This Shrimp Foil Packet is a fun and easy meal where shrimp, veggies, and tasty spices cook together in a neat little wrap! Just pop it in the oven, and it’s good to go.
Honestly, cleanup is a breeze since everything’s in the foil. I love pairing it with rice or a fresh salad, making dinner a colorful feast without much work. 🍤✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect, but if you can’t find them, medium shrimp work well too! You can also use frozen shrimp; just make sure they’re thawed before cooking.
Baby red potatoes: These are great because they cook quickly. If you don’t have them, try baby Yukon Golds or even sweet potatoes for a different taste. Just cut them smaller for quicker cooking!
Corn: Fresh corn on the cob adds sweet crunch! If it’s out of season, frozen corn is a fine substitute. Skip the fresh corn until it’s back in season!
Red onion: This gives a lovely flavor and sweetness. If you want something milder, you can use yellow onion or even shallots instead.
Spices: If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works, but consider adding a bit of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor. For a milder dish, reduce the cayenne.
How Do I Make Sure My Shrimp Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky because they cook quickly. The key is watching the color and texture. They’ll turn pink and opaque when done, usually within 20-25 minutes in the oven. Here are some tips to nail it:
- Don’t overcrowd the foil packet; give each shrimp space for even cooking.
- Check for doneness a few minutes early. Remember, shrimp will continue cooking slightly even after you take them out of the oven.
Following these tips will help you enjoy perfectly cooked shrimp every time!
How to Make a Shrimp Foil Packet in the Oven
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup baby red potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 ear corn, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 medium red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (reserve some for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Shrimp Foil Packet takes about 10 minutes to prepare, followed by 20-25 minutes of baking time. So, you’ll need roughly 35-40 minutes in total. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready when your foil packet goes in!
2. Prepare the Foil:
Get a large sheet of aluminum foil, about 12×12 inches. This will hold all your tasty ingredients, so make sure it’s big enough to fold up nicely.
3. Toss Everything Together:
In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, baby red potatoes, corn pieces, and red onion wedges. Add in the olive oil, minced garlic, and all the spices: smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until it’s well coated in the oil and spices. It should smell amazing!
4. Make the Packet:
Spread the shrimp and veggie mixture out onto the center of the foil sheet. Squeeze half of the lemon over everything for a bright, zesty flavor.
5. Seal it Up:
Fold the foil over the shrimp and veggies, sealing it tightly to make sure no steam escapes during cooking. This helps everything cook evenly and keep that delicious flavor in!
6. Bake:
Carefully place the sealed foil packet on a baking sheet. Bake it in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and the potatoes are tender.
7. Enjoy the Aroma:
Once done, carefully open the foil packet (watch out for that hot steam!). It’s time to savor the delicious aromas!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your dish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve it up right away! It pairs beautifully with rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your flavorful, easy, and low-mess Shrimp Foil Packet cooked in the oven! Happy eating! 🍤✨
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to thaw shrimp is by placing them in the fridge overnight or putting them in a sealed bag and submerging them in cold water for about 20-30 minutes.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute?
You can easily swap out the baby red potatoes and corn for other quick-cooking veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. Just be sure to cut any larger vegetables into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp foil packet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.
Can I Cook This on the Grill Instead?
Absolutely! To grill, simply prepare the foil packet as directed and place it on the grill preheated to medium-high heat. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, checking occasionally, until the shrimp are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
