When summer evenings beckon, there’s nothing quite like the beachy flavor of a shrimp boil to transport you to the coast. I discovered the joys of Baked Shrimp Boil Foil Packets during a spontaneous backyard get-together, where the scent of sizzling garlic and buttery goodness chased away any lingering stress. Combining juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and sweet corn, these foil packets are not only packed with flavor but are also incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave a taste of Southern comfort without the fuss.
What I love about this recipe is its flexibility; you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or even swap in different seafood. Best of all, it takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a delightful option for everything from casual weekday dinners to festive gatherings. So grab your ingredients and let’s create a dish that captures the essence of warm evenings filled with laughter and delicious food!
Why You’ll Love Shrimp Boil Foil Packs?
Convenience at Its Finest: These packets are a breeze to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Flavor Explosion: Juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and sweet corn come together in a mouthwatering blend enhanced by Old Bay seasoning.
Customizable Goodness: Feel free to adapt with your favorite veggies or seafood—potatoes, scallops, or even crab—this dish suits your palate!
Perfect for Gatherings: Impress guests with a visually appealing and flavorful meal that’s also fuss-free, allowing more time for fun and less in the kitchen.
Oven or Grill Ready: Whether you fire up the grill or opt for your oven, this dish works perfectly in both settings, making it versatile for any cooking preference.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This recipe guarantees happy faces all around the table, making it your go-to comfort food for all occasions!
Ingredients for Shrimp Boil Foil Packs
For the Shrimp and Veggies
• Shrimp – Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp provide the main protein; feel free to substitute with thawed frozen shrimp.
• Corn – Two ears of corn on the cob add sweetness and texture; alternatively, frozen corn works if fresh isn’t available.
• Andouille/Sausage – Sliced, pre-cooked sausage enhances smokiness; kielbasa makes for a tasty substitute.
For the Flavor
• Old Bay Seasoning – This iconic blend adds a salty, savory flavor to your shrimp boil foil packs; adjust to taste for less saltiness if needed.
• Garlic – Minced fresh garlic boosts aromatic depth; consider garlic powder as a quick substitute in a pinch.
• Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish; lime juice can be swapped for a zesty twist.
For Finishing Touches
• Butter – Divided into two portions for flavoring and finishing; ghee serves as a great dairy-free alternative.
Now that you have all the essentials for your Shrimp Boil Foil Packs with Old Bay, it’s time to bring that coastal flavor to your kitchen!
How to Make Shrimp Boil Foil Packs
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Preheat your oven to 400°F or grill to medium-high heat. This ensures even cooking for your shrimp and veggies.
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Prep the Corn: Wrap the corn in plastic and microwave for 1 minute until slightly softened. Slice the corn into 2-inch pieces to fit perfectly in your packets.
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Melt Butter: In a small bowl, melt ¼ cup of butter and mix it with minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and fresh lemon juice. This will be your flavor-packed drizzle.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shrimp, corn pieces, and sliced sausage. Pour the buttery mixture over everything, stirring gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
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Wrap Packets: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Wrap each portion tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil to create individual packets, ensuring no leaks.
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Cook: Grill the packets for 8 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for an additional 5 minutes. If baking, place in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked.
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Brown Remaining Butter: While the packets cook, melt and brown the remaining butter in a pan over medium-high heat for enhanced flavor.
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Serve: Carefully open the packets (watch for steam!) and drizzle the browned butter over the shrimp boil before diving in.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Shrimp Boil Foil Packs Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists and adaptations for your shrimp boil foil packs to suit your tastes and pantry!
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Potato Addition: Par-boil small diced potatoes first; add them in for a hearty twist that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
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Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a bright and fragrant uplift that enhances the overall taste.
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Cajun Spice: Swap Old Bay for Cajun seasoning to spice things up with a zesty kick that brings some Southern heat to the party.
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Vegetarian Style: Replace shrimp with hearty mushrooms or zucchini to create a scrumptious and filling vegetarian option, perfect for meat-free nights.
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Spicy Upgrade: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for those who love a bit of sizzle in their seafood feast.
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Lemon-Garlic Boost: Double the garlic and lemon juice to really amp up that aromatic punch that pairs beautifully with seafood.
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Sweet Corn Galore: Use a mix of fresh corn and mini sweet peppers to add sweetness and vibrant color, making your dish even more visually appealing.
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Smoky Layer: Incorporate smoked paprika in place of Old Bay for a subtle smokiness that complements the shrimp beautifully, giving it an irresistible depth of flavor.
Expert Tips for Shrimp Boil Foil Packs
• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh shrimp and produce when possible to elevate the flavor of your shrimp boil foil packs.
• Avoid Overcooking: Keep a close eye on cooking times. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so ensure you don’t exceed the recommended cooking duration.
• Seal Tightly: Use heavy-duty aluminum foil or double-wrap regular foil to avoid leaks. A well-sealed packet traps flavors and moisture!
• Pre-Cook Potatoes: If adding potatoes, microwave them ahead of time until soft. This ensures they’re cooked through while the shrimp stay perfectly tender.
• Experiment with Additions: Don’t hesitate to customize! Experiment with different veggies or seafood—clams, scallops, or even fresh herbs make excellent additions to your shrimp boil foil packs.
• Watch for Steam: When opening your foil packets, be cautious of hot steam escaping. Open them away from your face to avoid burns.
Make Ahead Options
These Shrimp Boil Foil Packs with Old Bay are perfect for busy weeknights and can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance! To make ahead, combine the shrimp, corn, and sausage in the foil packets, but hold off on adding the butter mixture until just before cooking. Store the prepped packets in the refrigerator to maintain freshness—this will ensure the shrimp stays tender and avoids excess moisture. When you’re ready to cook, simply melt the butter, mix in the garlic, seasoning, and lemon, pour over the contents, and grill or bake as directed. This way, you’ll have a delightful, fuss-free meal ready to serve with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Shrimp Boil Foil Packs
Fridge: Store leftover shrimp boil foil packs in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain flavor and freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the foil packets before cooking. They can be stored for up to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated throughout. This keeps the shrimp boil foil packs moist and delicious.
Original Texture: To maintain the best texture, avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can lead to rubbery shrimp. Enjoy your shrimp boil foil packs with Old Bay fresh and flavorful!
What to Serve with Shrimp Boil Foil Packs?
Elevate your meal with these delightful pairings that complement the vibrant flavors of your shrimp boil.
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Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up that rich, buttery sauce while adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
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Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the savory richness of the foil packets.
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Garlic Butter Rice: Fluffy, garlic-infused rice provides a comforting base to balance the bold flavors of the shrimp boil packs.
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Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw not only adds a crunchy texture but also offers a tangy contrast, brightening the entire meal.
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Sweet Corn on the Cob: Serve extra corn on the side for a delightful, sweet addition that mirrors the corn in your shrimp boil foil packs.
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Lemonade Iced Tea: This refreshing drink, with its balance of sweet and tart, perfectly complements the coastal flavors of your dish, making every sip a treat.
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Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits is a sweet end note to your meal, refreshing your palate after a savory dish.
These pairings create a harmonious and delicious dinner experience that is sure to impress!
Baked Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe FAQs
What kind of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp are ideal for this recipe, providing the best flavor and texture. However, if you’re in a pinch, feel free to substitute with thawed frozen shrimp—just ensure they are completely thawed before cooking.
How do I store leftover shrimp boil foil packets?
Very simply! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them again by reheating in the oven or on the grill. Just remember to consume them promptly to maintain the deliciousness!
Can I freeze the shrimp boil foil packets before cooking?
You sure can! To freeze, just prepare the foil packets as instructed, but do not cook them. Wrap each packet tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge before grilling or baking.
What should I do if the shrimp overcooks?
Ah, the classic cooking dilemma! To avoid rubbery shrimp, keep a close eye on cooking times and remove the packets as soon as the shrimp turn pink and opaque. If you find your shrimp already overcooked, don’t worry—add some fresh lemon juice or butter to the dish when serving for a burst of flavor to help mitigate that rubberiness.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! If you’re serving this dish to guests or family, be aware of any seafood allergies. Additionally, if preparing for someone with dairy allergies, substitute the butter with ghee or a dairy-free butter alternative. This way, everyone can indulge in these delicious shrimp boil foil packets with Old Bay!
Can I add vegetables to the shrimp boil foil packets?
Of course! The more the merrier! You could certainly add par-cooked potatoes, bell peppers, or even zucchini to your foil packets. Just ensure to microwave or pre-cook any dense vegetables until tender before wrapping them with the shrimp, so everything cooks evenly. Feel free to customize according to your taste!
Shrimp Boil Foil Packs with Old Bay: Easy Oven or Grill Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F or grill to medium-high heat.
- Wrap the corn in plastic and microwave for 1 minute until slightly softened. Slice into 2-inch pieces.
- In a small bowl, melt ¼ cup of butter and mix with minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together shrimp, corn pieces, and sliced sausage. Pour the buttery mixture over and stir gently.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Wrap each in heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Grill for 8 minutes, flip and grill for an additional 5 minutes, or bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Melt and brown the remaining butter in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Open packets carefully and drizzle with browned butter before serving.