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There are lots of things to love about foil packet dinners. They can be made in advance (the day before or morning of), they travel well, and they require virtually no clean-up. Oh, and they can be rather tasty, too! There’s just something about the ingredients cooking and steaming all together over the fire, whether you’re camping or just in your own backyard (or even throwing them in the oven), that makes these so good. I’m super excited about this newest combo that we tested out on a recent camping trip … Shrimp Boil Foil Packets! So good!
What is a Shrimp Boil?
If you haven’t heard of a Shrimp Boil before, it’s a southern thing (although, I think there are similar versions in other regions with crab, lobster, etc.). You just throw together all these tasty ingredients and the packet does the rest of the work for you while it’s cooking together.
Can You Cook Foil Packets in the Oven?
Yes! You don’t need a campfire or grill to enjoy these Shrimp Boil Foil Packets. Easily cook these in the oven at 400 degrees F. for about 35-40 minutes.
Is Cooking with Aluminum Foil Safe?
I get this question every time I post a foil packet recipe. For those who are concerned, I would suggest placing a layer of parchment paper between your food and the foil before cooking. For those interested in learning more about why we think it’s okay to occasionally cook with foil you may find this scientific article helpful.
Other Favorite Foil Packet Recipes
There are so many different versions that you can make! We have a few other foil packet dinner favorites, and here they are…
- Grilled Meat and Veggie Foil Packets
- Foil Packet Nachos
- Pesto Chicken Grill Packets
- Green Curry Fish Packets
Shrimp Boil Foil Packets
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fill a small pot with a tight-fitting lid with about 2 inches of water and fit it with a steamer basket. Turn the stove on to high, and once the water starts to boil, turn down to low, put in the potatoes, and cover. Cook until tender when pierced with a fork but still holding their shape, 10 to 14 minutes (depending on size). Remove and cut into 1" bite-size wedges.
- Meanwhile, cut 8 large pieces (about 14-16″ long each) of foil and lay them out double stacked perpendicular (forming a plus sign ) to start 4 grill packets. At this point you can line them with parchment paper if desired—simply put a single layer on top of the foil.
- Evenly distribute the shrimp, sausage, potatoes, corn, and onion onto each stack of foil and somewhat “flatten” out the contents for even cooking.
- Sprinkle each packet with 1 teaspoon of the Old Bay Seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Lastly, drizzle each one with a little olive oil or add a few small pats of butter.
- Carefully bring together the two ends of the bottom piece of foil so the edges meet at the center. Fold the two edges together over at least three times. Then rotate and fold over the edges on the open sides (onto itself) at least two to three times and crimp those together with your fingers as well. If you are throwing these onto the campfire coals (directly over the fire is not recommended) you do not want any chance of ashes making their way inside!
- Place the packets in the coals of the fire or on an outdoor grill for 10 – 15 minutes (or in a 400 degree F oven for 35 to 40 min) until the shrimp is pink, firm, and cooked all the way through. Carefully let the steam out as you open each packet and serve.
Notes
- Dairy free if olive oil is used rather than butter.
- We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.
Nutrition Facts
Have you tried making foil packets before? If not, this is the summer to do it!
Ok I know this is not related to the shrimp boil packets, which sound great, but do you recommend Kind bars?
Here’s what Lisa has to say about Kind Bars: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/how-much-sugar-breakfast-bar/ – Nicole
where do you source your shrimp? How can you tell if it’s high quality?
Here’s what Lisa has to say about finding “real” seafood:https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/how-to-select-real-seafood/
-Nicole
This looks so simple but so delicious. I will be trying this recipe at home.
If you were to just do this on a weber grill, and NOT precook any of the ingredients, would it still come out OK, like when I have put them directly on the campfire??? I have never done that with shrimp, but with red meat, and they always came out delicious.
We’ve done foil packets before where you don’t pre-cook the potatoes and they come out fine. – Nicole