How Long to Cook Shrimp on the Grill in Foil Packets

Cooking shrimp on the grill in foil packets is a quick, easy and flavorful way to make dinner The shrimp cooks up moist and tender in under 10 minutes You’ll love how the foil helps seal in the flavors. This cooking method also makes for easy cleanup since you can just toss the foil after grilling.

Grilling shrimp in foil is one of my favorite go-to meals. In less time than it takes to order and pick up takeout you can have a delicious dinner made at home. The prep time is only about 5 minutes too! Let me walk you through everything you need to know about how long to cook shrimp on the grill in foil packets.

Benefits of Cooking Shrimp in Foil Packets

There are several advantages to grilling shrimp in foil packets:

• Quick cooking time – Shrimp cooks fast, usually 8-10 minutes.

• Mess free – The foil packets prevent any spilling or mess on the grill grates.

• Captures flavor – The foil seals in all the seasoning and juices.

• Easy cleanup – Just toss away the foil after cooking.

• Individual servings – Foil packets can be made into single servings.

• Customizable – Easily change up the flavors by using different seasonings.

How to Make Foil Packets for Grilled Shrimp

Making the foil packets is simple:

• Cut two large pieces of heavy-duty foil. Make sure they are big enough to fully wrap the shrimp and seasoning.

• Place the raw peeled shrimp in the center of the foil.

• Top with desired seasonings such as minced garlic, lemon juice, basil, parsley, oregano, olive oil, etc. Butter works great too.

• Seal the foil tightly around the shrimp and ingredients so no juices can leak out.

• Make sure to wrap the edges well. You can also double wrap the foil if concerned about tears.

• Lay the packets on a baking sheet if grilling in the oven. For outdoor grilling, place directly on the grill grates.

How Long Should You Grill Shrimp in Foil Packets?

The cooking time can vary slightly based on a few factors:

• Shrimp size – Large shrimp take 8-10 minutes, medium 10-12 minutes, and extra large 12-14 minutes. Small shrimp cook fast so be careful not to overcook.

• Thickness of foil – Heavy duty foil holds up better than regular foil. Regular foil may need a minute or two less cooking time.

• Grill temperature – Cooking over high heat around 400°F is best. It sear the shrimp nicely. Keep the lid closed as much as possible.

• Quantity – Packets with more shrimp may take a little longer. Try not to overcrowd the foil though.

• Frozen vs. fresh – Frozen shrimp will need a couple extra minutes to fully thaw and cook through.

No matter what size of shrimp you have, I recommend starting to check doneness after 8 minutes. You can easily see when the shrimp turns opaque and pink when the foil is opened.

Grilling Shrimp in Foil Step-by-Step

Follow this simple process for perfect grilled shrimp in foil packets every time:

1. Preheat your grill to high heat, around 400°F.

2. Prepare the foil packets with shrimp, seasoning, butter, etc. Wrap tightly.

3. Oil the grill grates. This prevents sticking.

4. Place foil packets directly onto the hot grill. Close lid.

5. Grill for 8-10 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.

6. Use tongs to move packets if any flare-ups happen.

7. Check doneness after 8 minutes by opening a packet.

8. Cook longer if needed based on shrimp size and grill temp.

9. Remove packets from the grill. Use caution when opening as steam will escape.

10. Slide shrimp out onto a plate and enjoy your delicious grilled shrimp!

Cooking Shrimp Foil Packets in the Oven

If the weather is bad or you prefer to use the oven, the cooking time and temperature are nearly the same:

• Heat oven to 400°F.

• Prepare foil packets with shrimp as desired.

• Place packets on a baking sheet.

• Bake for 14 minutes until shrimp are opaque.

• Check doneness and continue cooking if needed.

The oven method works great. The shrimp gets a nice sear from the hot oven temp. Baking gives you the flexibility to cook shrimp foil packets any time.

Tips for the Best Grilled Shrimp Foil Packets

• Use raw shrimp that has been peeled and deveined
• Choose large or extra large shrimp for the grill
• Use fresh or thoroughly thawed shrimp
• Place shrimp in a single layer in the foil
• Try soaking wooden skewers in water before grilling for extra moisture
• Watch closely and don’t overcook
• Consider butterflying the shrimp for more even grilling
• Use tongs to flip and move packets while grilling
• Double wrap foil if concerned about tearing

How to Tell When Shrimp is Done Grilling

Here are some signs that the shrimp is fully cooked:

• The shrimp turns from gray to opaque pink/orange on both sides

• It becomes firm to the touch and no longer translucent

• The center is no longer transparent looking when cut into

• The shrimp reaches an internal temperature of 145°F

• The flesh becomes pearly white

As soon as the shrimp is fully cooked, remove it from the grill. Overcooking will make the texture rubbery.

Popular Seasonings and Flavors

One of the best parts of making foil packets is that you can customize the flavors easily. Try out different herbs, spices, oils and marinades. Here are some delicious options:

• Lemon, garlic, parsley – classic and tasty

• Chili powder, cumin, lime – fun taco flavor

• Italian dressing, basil – quick marinade

• Melted butter, Old Bay seasoning – easy seafood boil

• Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger – Asian zing

• Olive oil, Cajun seasoning, tomato – some heat

• Honey mustard – sweet and tangy

• Fresh dill, lemon – taste of summer

Side Dishes to Serve with Grilled Shrimp

Grilled shrimp makes a quick and easy main dish, especially when served with complementary sides like:

• Rice – cilantro lime, coconut, jasmine rice

• Pasta – linguine, spaghetti, angel hair

• Grilled vegetables – zucchini, squash, corn, potatoes

• Salad – mixed greens, spinach salad, caesar salad

• Bread – rolls, flatbread, naan, cornbread

The foil packet method allows you to grill veggies or potatoes right alongside the shrimp. This makes for easy one-pan cooking and cleanup.

Make-Ahead Foil Packets

For quick meals later in the week, you can prep the foil packets 1-2 days ahead:

• Assemble packets with all ingredients except butter or oil

• Store uncooked packets in the fridge

• Add butter/oil right before grilling

• Cook as normal when ready to eat

Having the packets pre-made makes dinner a breeze. Just toss on the grill or pop in the oven and dinner is served!

Fun Variations

Changing up the flavors and ingredients can give you lots of options:

• Shrimp tacos – add corn, black beans, taco seasoning

• Shrimp boil – red potatoes, corn, Cajun seasoning

• Hawaiian shrimp – pineapple, bell pepper, teriyaki

• Shrimp fajitas – onion, pepper, chili powder

• Parmesan shrimp – tomato, spinach, Parmesan

• Lemon shrimp risotto – arborio rice, lemon zest

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you prevent foil packets from tearing on the grill?

Use heavy-duty or double layer the foil. Also, wrap edges tightly and avoid overcrowding the packet. Move carefully with tongs.

Can you reuse the foil packets?

It’s best not to reuse the foil since it can absorb smells and flavors. The foil is inexpensive and disposable.

What if some shrimp are smaller?

Remove the smallest shrimp after 6-7 minutes since they cook faster. Let the larger shrimp continue cooking.

Do the packets need to be flipped?

Flipping halfway isn’t mandatory but can promote even cooking. Use tongs to gently flip.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw first and pat dry. Add 1-2 mins to the cook time if needed.

More Delicious Grilled Seafood Recipes

• Grilled salmon

• Cedar plank salmon

• Grilled tuna steaks

• Scallops & shrimp skewers

• Grille