t forget the lemon wedges, either! A squeeze just before eating wakes up the flavors and balances out the rich, smoky sausage and sweet corn. If you’re feeling extra, a drizzle of melted butter won’t hurt a thing.
Side Dishes
This Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe is hearty enough to stand alone, but it loves a few traditional sides. Try serving with warm crusty bread for sopping up those flavorful juices, a creamy coleslaw for cool contrast, or a fresh green salad. I even love adding a side of pickles or spicy remoulade for dipping!
Creative Ways to Present
Individual foil packets are fun, but you can also pile everything onto a big platter lined with parchment for a classic shrimp boil look. Scatter lemon wedges and parsley on top. For backyard gatherings, let guests unwrap their own packets tableside or add personal touches with little flags or tags.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover packets, let them cool, then transfer contents to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will deepen and meld, making lunch the next day a real treat!
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe by transferring contents to freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll keep for up to 1 month—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just note that shrimp texture can change after freezing, becoming slightly firmer.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in a covered oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. The microwave will work in a pinch, but I recommend the oven for best texture. Add a sprinkle of water and cover with foil to keep things juicy!
FAQs
Can I make Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the packets a few hours ahead and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake or grill. Wait to add butter or extra lemon until right before sealing if you want the freshest flavor.
What other proteins can I use instead of shrimp?
Try chunks of firm white fish (like cod), scallops, or even chicken sausage if you’re catering to a seafood-free crowd. Just adjust cooking times as needed since chicken may take a bit longer.
Do I need heavy-duty foil for this recipe?
Heavy-duty foil is best because it prevents tearing and holds in all that delicious steam. If you’re using regular foil, double it up for extra strength and avoid leakage.
Can I add vegetables to the Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe?
Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even cherry tomatoes work nicely. Just cut them into chunks so they cook at the same rate as the other ingredients.
Is the Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe spicy?
The classic recipe is flavorful and zesty but not overly spicy. If you want more heat, add cayenne or red pepper flakes to your taste—it’s easy to customize!
Final Thoughts
If sharing a delicious meal with friends or family sounds good to you, give this Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe a spot on your menu. The flavors, the ease, and the minimal clean-up make it irresistibly fun. I can’t wait for you to dig in, get a little messy, and fall in love with this simple southern classic right at your own table!
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Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Shrimp Boil Foil Packets are a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a classic seafood boil. Packed with shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage, seasoned with Old Bay and spices, then cooked to perfection in individual foil packets.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Boil Foil Packets:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 2 ears corn (cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1/2 pound baby red or gold potatoes (halved or quartered)
- 1/2 pound smoked sausage (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat a grill to medium-high. Parboil the potatoes until just tender, then drain.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage. Add oil, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Toss to coat.
- Assemble Packets: Divide the mixture among four foil pieces, seal tightly, and place on a baking sheet.
- Cook: Bake for 15–17 minutes or grill for 12–15 minutes until shrimp are cooked and contents are hot.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges before serving.
Notes
- You can prep the packets ahead and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
- Add butter before sealing for extra richness.
- For more heat, sprinkle in cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Grilling
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 foil packet
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1040mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
