Smoky Cajun Shrimp Foil Packets Recipe: Spicy Fun for Dinner

Sizzling seafood meets bold cajun spices in these mouthwatering shrimp foil packets that promise a flavor explosion.

Summer barbecues never tasted so good with this simple yet dynamic dish.

Packed with zesty seasonings and tender succulent shrimp, these packets deliver a punch of southern-style heat.

Each bite transports you to the vibrant Louisiana coastline with its rich, spicy profile.

Aluminum foil works magic, sealing in every drop of savory goodness and ensuring perfectly cooked shellfish.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual outdoor gatherings.

You’ll love how these packets transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

What You Need for Cajun Shrimp in Foil

• Cajun or Creole Seasoning Blend: Packs a punch of bold, spicy flavors that define the classic Louisiana taste and brings depth to the entire dish.
• Large Shrimp: Choose fresh, deveined shrimp with firm, translucent flesh for the best texture and sweetest seafood flavor.
• Andouille Sausage: Adds smoky, robust Louisiana-style heat and traditional Cajun complexity to the foil packet.

• Zucchini: Provides a tender, mild green vegetable that absorbs the Cajun seasonings beautifully.
• Red Bell Pepper: Offers vibrant color, sweet crunch, and nutritional boost to the meal.
• Corn Kernels: Brings natural sweetness and juicy texture that complements the spicy proteins.
• Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs contribute bright, aromatic notes and a final layer of freshness to the dish.

• Dry White Wine: Adds subtle acidity and helps steam the ingredients while enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Creates a silky base that helps distribute heat and ensures ingredients don't stick in the foil packet.

Tools for Making Cajun Shrimp in Foil

• Baking Sheet: Essential for holding foil packets while cooking.
• Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing Cajun seasoning and coating shrimp.
• Aluminum Foil: Crucial for creating individual cooking packets.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing sausage, zucchini, and peppers.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and olive oil.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

How to Cook Cajun Shrimp in Foil Step by Step

• Spice Fusion

Gather your Cajun seasoning and prepare to infuse bold flavors into succulent seafood and garden-fresh vegetables.

• Foil Landscape

Create individual flavor landscapes on sheets of aluminum, layering zesty sausage, crisp zucchini, vibrant peppers, sweet corn, and tender shrimp.

• Wine and Herb Magic

Splash white wine across your foil creations, drizzle with silky olive oil, and sprinkle with fragrant parsley and basil for an aromatic touch.

• Cooking Transformation

Slide your flavor packets into a preheated oven at 425°F, allowing the ingredients to steam and meld together into a mouthwatering meal. For advance meal planning, these packets can be frozen and baked directly from frozen state, extending cooking time to 35-40 minutes.

• Sensory Reveal

Carefully open the steamy foil packets, releasing an explosion of Cajun-inspired aromas. Serve immediately, letting each diner experience the dramatic unveiling of their personal seafood paradise.

Helpful Tips and Creative Twists for Cajun Shrimp in Foil

• Replace zucchini with yellow squash or swap bell peppers for spicier jalapeños for extra kick. Seafood lovers can mix in scallops or add chunks of white fish alongside shrimp.
• Create your own Cajun blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano if store-bought seasoning runs low. Homemade mixes offer deeper, fresher flavor profiles.
• Cook foil packets directly on medium-high grill grates for smoky char marks. Close grill lid and cook 10-12 minutes, ensuring shrimp reach perfect pink doneness without drying out.
• Experiment with different white wines like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. For non-alcoholic version, substitute with chicken broth or fresh lemon juice to maintain moisture and enhance seafood's natural taste.
• Assemble foil packets up to 24 hours before cooking, storing them covered in refrigerator. This technique allows flavors to meld, making dinner prep incredibly convenient for busy households.

Serving Ideas to Pair with Cajun Shrimp in Foil

• Spicy Summer Seafood Feast: Perfect for backyard barbecues and outdoor dinners, this Cajun shrimp foil packet screams party vibes. Guests will love the interactive dining experience.
• Fresh Bread Pairing: Serve with crusty French bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious wine and olive oil sauce. Warm, crispy bread complements the zesty shrimp perfectly.
• Quick Party Presentation: Arrange foil packets directly on a rustic wooden board for a casual, impressive table setting. Add fresh lemon wedges and extra herbs for a pop of color and additional flavor.
• Beach Picnic Potential: These sealed packets are portable and mess-free, making them ideal for beach or park outings. Pack in a cooler and grill on-site for an instant outdoor meal that feels gourmet and fun.

How to Store and Reheat Cajun Shrimp in Foil

• Quick Batch Prep: Assemble multiple foil packets simultaneously for effortless weeknight dinners. Stack prepared packets in the refrigerator, ready to cook within 24 hours.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap each uncooked packet individually in additional plastic wrap after creating foil bundle. These meal kits stay fresh for up to 3 months, offering convenient make-ahead options for busy families.
• Leftover Transformation: Leftover shrimp and vegetable mix works wonderfully in salads, pasta dishes, or quick quesadillas. Refrigerate cooked contents for 2-3 days in sealed containers.
• Smart Ingredient Swap: Keep extra Cajun seasoning blend in an airtight container. Experiment with different protein options like chicken or fish to create variations of this simple one-pan meal method.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Calories: 270 kcal

Servings: 5

Zesty Cajun Shrimp Foil Packets Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling Cajun shrimp foil packets bring Louisiana’s spicy seafood magic to dinner tables with minimal cleanup. Packed with bold seasonings and fresh ingredients, these easy packets promise a quick, flavorful meal that will transport you straight to New Orleans.

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Ingredients

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• 24 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (1 lb or 454 g)
• 3 oz (85 g) andouille sausage, thinly sliced
• 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) corn kernels, fresh or frozen
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup (4 tbsps) parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup (4 tbsps) basil, chopped
• 1 tbsp Cajun or Creole seasoning blend
• ¼ cup (60 ml) dry white wine (Pinot Grigio)
• 2 tbsps olive oil

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Blend Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper thoroughly, ensuring uniform spice distribution for robust flavor profile.
2. Shrimp Coating: Massage seasoning blend into shrimp, guaranteeing complete and even spice coverage for maximum taste intensity.
3. Packet Assembly: Layer aluminum foil sheets with andouille sausage, zucchini, bell peppers, and corn kernels as the foundational vegetable mixture.
4. Protein Placement: Strategically position seasoned shrimp atop vegetable medley, creating a harmonious culinary composition.
5. Herb and Liquid Enhancement: Scatter fresh parsley and basil, then drizzle white wine and extra virgin olive oil across each packet to elevate aromatic complexity.
6. Sealing Technique: Expertly fold and crimp foil edges, creating an airtight seal that will lock in moisture and intensify flavor development.
7. Thermal Processing: Ignite oven to 425°F (220°C), positioning fresh packets for 13-15 minutes or frozen variants for 35-40 minutes until shrimp transform to opaque and reach 145°F (63°C) internal temperature.
8. Serving Presentation: Unveil packets with caution, plate contents immediately, and optionally embellish with additional herbs or lemon for a bright, zesty finish.

Notes

• Spice Coating Technique: Massage spices directly onto shrimp to maximize flavor penetration and ensure even seasoning distribution.
• Foil Packet Pro Tip: Create individual packets for personalized servings and easy steam-trapping, which locks in moisture and intensifies taste.
• Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm shrimp reach 145°F for food safety without overcooking.
• Flavor Enhancement Trick: Add a splash of white wine and olive oil to each packet for extra depth and richness in the final dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg