These Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets are a delightful way to enjoy a summer meal without heating up your kitchen. Packed with tender shrimp, flavorful sausage, and sweet corn, these packets are not only easy to prepare but also make for quick cleanup after a fun outdoor gathering. Ideal for family dinners or backyard barbecues, this dish combines fresh ingredients with vibrant flavors, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: This dish comes together in no time. Simply layer the ingredients and let the grill do the work.
- Flavorful and Delicious: Each bite bursts with flavor from the seasoning and fresh ingredients, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in foil packets means less mess in your kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or protein to customize each packet.
- Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or even camping trips.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, you will need some essential tools and equipment. Having the right tools ensures that your Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets come out perfectly every time.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Microwave-safe dish
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil: Prevents leaks while grilling and retains moisture for juicy shrimp.
- Grill: Provides that perfect smoky flavor while cooking everything evenly.
- Microwave-safe dish: Allows for quick melting of butter without any hassle.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets:
For the Base
- 1 lb baby or small red potatoes
- 2 ears corn, shucked and sliced into 1-inch thick disks
- 2 (4 oz) chicken or turkey cajun style andouille sausage links, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices
- 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
For Flavoring
- 6 Tbsp butter, diced into 1 Tbsp pieces
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Old Bay seafood seasoning (or more to taste)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Preheat a gas grill over medium-high heat to about 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut eight sheets of 12 by 14 inches of Reynolds Wrap Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil. Use two sheets of foil per packet.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Place potatoes on a plate and microwave them on high power for 1.5 minutes. Rotate them halfway through and microwave for another 1.5 minutes. Once they are cool enough to handle, cut them into slices.
Step 3: Assemble the Packets
Divide the sliced potatoes among each of the four double-lined foil sheets (layering ingredients in the center). Follow this with corn, sausage, and shrimp.
Step 4: Melt Butter Mixture
Melt butter in a microwave-safe dish. Stir in lemon juice, thyme, and garlic. Divide this butter mixture evenly among the packets by drizzling about 2 tablespoons over each.
Step 5: Season and Seal
Sprinkle each packet with about 1/2 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning. Wrap up the sides of the first sheet of foil; then place a second sheet going opposite lengthwise. Crimp the edges to seal securely.
Step 6: Grill the Packets
Grill sealed side up for about 12-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender and shrimp are fully cooked. Serve warm garnished with chopped parsley.
Enjoy your flavorful Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets!
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets
These Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets make for a delicious and fun meal that’s perfect for gatherings. Here are some creative ways to serve them:
On a Platter
- Arrange the cooked packets on a large serving platter, allowing guests to unwrap and serve themselves. This adds a communal feel to your meal.
With Lemon Wedges
- Serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side. The citrus enhances the flavors of the shrimp and adds a refreshing touch.
Paired with Hot Sauce
- Offer different types of hot sauces for those who enjoy a spicy kick. It allows everyone to customize their meal to their taste.
Accompanied by Fresh Bread
- Serve with crusty bread or rolls to soak up any leftover butter and juices. This makes for a satisfying addition to the meal.
How to Perfect Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets
To ensure your Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
Choose the right shrimp: Use large, raw shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp as they can become rubbery when grilled.
Cut veggies evenly: Make sure your potatoes and corn are cut into similar sizes. This helps them cook evenly along with the shrimp.
Seal packets tightly: Ensure that your foil packets are sealed well to trap steam, which helps cook everything thoroughly and keeps flavors locked in.
Monitor cooking time: Keep an eye on your packets while grilling. Overcooking can lead to tough shrimp, so check at the 12-minute mark.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets
Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some excellent options:
Coleslaw
A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the savory shrimp boil, providing a nice texture balance.Cornbread
Sweet cornbread is a classic Southern side that pairs perfectly with seafood, adding a delightful sweetness.Garlic Bread
Toasted garlic bread is great for soaking up extra butter and juices from the shrimp packets, enhancing every bite.Mixed Green Salad
A light mixed greens salad dressed with vinaigrette offers a crisp complement to the rich flavors of the shrimp boil.Potato Salad
Creamy potato salad adds another layer of flavor while keeping in theme with the potatoes in the main dish.Grilled Vegetables
Seasonal grilled vegetables add color and nutrition while echoing the grilled aspect of your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Grilling Shrimp Boil Packets can be simple and delicious, but some common mistakes can ruin your meal. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. Aim to grill for just 12-15 minutes until they turn pink.
Using thin foil: Thin foil can tear easily and lead to leaks. Always use heavy-duty aluminum foil for grilling to keep all the flavors contained.
Skipping the seasoning: Seasoning is key to flavor. Don’t skip the Old Bay or other spices. Make sure each packet has enough seasoning for a tasty boil.
Not pre-cooking potatoes: If you add raw potatoes directly, they may not cook through. Microwaving them first ensures they’re tender when served.
Improper sealing: Ensure your packets are sealed tightly. If not sealed well, juices will escape, and your ingredients won’t steam properly.
Ignoring grill temperature: Cooking at the right temperature is crucial. Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat (about 425°F) before placing the packets on it.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Always let them cool down completely before sealing in a container.
Freezing Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets
- For longer storage, freeze the packets before cooking.
- Wrap each packet tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the packets on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place a packet on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for about 3-5 minutes or until heated thoroughly.
Stovetop: Unwrap contents into a skillet with a splash of water or broth. Heat over medium until warmed, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize my Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets?
Absolutely! You can swap out shrimp for other seafood or add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini based on what you enjoy.
How do I know when my shrimp are done?
Shrimp turn pink and opaque when cooked through. They should also curl slightly but not be tight.
What side dishes pair well with Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets?
Coleslaw, garlic bread, or a fresh garden salad complement these packets perfectly for a complete meal.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate containers until you’re ready to grill.
What’s the best way to season my Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets?
Old Bay seasoning works great, but feel free to experiment with Cajun spices, lemon pepper, or fresh herbs like dill or parsley!
Final Thoughts
Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets offer an easy and flavorful summer dinner that keeps cleanup minimal while maximizing taste. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it according to your preferences, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight meals. Give it a try, and don’t hesitate to mix and match ingredients!
Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets
Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets are the ultimate summer dinner, combining the best flavors of shrimp, sausage, and corn in a convenient foil packet. This easy recipe allows you to enjoy a delicious meal without heating up your kitchen, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings or family barbecues. Simply layer fresh ingredients, season with zesty spices, and let the grill do the work. With minimal cleanup and endless customization options, this dish will quickly become a go-to for any occasion. Savor every bite as you indulge in this flavorful experience that brings everyone together around the grill.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb baby red potatoes
- 2 ears corn, sliced
- 2 cajun-style andouille sausage links
- 1 lb large raw shrimp
- 6 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp chopped thyme
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (425°F).
- Microwave potatoes for about 3 minutes until slightly tender; slice.
- Prepare four double-lined foil sheets; layer potatoes, corn, sausage, and shrimp on each.
- Melt butter with lemon juice, thyme, and garlic; drizzle over contents of each packet.
- Season with Old Bay seasoning; seal packets tightly.
- Grill packets for 12-15 minutes until shrimp are pink and potatoes are tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 packet (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Keywords: Customize by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Ensure shrimp are raw and large for best texture. Monitor cooking time closely to avoid rubbery shrimp.
