Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets

These Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets are a delightful way to enjoy summer dinners without heating up your kitchen. Perfect for family gatherings, backyard barbecues, or a cozy evening at home, these packets combine tender shrimp, savory sausage, sweet corn, and baby potatoes—all seasoned to perfection. The best part? Cleanup is a breeze because everything cooks in the foil packets!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal prep work and can be assembled in just 15 minutes.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Each bite bursts with flavors from the shrimp, sausage, and fresh herbs.
• Outdoor Cooking: Keep the heat outside by cooking on the grill—perfect for warm summer nights.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love this fun and interactive meal that’s easy to share.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets, gather the right tools. Having everything prepped ensures a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy-duty aluminum foil
• Sharp knife
• Microwave-safe dish
• Grill
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy-duty aluminum foil: This ensures your packets seal tightly, keeping all the juices in for maximum flavor.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes it easy to cut vegetables evenly for uniform cooking.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes and Corn

• 1 lb baby or small red potatoes
• 2 ears corn, shucked and sliced into 1-inch thick disks

For the Protein

• 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)
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Preheat a gas grill over medium-high heat to about 425 degrees. Cut eight sheets of 12 by 14-inch 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 on high power for 1½ minutes. Rotate them and microwave for an additional 1½ minutes. Once cool enough to handle, cut into slices.

Step 3: Assemble the Packets

Divide the sliced potatoes among each of the four double-lined foil sheets. Layer corn, sausage, and shrimp on top.

Step 4: Mix the Butter Sauce

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 the Packets

Sprinkle each packet with about ½ teaspoon of Old Bay seafood seasoning. Wrap up the sides of the first sheet of foil; then place a second sheet going opposite length to seal tightly.

Step 6: Grill the Packets

Place packets sealed side up on the grill. Cook for about 12-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender and shrimp are cooked through. Serve warm garnished with chopped parsley.

How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets

Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets are a delightful meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. They are versatile and pair well with different sides and garnishes, enhancing your dining experience.

Casual Outdoor Dining

• With Lemon Wedges: Serve each packet with fresh lemon wedges for a burst of citrus flavor.
• On Paper Plates: Keep it easy and casual by serving on paper plates for outdoor gatherings.

Garnishing Ideas

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: Sprinkling extra parsley adds color and freshness to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, offer red pepper flakes on the side.

Dipping Sauces

• Cocktail Sauce: A classic pairing, cocktail sauce complements the shrimp perfectly.
• Garlic Butter Sauce: Drizzling garlic butter over the finished packets adds richness.

How to Perfect Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets

To ensure your Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the Old Bay seasoning; it enhances the flavor of shrimp and sausage significantly.
• Even Cooking: Make sure to cut vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking throughout the packets.
• Foil Sealing Technique: Seal the foil packets tightly to prevent steam from escaping, ensuring everything cooks thoroughly.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check if shrimp have reached an internal temperature of 120°F.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow packets to rest for a few minutes before opening, as this lets flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets

Pair your Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets with these delicious side dishes that complement the meal perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread: This buttery, garlic-infused bread is perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices from the boil packets.
2. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances the rich flavors of the shrimp and sausage.
3. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is a Southern staple that pairs nicely with seafood dishes.
4. Green Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the hearty shrimp boil.
5. Seasoned Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with herbs can serve as a great base to absorb flavors from your packets.
6. Grilled Veggies: Toss some seasonal veggies on the grill alongside your packets for added nutrition and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets, it’s easy to miss a few details that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Pre-Cooking: Not microwaving the potatoes can lead to undercooked veggies. Always pre-cook them for even doneness.
• Overcrowding the Packets: Packing too many ingredients can prevent proper cooking. Make sure to use enough foil sheets for even distribution.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Forgetting to season each layer can result in bland flavors. Be generous with spices and herbs to enhance taste.
• Not Sealing Properly: Failing to seal your foil packets tightly can lead to steam escaping. Crimp edges well to lock in moisture and flavor.
• Grilling at Wrong Temperature: Cooking at too low or high a heat can affect cooking time. Maintain a steady medium-high heat for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover packets in airtight containers.
• They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets

• Wrap individual packets tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• These can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and place packets on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place packets in a skillet with a little water, cover, and heat on low until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp; just make sure they are thawed before cooking for better texture and flavor.

What other vegetables can I add to my Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets?

Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for extra color and nutrients.

How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp should turn pink and opaque when fully cooked. They usually take about 12-15 minutes on the grill.

Are Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets customizable?

Absolutely! You can adjust spices or swap out proteins like chicken or fish based on your preferences.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets are an easy, flavorful summer meal that brings joy with every bite. Their versatility allows you to customize them according to your taste, making them perfect for any occasion. Try it out today!