How Long to Grill Shrimp in Foil Packets for Perfectly Cooked Shrimp

Grilling shrimp in foil packets is one of the easiest ways to add flavorful, tender shrimp to your cookout menu The foil pouch steams the shrimp while infusing it with seasoning, garlic, and butter or oil No skewers or complicated flipping required!

But to achieve plump, juicy shrimp without overcooking into rubbery, chewy bits, it’s key to know exactly how long to grill shrimp in foil. The cooking time can vary based on factors like shrimp size, thickness of foil pouch, and grill temperature.

In this article, we’ll look at how long you should grill shrimp in foil packets to get perfect results every time We’ll also cover signs of done shrimp, what happens if you under or overcook it, and tips for grilling shrimp in foil to tender, juicy perfection.

How Long Does it Take to Grill Shrimp in Foil Packets?

The approximate grilling time for shrimp in foil is

• 8 to 10 minutes for medium or large shrimp
• 6 to 8 minutes for smaller shrimp

These times are based on a hot grill temperature of about 400°F.

The foil packet helps to steam the shrimp while also allowing quick, even cooking from the hot grill. Within about 10 minutes or less, the shrimp becomes opaque and curled, signaling it’s cooked through.

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

While 8-10 minutes is typical, a few factors can increase or decrease the cooking time when grilling shrimp in foil:

• Shrimp size – Large colossal shrimp may take closer to 10 minutes vs 8 for smaller shrimp.

• Thickness of foil – Using a double layer of heavy duty foil means the shrimp will take longer to cook than with a single foil sheet.

• Amount per packet – Packets very stuffed with shrimp will increase time compared to just 3-4 shrimp.

• Grill temperature – Cooler grills around 300°F will lengthen the cooking time needed.

• Preparation – Shrimp thawed from frozen will cook faster than fresh never-frozen shrimp.

Taking these factors into account and checking for visual doneness signs will ensure you get perfect shrimp every time.

What Happens If Shrimp Is Undercooked in Foil?

It’s better to slightly undercook vs overcook shrimp. Slightly undercooked shrimp will just be a bit more translucent in the center and less curled.

You can return it to the grill for 2-3 more minutes, or finish cooking stovetop in a pan with butter for tender results. Just don’t overcook into rubbery territory!

What Happens If Shrimp Is Overcooked in Foil Packets?

Shrimp overcooked past the 8-10 minute mark in foil will toughen up and become rubbery in texture.

Once shrimp is overcooked, there’s no way to reverse it. It’s best to remove it from the heat as soon as you see any pink, opaque color to avoid turning chewy.

How to Tell When Shrimp is Done Grilling in Foil

Since you can’t open the foil pouch while on the grill, look for these signs of done shrimp once time is up:

• Shrimp flesh turns from translucent gray to solid opaque pink/white
• Shrimp curls and becomes tight, compact c-shapes
• Shrimp flesh becomes firm and springs back when touched

Discard any leftover shrimp not eaten after cooking, since grilled shrimp doesn’t hold up well after refrigerating.

Tips for Grilling Shrimp in Foil Perfectly Every Time

Follow these tips for tender, juicy grilled shrimp in foil every time:

• Pat shrimp very dry before cooking
• Use fresh or fully thawed shrimp
• Don’t overstuff foil packets
• Grill on high heat, around 400°F
• Rotate foil packet halfway through
• Don’t peek/open packets while grilling
• Check shrimp at 8 minute mark

Delicious Seafood Foil Packets to Try

Grilling seafood in foil is a fast, healthy way to infuse flavor. Beyond shrimp, you can try:

• Lemon garlic salmon
• Mahi mahi with mango salsa
• Cajun tilapia and veg packets
• Scallops with basil pesto
• Swordfish steaks with herbs

So now you know exactly how long to grill shrimp in foil packets for tender, juicy results. Master this easy grilling method and enjoy flavorful shrimp at your next cookout!