Do you want a quick and tasty meal? Garlic Butter Shrimp Foil Packs are the answer! This dish combines fresh shrimp, savory garlic, and colorful veggies, all cooked to perfection. It’s simple, quick, and perfect for your busy weeknights. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with foil! Join me as we explore this easy, delicious recipe that will make dinner a hit. Let’s dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Delicious Flavor: The garlic butter sauce infused with spices elevates the shrimp and vegetables, creating a mouthwatering dish.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in foil packs means fewer dishes to wash, so you can enjoy your meal without the hassle.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the vegetables or add your favorite herbs to make this dish your own.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup snap peas or green beans
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- 4 pieces of aluminum foil (about 12×12 inches each)
When making garlic butter shrimp foil packs, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Large shrimp are the star of the dish. They should be peeled and deveined for easy cooking. The butter adds richness, while garlic gives a strong flavor.
Paprika and Italian seasoning boost the taste, making it more exciting. Salt and pepper are key to bring all the flavors together. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color, while snap peas or green beans provide a nice crunch.
Lemon slices bring brightness and acidity, balancing the rich butter. Lastly, chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. You will need foil to wrap everything up tight. This keeps the steam in and ensures even cooking.
Gather all these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Grill or Oven
Start by preheating your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat cooks the shrimp quickly. If using a grill, make sure it is clean and ready. An even heat helps the shrimp cook perfectly.
Mixing the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed. The butter gives flavor and helps the shrimp stay moist. This sauce is key to tasty shrimp.
Assembling the Foil Packs
Take a piece of aluminum foil, about 12×12 inches. Place a portion of the shrimp mixture in the center. Add halved cherry tomatoes, snap peas, and lemon slices on top. These veggies add color and crunch. Fold the sides of the foil over the mixture, creating a tight seal. This keeps in the steam while cooking.
Cooking the Foil Packs
Place your foil packs on the grill or in the oven. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. You can check by carefully opening one pack. Be cautious of steam when opening.
Final Touches Before Serving
Once cooked, remove the packs from heat and let them rest for a minute. This lets the flavors deepen. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds a nice touch and flavor. Enjoy your garlic butter shrimp foil packs!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Shrimp
To cook shrimp just right, start with fresh or thawed shrimp. Avoid overcooking them, as they become tough. Cook until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes around 10-12 minutes in the foil packs. You can check them at the 8-minute mark. If they look bright pink and curl slightly, they are done.
Flavor Enhancements
To boost flavor, try adding lemon zest or a splash of hot sauce. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds heat without overpowering the dish. Fresh herbs, like basil or thyme, can also enhance the taste. Mix these ingredients into the garlic butter sauce for a flavor boost. You can switch up the spices too. Try chili powder or cumin for a different kick.
Choosing the Right Vegetables
For the best texture, pick vegetables that cook quickly. Cherry tomatoes and snap peas are great choices. You can also use green beans or bell peppers. Just cut them into small pieces for even cooking. If you like, add zucchini or asparagus for more variety. Make sure to toss all vegetables in the garlic butter sauce for added flavor.
Pro Tips
- Fresh Shrimp is Best: Whenever possible, use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability. Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make great alternatives!
- Watch the Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the shrimp while cooking. Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp, so remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Seal the Foil Packs Well: Make sure to create a tight seal with the foil packs to trap the steam. This helps cook the shrimp and veggies evenly and keeps them juicy.
Variations
Alternative Proteins
If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can switch to chicken or fish. Chicken breast works well. Just cut it into small pieces. Salmon or tilapia are great fish choices too. These proteins also soak up the garlic butter sauce. Adjust cooking time based on the protein used. Chicken may need a bit longer, about 15-20 minutes.
Veggie-Only Version
Want a meat-free option? You can make a veggie-only foil pack. Use a mix of your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus are all great choices. Toss them in the garlic butter sauce like you do with shrimp. Cook the veggie packs for about 10-12 minutes. This will keep them crisp and tasty.
Different Flavor Profiles
You can change the flavor of your dish easily. Add a splash of soy sauce for an Asian twist. Or squeeze in lime juice for a fresh kick. Try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to the mix. Each change gives you a new way to enjoy your meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your garlic butter shrimp foil packs, you may have some leftovers. To store them, let the packs cool down first. Then, transfer the shrimp and veggies to an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover them well to prevent drying out.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. You can use a microwave or the oven. If using a microwave, place the shrimp in a bowl and cover it. Heat for about one to two minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp on a baking tray and cover with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Freezing Tips
If you want to save your shrimp for later, freezing is a great option. Pack the cooled shrimp and veggies in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
How long do you cook shrimp foil packs?
You cook shrimp foil packs for 10 to 12 minutes. The heat should be at 400°F (200°C). This time is perfect for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. If you cook them too long, they may become tough.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can do this by placing them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. After thawing, pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help the garlic butter sauce stick better.
What other seasonings can I use?
You can use many seasonings. Try lemon zest for a fresh kick. Cayenne pepper can add heat, while dill gives a nice herb flavor. You can also use Old Bay seasoning for a seafood twist. Feel free to get creative with your spices!
How do you know when shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They should curl into a “C” shape. If they form an “O,” they may be overcooked. An internal temperature of 120°F (49°C) is ideal. Always check to make sure they are done before serving.
This blog post explored making delicious shrimp foil packs. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect cooking. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers too.
Using simple steps, you can create a tasty meal. Experiment with flavors and enjoy your cooking! Shrimp foil packs are fun and easy, perfect for any gathering or dinner. Try this recipe, and elevate your cooking skills toda
Garlic Butter Shrimp Foil Packs
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup snap peas or green beans
- 1 lemon, sliced
- for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 pieces aluminum foil (about 12x12 inches each)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Place the shrimp in the bowl and toss them with the garlic butter mixture until well coated.
- Lay out a piece of aluminum foil and place a portion of the shrimp mixture in the center. Top with halved cherry tomatoes, snap peas (or green beans), and lemon slices.
- Fold the sides of the foil over the shrimp and vegetables, creating a tight seal to hold in the steam.
- Repeat the process for the remaining shrimp and ingredients, creating additional foil packs.
- Place the foil packs on the grill or in the oven and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Carefully remove the packs from the heat and let them rest for a minute or two before opening, as steam will escape.
- Garnish the shrimp and vegetables with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
