The Perfect Cajun Shrimp Foil Packets Recipe for Summer Grilling

Cajun shrimp in foil revolutionizes ordinary seafood into an extraordinary culinary adventure for home cooks craving bold, zesty flavors.

Coastal cuisine meets weeknight convenience through these compact, sealed packages bursting with spicy goodness.

Robust seasonings dance across succulent proteins and colorful vegetables, creating a sensory experience that transcends typical dinner expectations.

Southern-inspired cooking reaches new heights with this method, which seals in moisture and maximizes taste potential.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how minimal preparation yields maximum deliciousness.

Each carefully crafted packet promises a complete meal with zero fuss and maximum satisfaction.

Why Cajun Shrimp in Foil Packs Big Flavor in Every Bite

• Savor Spicy Seafood Sensation: Cajun shrimp brings bold, zesty flavors that dance on your taste buds with a perfect blend of heat and aromatic spices.
• Foolproof Foil-Packet Magic: This one-pan wonder eliminates complicated cleanup, letting you enjoy a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with multiple dishes.
• Quick Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from shrimp and colorful vegetables, this dish delivers a balanced meal in just 13 minutes of cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or fast healthy eating.
• Versatile Freezer-Friendly Option: Prepare packets in advance and freeze, giving you a convenient make-ahead meal that can be popped directly into the oven whenever hunger strikes, perfect for meal preppers and time-crunched home cooks.

What Goes Into This Spicy Cajun Shrimp in Foil Dish

• Shrimp: Fresh, succulent protein that absorbs Cajun flavors perfectly. Wild-caught or large shell-on shrimp recommended for best taste.

• Sausage: Adds smoky depth and hearty texture to the dish. Andouille or spicy smoked sausage works best.

• Zucchini, Bell Peppers, Corn: Fresh seasonal vegetables that provide color, nutrition, and varied textures. Crisp and tender when cooked in foil packets.

• Cajun Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Signature spice blend that gives bold, zesty flavor profile to the entire dish.

• Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs that add brightness and aromatic finishing touch. Green and vibrant for visual appeal.

• White Wine, Olive Oil: Moisture-creating ingredients that help steam and infuse flavors into the foil packet. Adds richness and prevents dryness.

• Aluminum Foil: Creates sealed cooking environment that traps steam and intensifies flavors. Essential for even cooking and easy cleanup.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp in Foil Without the Mess

Step 1: Prepare Spicy Seasoning Mix

In a mixing bowl, blend Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently coat the shrimp with the flavorful mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned.

Step 2: Create Foil Packet Foundations

• Sliced sausage
• Chopped zucchini
• Diced bell peppers
• Corn kernels

Top each packet with the seasoned shrimp, then sprinkle fresh parsley and basil over the ingredients.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

Drizzle each packet with a splash of white wine and olive oil. Carefully fold and seal the foil packets, creating tight, leak-proof parcels.

Step 4: Cooking Options

• Preheat to 425°F
• Bake for 13 minutes

• Freeze uncooked packets
• Bake directly from frozen at 425°F for 35-40 minutes

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully open the hot foil packets. Plate the contents and add optional garnishes to enhance the presentation. Serve immediately while hot and steaming.

Smart Tips for Juicy Cajun Shrimp in Foil

• Spice It Right: Adjust Cajun seasoning to your heat preference by adding more or less, ensuring a personalized flavor kick.
• Veggie Variety: Feel free to swap zucchini with other summer vegetables like yellow squash or bell peppers for added freshness and color.
• Foil Folding Technique: Create a tight seal by folding the edges twice, preventing steam from escaping and keeping the ingredients moist.
• Freshness Matters: Choose plump, fresh shrimp with a sweet ocean smell for the best taste and texture in your foil packets.
• Wine Wisdom: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the seafood's delicate flavors and add depth to the dish.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Cajun Shrimp in Foil

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover shrimp foil packets to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Consume chilled or gently reheat to preserve the delicate seafood texture.
• Reheat: Warm the foil packets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Carefully open the packet to check the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for food safety. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery shrimp and soggy vegetables.
• Freeze: Seal cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Pairs Well with Cajun Shrimp in Foil Dinners

• Boost Wine Selection: Pair this spicy Cajun shrimp with a crisp, chilled sauvignon blanc or dry riesling to complement the bold seasoning and cut through the richness of sausage.
• Perfect Side Companion: Serve with crusty French bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious wine and olive oil sauce, adding a delightful texture contrast to the tender shrimp and vegetables.
• Cool Down the Heat: Prepare a quick cucumber and yogurt tzatziki sauce on the side to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy Cajun flavors, balancing the dish's intense warmth.
• Beverage Kick: Opt for a cold, light beer like a pilsner or wheat beer that can stand up to the robust Cajun spices while offering a crisp, clean finish to each bite.

Cajun Shrimp in Foil Variations Worth Trying

• Spicy Seafood Fiesta: Replace Cajun seasoning with a homemade Mexican-inspired blend using chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for a zesty flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Marine Packet: Swap white wine with lemon juice and add kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to give the dish a Greek-inspired makeover.
• Coconut Curry Coastal Creation: Incorporate Thai red curry paste, coconut milk, and fresh ginger to transform the recipe into a rich, exotic seafood experience with Southeast Asian influences.
• Herb Garden Seafood Sensation: Use fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and dill instead of parsley and basil, then add a splash of dry vermouth for an aromatic and sophisticated version of the original recipe.

Cajun Shrimp Foil Packets Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Cajun shrimp packets bring Louisiana’s spicy spirit straight to dinner tables. Wrapped in foil and seasoned with bold spices, these succulent seafood parcels promise a quick, flavorful meal that transports diners to New Orleans with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 24 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 1 lb or 454 grams)
• 3 ounces (85 grams) andouille sausage, thinly sliced
• 1 ¼ cups (296 milliliters) corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) chopped parsley
• ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) chopped basil

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon Cajun or Creole seasoning blend
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly mix Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of spices.
2. Meticulously coat fresh shrimp with the seasoning blend, massaging the spices into the seafood for maximum flavor absorption.
3. Carefully arrange four large aluminum foil sheets on a clean work surface, creating individual cooking pouches for each serving.
4. Evenly distribute sliced andouille sausage, diced zucchini, colorful bell peppers, and fresh corn kernels across the center of each foil sheet.
5. Artfully place the seasoned shrimp on top of the vegetable and sausage mixture, creating an visually appealing and balanced arrangement.
6. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and basil over each packet, adding a vibrant touch of herbaceous flavor.
7. Delicately drizzle of crisp white wine and of extra virgin olive oil over each assembled packet.
8. Carefully fold and crimp the foil edges, creating a tight seal that will trap steam and flavors during cooking.
9. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), ensuring the temperature is consistent before placing the packets inside.
10. For fresh packets, bake for 13-15 minutes until shrimp are opaque and perfectly cooked.
11. For frozen packets, extend cooking time to 35-40 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches a safe 145°F (63°C).
12. Cautiously open the foil packets, being mindful of escaping steam, and plate the contents immediately.
13. Optional: Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of brightness.

Notes

• Make these foil packets ahead of time for stress-free meal prep and easy cleanup.
• Frozen packets can be stored for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick dinner solution during busy weeks.
• Choose fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor in this one-pan meal.
• Select spicy Cajun seasoning based on personal heat preference to customize the dish’s intensity.
• Zucchini and bell peppers can be swapped with seasonal vegetables for variety and freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking, Grilling, Roasting, Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 340 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 760mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 150mg