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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 red onion, sliced - 2-3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust for heat preference) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 lemon, sliced - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste - Aluminum foil You can use any shrimp size, but large shrimp work best. If you prefer, turkey sausage or chicken sausage can replace smoked sausage. For the bell pepper, feel free to choose green, red, yellow, or orange. You can also add other veggies like zucchini or corn. If you want a kick, add extra Cajun seasoning or some cayenne pepper. For a lighter option, use less olive oil. When shopping for shrimp, look for a firm texture and a fresh, salty smell. Avoid shrimp with a strong fishy odor. For sausage, choose a brand you trust. Look for bright colors in bell peppers and onions. They should feel firm and heavy. When it comes to garlic, choose bulbs that feel solid and have no soft spots. Fresh parsley should be bright green and fragrant. Start by heating your grill or oven. Set the grill to medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 400°F. This step is key for even cooking. If the grill is hot enough, the shrimp will cook quickly. An oven works well, too. Grab four pieces of aluminum foil. Each piece should be about 12x12 inches. This size helps hold all the goodies inside. In a large bowl, mix the shrimp, sausage, bell pepper, onion, garlic, Cajun seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is coated. This mix packs a flavorful punch! Now, divide the mixture evenly among the foil pieces. Make sure each packet gets shrimp and sausage. Top each packet with lemon slices for that extra zing. Fold the foil tightly to seal in the steam. Your packets should look like little presents ready to cook. For the grill, place the packets directly on the grates. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and be fully cooked. If you use the oven, place the packets on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes. Be careful when you open the packets! Hot steam will escape. Once open, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve the packets right on the plates or transfer to bowls. Enjoy with some crusty bread to soak up the tasty juices! To make your Cajun shrimp and sausage shine, choose a good Cajun seasoning. I like to use one that has a nice mix of spices. This can include paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano. You can adjust the amount to fit your heat preference. Start with one tablespoon and taste as you go. Add more if you like it spicier. Mix your seasoning well with the shrimp and sausage for a full flavor. Cooking time can change based on your equipment. If you use a grill, cook the packets for 15-20 minutes. On a medium-high grill, the shrimp will turn pink and the sausage will heat through. If you bake in an oven, set it to 400°F. Bake the packets for 20-25 minutes for the same results. Always check the shrimp to ensure they are fully cooked. Hot foil packets can be tricky. Always use tongs or oven mitts when opening them. The steam inside can burn you. Let them cool for a minute before opening. Once you open them, watch out for any hot liquid that may escape. Serving them on a plate can help keep your hands safe from heat. Enjoy your meal, but make sure you stay safe! {{image_2}} You can mix in many veggies. Try corn, zucchini, or asparagus. These add great color and taste. You can also use chicken or fish. Just cut them into small pieces. This way, they cook evenly. Cajun seasoning can be spicy. If you like heat, use more. For a milder taste, use less. You can also add a dash of hot sauce. This lets you control the spice level. Taste your mix before sealing the packets. Adjust if needed! You can cook these packets in an air fryer too. Set it to 375°F and cook for 10-12 minutes. Make sure to check the shrimp. They should be pink and firm. This method saves time and gives a nice crisp. Try it for a different twist! To store leftovers, let the packets cool completely. Transfer the shrimp and sausage mixture into airtight containers. You can also keep them in the foil packets, but make sure to seal them tightly. Store in the fridge for up to three days. When it's time to eat again, you can reheat the leftovers easily. If using a microwave, place the mixture in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for about one to two minutes until warm. If you prefer the grill or oven, you can reheat in the foil packets. Place them on medium heat for about ten minutes. For longer storage, you can freeze your leftovers. Place the cooled shrimp and sausage mixture into freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze for up to three months. To use, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before you cook. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This helps them cook evenly. Frozen shrimp work well in the foil packets. They absorb the flavors just like fresh shrimp. You can use chicken or turkey sausage instead. If you want a vegetarian option, try plant-based sausage. Shrimp and sausage pair well, but you can mix it up. Just ensure whatever you use cooks at the same time as shrimp. This keeps everything nice and tender. Cooked shrimp turn pink and opaque. When they curl into a C shape, they are done. Keep an eye on the cooking time. In about 15-20 minutes on the grill, or 20-25 minutes in the oven, they should be perfect. Always check to avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become tough if cooked too long. This blog post covered all you need for a great foil packet meal. We looked at ingredients, tips for freshness, and cooking methods. I shared ideas for flavor and variations to fit your taste. Remember to store leftovers safely and choose the right cooking method. You can mix things up with spices or proteins. Try these tips to impress your family and friends at dinner. Cooking can be fun and simple; enjoy your next meal!

Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Foil Packets

Elevate your dinner game with these Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Foil Packets! Perfect for grill or oven cooking, this easy recipe combines juicy shrimp, flavorful sausage, and colorful veggies, all infused with zesty Cajun seasoning. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a delicious and hassle-free meal that’s great for busy nights. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your next meal unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

1 red onion, sliced

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust for heat preference)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 lemon, sliced

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

Aluminum foil

Instructions
 

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F) or your oven to 400°F.

    Prepare four pieces of aluminum foil (about 12x12 inches each) for individual packets.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, sausage, bell pepper, red onion, garlic, Cajun seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well until everything is evenly coated.

        Place equal portions of the shrimp and sausage mixture onto each piece of foil.

          Lay lemon slices on top of each packet for added flavor.

            Fold the foil into packets, sealing them tightly to prevent steam from escaping.

              If using a grill: Place the packets directly on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, until shrimp are pink and cooked through. If using an oven: Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.

                Carefully open the packets (watch out for steam!) and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the foil packets directly on plates for a rustic feel or open them up and transfer the contents to bowls for a colorful presentation. Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices!