The Shrimp Boil Foil Pack is the ultimate summer crowd-pleaser. Loaded with tender shrimp, buttery corn, spicy sausage, and baby potatoes, it’s a hearty and flavorful Southern-inspired dish that’s both fun and fuss-free.
Whether you’re throwing them on the grill at a backyard BBQ, baking them in the oven on a busy weeknight, or enjoying them by a campfire, these foil packs deliver serious flavor with minimal cleanup. Each bite offers a delicious contrast of spice, sweetness, and smokiness, making it a satisfying all-in-one meal.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 ears corn, cut into thirds
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1/2 lb baby red potatoes, halved
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1/2 lb andouille sausage, sliced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 lemon, sliced
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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Foil sheets (heavy-duty or doubled regular foil)
Directions:
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or oven to 425°F (220°C).
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In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine shrimp, corn, cooked potatoes, and sausage. Drizzle with olive oil and toss with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Tear 4 large sheets of foil and divide the mixture evenly among them. Top each with a lemon slice and tightly seal the foil packets.
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Grill or bake packets for 15-20 minutes, or until shrimp is opaque and cooked through.
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Carefully open the packets and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Southern Classic Made Simple: Shrimp Boil Foil Packs
Shrimp Boil Foil Packs offer the perfect blend of Southern flavor, convenience, and versatility, all wrapped into one satisfying meal. Originating from the traditional seafood boils that are popular along the Southern U.S. coastline — particularly in Louisiana, Georgia, and the Carolinas — this foil packet version captures the essence of those communal outdoor feasts in an easy-to-make, mess-free form. Whether you’re cooking over a campfire, using your backyard grill, or baking in the oven, these foil packs are a celebration of bold Cajun flavors and wholesome, hearty ingredients.
The magic of a shrimp boil lies in its simplicity: shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn — all seasoned with a generous dose of spices and herbs. Traditionally, a shrimp boil is a large gathering event, where the food is cooked in huge pots and poured out onto newspaper-covered tables for everyone to dig in. The foil pack version takes that idea and makes it more accessible, portion-controlled, and adaptable for everyday meals.
Why Shrimp Boil Foil Packs Are So Popular
What makes this dish stand out is the convenience and flexibility it offers. For busy families, the foil packs can be assembled ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator, and then cooked when ready. This makes them ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even weekend getaways. Campers love this dish because it requires minimal cleanup and can be cooked directly over a fire or on a portable grill.
It’s also a hit at summer BBQs. Instead of standing over a pot and stirring, guests can enjoy a pre-portioned meal full of flavor and variety. There’s something festive about opening a steaming foil pack to reveal tender shrimp, juicy sausage, sweet corn, and creamy potatoes all swimming in bold Cajun seasoning.
Flavor Profile and Customization
Cajun seasoning brings a signature smoky, spicy, and herby profile to the shrimp boil. A classic blend includes paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. In these foil packs, the seasoning not only coats the ingredients but also steams into them as the packets cook, resulting in an aromatic and flavorful meal.
Andouille sausage adds a spicy and savory depth that balances perfectly with the sweetness of corn and the mildness of the potatoes. Shrimp, with its tender and delicate texture, soaks up the spices and lemon slices often included in each pack, giving it a zesty finish.
This recipe is also incredibly forgiving. You can swap the proteins and veggies based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, substitute chicken or scallops for shrimp. Or go for a vegetarian option by replacing the meat with mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas and adjusting the seasoning accordingly.
Perfect for Every Season and Occasion
While this dish screams summer, it’s actually a four-season favorite. In the warmer months, it shines on the grill — ideal for beach trips, picnics, or tailgating. But during the colder months, baking it in the oven brings that cozy Southern comfort indoors.
It’s also great for parties and family dinners. Everyone loves getting their own packet, and it makes plating a breeze. The foil traps in steam, which means you won’t end up with dried-out seafood or overcooked veggies. Each pack is a sealed-in burst of flavor, ensuring consistency with every serving.
Healthy and Nutritious Meal Choice
Besides being tasty, Shrimp Boil Foil Packs are quite nutritious. Shrimp is a high-protein, low-fat seafood rich in selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. Potatoes offer potassium and fiber, while corn provides antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, important for eye health. When cooked with minimal oil and natural seasonings, the meal remains low in calories and saturated fat.
For those watching their sodium intake, it’s easy to control the amount of seasoning used. You can also find low-sodium Cajun spice blends or make your own at home. Swap traditional sausage for turkey sausage or even plant-based alternatives to make the dish lighter and even more health-conscious.
Foil Pack Cooking Tips
To get the best results when making foil packs, consider a few essential tips. Always use heavy-duty foil or double up standard foil to avoid tearing during cooking. This helps seal in the moisture and prevents leakage on the grill or in the oven.
Cut the ingredients into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Precooking the potatoes for a few minutes before assembling the packs ensures they’re tender by the time the shrimp and sausage are done. Shrimp cooks very quickly, so overcooking it can make it rubbery. Keeping an eye on timing will help everything turn out just right.
Be sure to seal the foil packets tightly. A good seal locks in steam and flavor. Open carefully after cooking to avoid a burst of hot steam.
Great for Make-Ahead Meals and Meal Prepping
Shrimp Boil Foil Packs are also a meal prep dream. You can assemble several at once and refrigerate or freeze them for later use. If frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This convenience makes them ideal for busy households or anyone looking to streamline weekly meals without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
You can also make larger foil packets to feed two or more people. These jumbo-size packs are great for sharing and still easy to manage on the grill or in the oven.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Although the foil packs are a meal in themselves, you can elevate them with a few simple sides. A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs well with the richness of the shrimp and sausage. You could also serve them with garlic bread, cornbread muffins, or even a side of coleslaw for a crunchy, refreshing contrast.
For drinks, consider iced tea, lemonade, or chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the spices. For a Southern-themed gathering, add in some peach cobbler or banana pudding for dessert to round out the meal.
How to Adapt This Dish for Special Diets
Shrimp Boil Foil Packs are naturally gluten-free, making them perfect for people with gluten sensitivities. They’re also easy to adapt for pescatarian diets by omitting sausage or using a plant-based version. For a keto-friendly version, skip the corn and substitute with more shrimp or low-carb veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.
With so many customization options, it’s easy to adjust the recipe to suit your guests’ preferences or dietary needs. You could even offer a “build-your-own” foil pack station where each person adds their preferred ingredients and seasonings before sealing and cooking. It’s interactive and ensures everyone gets exactly what they want.
Conclusion: A Flavor-Packed Favorite Worth Repeating
Shrimp Boil Foil Packs deliver everything you could want in a meal — bold flavors, ease of preparation, customizable ingredients, and minimal cleanup. They bring together the comfort of Southern cuisine and the modern convenience of one-pack cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, this dish is a foolproof way to impress friends and family while enjoying a hearty and wholesome meal.
No matter the season or occasion, this recipe holds its own as a go-to favorite. With its rich tradition, vibrant flavor, and simple execution, the Shrimp Boil Foil Pack isn’t just a meal — it’s an experience. One bite, and you’ll understand why it continues to win hearts at dinner tables across the country.