These Shrimp Boil Foil Packets have all the great flavors of a traditional shrimp boil, but they are made in foil so they are easy to make and clean up after. You can eat them at home or while camping. Cook it on the grill or in the oven.
Don’t stop there! For dessert, try these Jambalaya Foil Packets and Upside Down Pineapple Foil Packs.
First time I ever had a real southern shrimp boil was in Louisiana about 25 years ago. Still remember it like it was yesterday, though. The event was a huge feast. I ate so much that it took me three days to digest it all. As the name suggests, authentic shrimp boil is…boiled, usually in a gigantic pot. We got rid of that method and decided to make it in foil packets because we’re crazy about our Jambalaya Foil Packets. They taste just like a shrimp boil, but you don’t have to do much work or clean up afterward.
As a home cook who loves whipping up quick, easy, and delicious meals, shrimp foil packets are one of my go-to recipes. The method of sealing seasoned shrimp and veggies in foil and popping it in the oven results in super flavorful and tender seafood every time.
But knowing exactly how long to cook shrimp foil packets can be tricky Undercook them and you’ll end up with rubbery, unsafe to eat shrimp Cook them too long and you’ll have sad, dried out shrimp that have lost their sweet brininess.
After plenty of trial and error in my own kitchen, I’ve mastered the cooking times and temperatures needed to make foil-wrapped shrimp packets that are perfectly cooked from edge to edge. Keep reading for my complete guide to achieving shrimp foil packet perfection.
How Long Should You Cook Shrimp Foil Packets?
The cooking time can vary slightly based on the size of your shrimp as well as what other ingredients are tucked into the foil pouch. But in most cases, you’ll want to cook medium shrimp foil packets for 12-15 minutes at 375°F.
Here are general guidelines based on shrimp size:
- Small shrimp (36-45 per pound): 8-10 minutes
- Medium shrimp (26-35 per pound): 12-15 minutes
- Large shrimp (16-25 per pound): 15-18 minutes
- Jumbo shrimp (10-15 per pound): 18-20 minutes
No matter what size shrimp you are using, I always recommend beginning to check for doneness at the lower end of the time range. It’s easy to continue cooking foil packets if the shrimp aren’t quite done, but overcooked shrimp are beyond saving.
How to Tell When Shrimp Foil Packets are Cooked
Since you can’t easily poke a thermometer through the foil, checking for visual signs of doneness is key. Here’s what to look for when determining if your shrimp foil packets are ready to come out of the oven
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Color change: The shrimps’ flesh should transition from a light gray, translucent color to solid, opaque pink or orange.
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Texture Properly cooked shrimp will be firm yet still tender and juicy They shouldn’t feel mushy or rubbery
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Opacity: The shrimp should look uniformly opaque and should not have any visible translucent sections.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for guaranteed delicious, foolproof shrimp foil packets every time:
1. Prep the shrimp. Rinse, peel, and devein the shrimp if needed. Pat dry to remove excess moisture. Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices or marinades.
2. Prep the veggies. Wash, peel, and slice any vegetables that will be cooked in the packets alongside the shrimp. Bell peppers, zucchini, and corn work especially well.
3. Assemble packets. Lay a large sheet of heavy duty foil on your work surface. Pile the shrimp and veggies in the center, then drizzle with olive oil or butter.
4. Seal the packets. Bring the foil sides together and seal the packets by tightly folding the edges. Make sure the seal is airtight.
5. Bake at 375°F. Place packets directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet. Cook for minimum time recommended based on shrimp size, checking frequently.
6. Check doneness and rest. Carefully open packets, testing a shrimp or two for doneness. If needed, reseal and cook longer. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
7. Enjoy! Your tender, juicy shrimp and veggies are ready to be enjoyed. Serve packets whole for a fun presentation or open fully and pile onto plates.
Cooking Tips
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Double wrapping the foil helps prevent tears that could dry out the shrimp.
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Preheat the oven fully before baking the packets.
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Flip packets halfway through if your oven has hot spots.
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Add a pat of butter or drizzle of olive oil for extra moisture and flavor.
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Fresh herbs like dill, cilantro, and parsley add a flavor boost.
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Slice vegetables thinly so they cook through fully.
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Don’t overstuff packets with too much shrimp or veggies.
Freezer Friendly Foil Packets
You can prep shrimp foil packets in advance and keep them handy in the freezer for quick weeknight meals. To freeze:
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Assemble packets using raw, thawed shrimp.
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Seal packets well, eliminating as much air as possible.
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Place flat in a single layer and freeze until solid.
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Transfer to a freezer bag or container and store for 2-3 months.
To cook, simply place frozen packets directly in the preheated oven and increase cooking time by 5 minutes. Check frequently for doneness.
Oven-Baked Shrimp Perfection
Cooking shrimp in foil packets is one of the easiest ways to enjoy tender, flavorful shrimp anytime. Following my tips for prep, cook times, temperature, and doneness cues will guarantee you perfect oven-baked shrimp foil packets every time.
Let the foil do the work for you while you enjoy the delicious results. Just be prepared for the irresistible aromas that will soon fill your kitchen!
What to Serve with Shrimp Boil
Although these packets are a full meal on their own, the following foods go well with them:
- It’s hard for me to remember a time when homemade garlic bread didn’t improve a meal.
- Cornbread: This recipe for cornbread has a golden crust, a fluffy crumb, and a buttery taste. It goes well with just about anything.
- Popovers: These are light, buttery, and delicious, with a crispy outside and a hollow inside. They’re great for sopping up the juices from the packet.
- Coleslaw: You can’t go wrong with our delicious creamy coleslaw.
- Spanish Rice: Yep, we know it’s not Southern. Okay, this Spanish rice goes really well with these packets.
- Salad: We love this simple leafy green side salad.
- Sweet Tea: To wash down this food, have a big glass of cool, sweet tea!
Make Ahead Preparation and Storing Leftovers
Step 1: Cut the smoked sausage and vegetables into small pieces and set them aside for the next day. Keep them in air tight containers in the refrigerator. You can also make the filling and prep the foil packets the day before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet and store in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re going camping, transfer them to a cooler right before leaving. (NOTE: Make sure they are sealed well, so nothing leaks. )Storing Leftovers: Once cooked and cooled, ditch the foil and transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave (but remember that shrimp that have already been cooked tend to dry out and get tough). ).
Shrimp Boil Foil Packs
How long do you cook shrimp in a foil pack?
Cook the shrimp boil foil packs. [For the oven]: Preheat the oven to 425°F. When preheated, place the foil packets into the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes, until the shrimp is pink and just cooked through. [For the grill]: Preheat a gas or charcoal grill over medium-high heat.
How long do you bake shrimp & Broccoli foil?
Transfer to a baking sheet and bake shrimp foil packets in the oven, sealed side upward until shrimps have cooked through, about 15 minutes. 7. Carefully unwrap the baked shrimp and broccoli foil packets then garnish with fresh parsley and a slice of lemon. Enjoy! Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
How do you make Cajun shrimp foil packets?
Make shrimp boil foil packets (also known as Cajun shrimp foil packets) by adding andouille sausage, red potatoes, old bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning, and corn for a complete meal. Chop up some red onion and/or bell peppers and toss them in for added flavor. Serve with lemon wedges and more melted butter for dipping if you’d like.
How do you cook shrimp on a grill?
Add olive oil, cajun seasoning, salt and pepper, to taste; gently toss to combine. Fold the sides of the foil over the shrimp, covering completely and sealing the packets closed. Place foil packets on the grill and cook until just cooked through, about 12-15 minutes.* Served immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.