Transform your summer grilling with these irresistibly delicious **grilled shrimp foil packets**. Bursting with vibrant vegetables like tender red potatoes, sweet corn, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all infused with savory kielbasa and our special homemade Old Bay seasoning, this recipe promises a complete, mouth-watering meal. Designed for ultimate convenience and flavor, these easy-to-assemble packets are perfect for a fuss-free dinner, whether you’re feeding a family or a large gathering. The beauty of foil packet cooking lies in its ability to lock in moisture and flavor, creating a steaming effect that ensures every ingredient is cooked to perfection, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.
Easy & Flavorful Grilled Shrimp Foil Packets
Why choose **shrimp foil packets** for your next meal? Simply put, they offer an unparalleled combination of ease, deliciousness, and convenience. Imagine a full, well-rounded meal — succulent jumbo shrimp, tender red potatoes, sweet corn on the cob, savory kielbasa, and bursting cherry tomatoes — all cooked together in a single, perfectly sealed package. This method ensures that every ingredient is imbued with the rich flavors of our homemade Old Bay seasoning, chicken broth, wine, and a touch of butter, creating a harmonious and incredibly tasty dish. It’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights, relaxing weekends, or any outdoor cooking adventure.
These individual shrimp packets are not only incredibly simple to prepare but also make a fantastic summer meal for a large group or for families who appreciate delicious leftovers. Their self-contained nature means less mess and more time enjoying good company and great food.
Why You’ll Adore This Easy Shrimp Recipe!
There are countless reasons why these **grilled shrimp foil packets** will become a staple in your culinary repertoire. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience designed for flavor, simplicity, and ultimate satisfaction.
Packed with Unforgettable Flavor: Each bite is an explosion of savory, sweet, and tangy notes. The homemade Old Bay seasoning penetrates every ingredient, from the juicy shrimp to the hearty potatoes and sweet corn, creating a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and exciting. The addition of chicken broth, white wine, Tabasco, and butter melts together to form a rich, zesty sauce that coats everything beautifully.
Effortless Cleanup: One of the biggest advantages of foil packet cooking is the minimal mess. All the ingredients cook together inside the foil, eliminating the need for multiple pots and pans. Once your meal is enjoyed, simply discard the foil, leaving you with hardly any dishes to wash. This makes it perfect for outdoor grilling, camping, or any time you want a delicious meal without the post-cooking chore.
Highly Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily adjust it based on your preferences or whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to swap out vegetables, experiment with different seasonings, or even try various types of pre-cooked sausages. It’s a fantastic way to utilize seasonal produce and get creative in the kitchen, ensuring a fresh and exciting meal every time.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Shrimp Foil Packets
Crafting the perfect **shrimp foil packet** begins with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients that complement each other harmoniously. Here’s a closer look at the stars of this sensational dish:
- Jumbo Shrimp: We highly recommend using jumbo shrimp for this recipe. Their larger size helps prevent overcooking, ensuring they remain tender and juicy throughout the grilling process. Opt for raw, thawed, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the easiest preparation.
- Homemade Old Bay Seasoning: This iconic seasoning is the heart and soul of our shrimp packets. While store-bought Old Bay works in a pinch, our homemade recipe provides a fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balanced blend of spices that truly elevates the dish. Don’t skip this step if you have the time!
- Red Potatoes: These potatoes are ideal for foil packets because they cook relatively quickly and yield a delightfully creamy texture. Make sure to chop them into small, uniform ½-inch chunks to ensure even cooking and tenderness within the packet.
- Cherry Tomatoes: As they cook, cherry tomatoes burst and release their sweet, tangy juices, contributing significantly to the delicious sauce that forms at the bottom of each foil packet. Their vibrant color and flavor add a fresh dimension to the meal.
- Ears of Corn: Fresh ears of corn, cut into thirds, grill beautifully within the foil packs. They absorb the savory Old Bay seasoning and other juices, resulting in sweet, tender kernels bursting with flavor. It’s a classic pairing with shrimp and sausage.
- Lemons: A squeeze of fresh citrus is absolutely crucial. Sliced lemons added directly to the packets infuse the entire dish with a bright, zesty aroma and flavor that perfectly cuts through the richness of the other ingredients. Do not omit this essential component!
- Kielbasa: Much like in traditional seafood boils, adding kielbasa sausage introduces a wonderful saltiness and a hearty, smoky flavor that beautifully complements the shrimp and vegetables. We recommend pre-cooked beef, pork, or turkey kielbasa. If you’re not a fan of kielbasa, feel free to substitute with your favorite pre-cooked sausage or omit it entirely for a lighter option.
- Chicken Broth and Wine: This dynamic duo forms the base of the incredibly flavorful sauce that gathers at the bottom of your foil packets. The chicken broth adds savory depth, while a splash of Sauvignon Blanc (or other dry white wine) contributes a nuanced acidity and complex aroma, making every spoonful rich and satisfying.
- Tabasco: Just a touch of Tabasco sauce adds a subtle kick of heat and a distinctive vinegary tang, brightening the overall flavor profile of the sauce and giving it a delightful bite without being overwhelmingly spicy.
- Butter: Shrimp and butter are a match made in culinary heaven. Cold butter, strategically placed in the packets, melts slowly, enriching the sauce with a luxurious, silky texture and a wonderfully decadent flavor that enhances all the other ingredients. This is a must-have for a truly indulgent experience.
Homemade
Old Bay Seasoning
Everyone loves the iconic flavor of Old Bay seasoning. Elevate your grilled shrimp foil packets by making your very own homemade version from scratch. It’s surprisingly easy and tastes incredibly fresh, adding an authentic touch to this delicious recipe.
Simple Instructions for Grilling Shrimp Foil Packets
Follow these straightforward steps to create perfectly cooked and incredibly flavorful **grilled shrimp foil packets**:
- Prepare Your Grill and Foil Boats: Preheat your grill (or oven) to 400ºF (200ºC). While it heats, construct your aluminum foil “boats.” This is a critical step for success. Lay two large, 1-foot pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil one on top of the other in a cross shape. Carefully fold up the edges of the top foil to create sturdy walls, ensuring no liquid can escape. Repeat this process to create two large, robust boats. These substantial packets will hold all your delicious ingredients without tearing and seal in all the steam and flavor.
- Season the Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine your raw, peeled, and deveined jumbo shrimp with 3 tablespoons of the homemade Old Bay seasoning and an additional ½ teaspoon of salt. Toss thoroughly until every piece of shrimp is generously coated in the aromatic spices. Allow the shrimp to marinate in the refrigerator while you prepare the other ingredients; this resting period ensures they absorb maximum flavor, making them extra succulent when cooked.
- Assemble the Foil Packets: Divide the chopped onion, red potatoes, minced garlic cloves, cherry tomatoes, corn chunks, lemon slices, and kielbasa sausage evenly between your two prepared aluminum foil boats. Drizzle each boat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning over the ingredients in each packet. Gently toss everything together within the foil to ensure all the vegetables and sausage are well coated with seasoning and oil.
- Add Liquids and Butter: To each foil boat, pour in ¼ cup of chicken broth, ¼ cup of Sauvignon Blanc (or your chosen white wine), and 1 tablespoon of Tabasco sauce. Place 3 tablespoons of cold butter evenly over the ingredients in each packet. Finally, carefully seal the aluminum boats completely, crimping the edges tightly to prevent any heat or steam from escaping during cooking. A tight seal is key to cooking the ingredients thoroughly and creating that wonderful sauce.
- Initial Cook Time: Place the tightly sealed foil boats directly on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 25 minutes. During this initial cooking phase, the potatoes and other vegetables will steam and tenderize. Before proceeding, carefully open one packet to check the potatoes – they should be fork-tender. If they’re still firm, reseal the packet and cook for a few more minutes.
- Add Shrimp and Finish Cooking: Once the vegetables are tender, quickly and carefully open the foil packs. Evenly distribute the seasoned shrimp on top of the cooked vegetables in each packet. Reseal the packets immediately and grill for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked through and turn opaque pink. The exact cooking time for shrimp can vary based on size and grill temperature, so monitor them closely to avoid overcooking.
- Toss and Serve: Remove the cooked foil packets from the grill and carefully transfer them to a sturdy, heat-safe surface like a baking sheet. Unfold the edges of the foil. Before serving, gently toss all the ingredients within each boat to coat everything in the rich, flavorful sauce that has accumulated at the bottom. Garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro. These grilled shrimp foil packets are best served immediately with delicious crusty bread for dipping into the incredible sauce.
Serving a Large Group? For larger gatherings, once the packets are done cooking, simply pour the contents of each shrimp packet into large serving bowls. This makes it incredibly easy for guests to share and serve themselves, ensuring everyone gets a taste of all the delicious components.
Top Tips for Perfect Shrimp Foil Packets
Achieve flawless results every time with these expert tips for your **grilled shrimp foil packets**:
Ensure a Tight Seal: The most crucial element for success is making sure your foil packets are sealed tightly. Any gaps or openings will allow steam to escape, significantly extending the cooking time for your ingredients and potentially leading to unevenly cooked food. Take your time to crimp all the edges securely, creating a steamy environment inside for perfectly tender vegetables and juicy shrimp. You can even use an additional layer of foil if you’re concerned about leaks.
Check Potato Tenderness Before Shrimp: Potatoes take longer to cook than shrimp. It’s essential to ensure the potatoes are fork-tender before you introduce the shrimp to the packets. If you add the shrimp too early, they will overcook and become rubbery while waiting for the potatoes to finish. Periodically check the potato doneness during the initial cooking phase.
Don’t Waste the Flavorful Sauce: The liquid that accumulates at the bottom of your aluminum boats is pure gold! It’s packed with all the delicious flavors from the Old Bay seasoning, broth, wine, butter, and juices from the vegetables and sausage. Make sure to toss all the ingredients in this sauce before serving. It also makes an incredible dip for warm, crusty bread, ensuring not a single drop of flavor goes to waste.
Pre-Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While the recipe includes seasoning the shrimp, consider marinating them for an hour or two (or even overnight) in the Old Bay seasoning. This extra time allows the flavors to truly penetrate the shrimp, resulting in a more intensely seasoned and delicious outcome.
Evenly Chop Vegetables: To ensure all vegetables cook at a similar rate, chop your potatoes, onions, and corn into roughly uniform sizes. Smaller pieces will cook faster, so adjust accordingly. Consistency is key for uniform tenderness.
Discover More Shrimp Recipes
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Tuscan Shrimp Linguini
Spring Roll Salad
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Grilled Shrimp Foil Packets
To grill shrimp in foil packets, begin by creating sturdy aluminum foil boats, layering two pieces of foil for durability. Fill the boats with your chosen vegetables (like chopped potatoes, corn, and onions), sausage, and seasonings. Seal the packets tightly, then grill at 400ºF (200ºC) for about 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Afterward, open the packets, add the seasoned shrimp, reseal, and continue grilling for another 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked and pink.
Absolutely! You can prepare shrimp foil packets for future convenience. Assemble all the vegetables, sausage, and seasonings in the foil packs as directed. For the shrimp, season them separately with Old Bay and store them in a separate freezer-safe bag. Place both the unsealed foil packets and the bag of shrimp into a larger freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw completely in the refrigerator, then proceed with the grilling instructions, adding the shrimp at the appropriate time.
Yes, this recipe is incredibly flexible! You can easily add or swap different vegetables based on what’s in season or your personal preferences. Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, green beans, or even asparagus would be delicious additions. Experiment with various seasonings beyond Old Bay, or try different types of pre-cooked sausages like andouille for a spicier kick. The beauty of foil packet cooking is its adaptability.
Yes, these foil packets are perfect for oven baking too! If using the oven, preheat to 400ºF (200ºC). Assemble the packets as instructed, but you might want to use just one layer of heavy-duty foil for easier handling in the oven. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes before adding the shrimp. Then, open the packets, add the shrimp, reseal, and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through. Oven cooking generally takes a bit longer than grilling to achieve the same tenderness.
These shrimp foil packets are a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a few simple sides. Crusty bread is a must for soaking up that delicious sauce! A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, a side of fluffy white rice, or even some extra grilled vegetables (like asparagus or bell peppers) can complement the meal beautifully. For a touch of freshness, a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs like parsley or dill just before serving is always a good idea.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any delicious leftovers from your **grilled shrimp foil packets**, proper storage is key to maintaining their freshness and flavor.
Storage: Allow any remaining shrimp and vegetable mixture to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. While the flavors often meld and deepen overnight, the shrimp is best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal texture.
Reheating: To reheat, you can gently warm the mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems dry. Alternatively, spread the leftovers on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and reheat in a preheated oven at 300ºF (150ºC) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. Avoid high heat when reheating shrimp, as it can make them tough and rubbery.
More of our Favorite…
Delicious Grilling Recipes
If you loved the ease and flavor of these shrimp foil packets, you’re in for a treat! Explore more of our fantastic grilling recipes that are perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or any time you want to enjoy a meal cooked outdoors. From perfectly seared steaks to tender chicken and flaky fish, we’ve got something for every grill master.
- How to Grill Steak
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- Expert Guide: How to Grill Salmon
- Easy Foil Pack Grilled Red Potatoes
- Juicy Grilled Chicken Thighs
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Grilled Shrimp Foil Packets
Ingredients
Homemade Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons ground celery seed
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon flaked sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Foil Pack Shrimp & Vegetables
- 1.5 lbs. raw jumbo shrimp, thawed, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups red potatoes, chopped into ½-inch chunks
- ½ large white onion, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 3 large ears of corn, chopped into thirds
- 2 large lemons, sliced
- 1 ring of kielbasa sausage, (beef, pork, or turkey)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sauvignon blanc
- 2 tablespoons tabasco sauce
- 6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into 6 tablespoons
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
Instructions
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Preheat your grill (or oven) to 400ºF (200ºC). Prepare two large aluminum ‘boats’ by layering two 1-foot pieces of heavy-duty foil in a cross shape, then folding up the sides of the top foil to create sturdy walls, ensuring no liquid will escape. Set these aside.
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Combine all the ingredients for the homemade Old Bay seasoning in a bowl or jar and mix well to combine. Set aside.
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Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into a large bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of your prepared Old Bay seasoning and an additional ½ teaspoon of salt to the shrimp. Toss thoroughly until the shrimp are evenly coated in the spices. Place the seasoned shrimp in the refrigerator to marinate.
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Evenly split all the remaining ingredients (chopped white onion, red potatoes, minced garlic cloves, cherry tomatoes, corn chunks, lemon slices, and kielbasa sausage) between the two foil boats. Drizzle each boat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss the vegetables and sausage together. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning into each boat and toss again to coat.
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To each boat, add ¼ cup of chicken broth, ¼ cup of Sauvignon Blanc, and 1 tablespoon of Tabasco sauce. Top each with 3 tablespoons of cold butter. Fold the edges of the foil boat up and crimp tightly to ensure no heat or ingredients can escape.
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Carefully place the sealed foil boats over direct heat on your preheated grill and cook for 25 minutes.
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After 25 minutes, carefully open the foil boats and evenly distribute the seasoned shrimp on top of the cooked vegetables in each boat. Reseal the packets immediately and continue to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked through and opaque pink. The cooking time for shrimp can vary based on their size and your grill/oven, so keep an eye on them.
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Remove the boats from the grill and place them on a cooled baking sheet. Unfold the foil, garnish generously with fresh cilantro, and gently toss all the ingredients within each boat to coat everything in the delicious sauce. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips & Notes
- You will likely have extra homemade Old Bay seasoning. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, and it will remain fresh for several months, ready for your next culinary creation.
- We designed this recipe for two large foil packets, which simplifies handling and serving. When constructing your foil packets, ensure you use two very large, sturdy pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil per packet. This provides ample room for all the initial ingredients and allows space to add the shrimp later without overcrowding or tearing. If you prefer, you can easily divide the ingredients into four smaller, individual foil packs instead of two larger ones.
- The key to success in this recipe is maintaining a tightly sealed aluminum foil boat. If any heat or steam escapes the foil packets, it will significantly prolong the cooking time for the ingredients, especially the potatoes. Double-check all seams are crimped securely before placing them on the grill or in the oven.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to adapt. Feel free to substitute or add any vegetables you have on hand or prefer. Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or even asparagus would make excellent additions. Adjust the quantity of Tabasco or cayenne pepper to your desired spice level.
- We used a beef kielbasa for its savory flavor, but an andouille sausage would be an equally delicious choice, lending a spicier, more robust profile to the dish. Feel free to use your favorite pre-cooked sausage type.
- Oven directions: If you are preparing these shrimp foil packets in the oven, we recommend using only one layer of heavy-duty tin foil per packet for easier handling. Follow all the directions for assembling the shrimp foil packets, then preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Bake the packets in the oven for 35-40 minutes before adding the shrimp. Once the potatoes are fork-tender, open the packets, add the shrimp, reseal, and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked. Oven cooking typically requires slightly more time than grilling to achieve the desired tenderness.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Photography: Photos for this post were beautifully captured by Ashley McGlaughlin from The Edible Perspective.