Cajun Shrimp Boil in Foil

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love a classic shrimp boil but want to avoid the mess and fuss, this Cajun Shrimp Boil in Foil is your solution. Everything cooks in one convenient foil packet, making it an easy, no-mess meal. The Cajun seasoning brings a delicious kick to the shrimp, while the corn, sausage, and potatoes add texture and heartiness. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, and you can cook it in the oven or on the grill, making it perfect for any season.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 ears of corn, cut into thirds

• 1 lb small red potatoes, halved

• 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small cubes

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Lemon wedges (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

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

2. Prepare four large pieces of aluminum foil. Place a large piece of foil on a flat surface for each packet.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, corn, potatoes, sausage, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp and vegetables are well-coated with the seasoning mixture.

4. Divide the mixture evenly among the four foil sheets. Place 1/2 tablespoon of butter on top of each packet, then fold the foil over the ingredients to seal it, creating a tightly sealed packet.

5. Place the foil packets on the grill or on a baking sheet if using the oven. Grill or bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, the potatoes are tender, and the corn is cooked through.

6. Carefully open the foil packets (be cautious of the steam) and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Total time: 30 minutes

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions to the packet for extra flavor and color.

• Use different sausage: Swap the smoked sausage for Andouille sausage for a more traditional Cajun flavor.

• Make it spicier: If you love heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the seasoning mix.

• Substitute the protein: If shrimp isn’t your favorite, you can substitute with other seafood like crab legs or scallops, or even chicken pieces.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them thoroughly before using them in the foil packets for even cooking.

Can I cook this dish in the oven instead of on the grill?

Yes, this recipe works perfectly in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F and cook the foil packets for 20-25 minutes.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes or fingerling potatoes instead of red potatoes if you prefer.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp cook quickly and should turn pink and opaque when they’re done. You can also check that they’ve reached an internal temperature of 145°F.

Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the foil packets in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a few hours before cooking. This makes it an excellent option for easy entertaining.

Can I make this dish low-carb?

Yes, this dish is already relatively low in carbs, especially if you reduce or skip the potatoes and serve it with more vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower instead.

How can I add more flavor to the sauce?

To make the sauce more flavorful, you can add a tablespoon of lemon juice or a splash of white wine before sealing the foil packets.

Can I use other seasonings besides Cajun?

Yes, you can experiment with different seasonings like Old Bay, lemon pepper, or garlic herb seasoning for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

You can make a version of this dish in a slow cooker, though it will require more time (around 3-4 hours on low). Place everything in the slow cooker, but add the shrimp last to avoid overcooking.

What can I serve with this Cajun Shrimp Boil in Foil?

This dish pairs well with a simple side salad, steamed rice, or crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful juices.

Conclusion

Cajun Shrimp Boil in Foil is the ultimate hassle-free meal that combines all the flavors of a classic shrimp boil with the convenience of foil packets. The juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and corn come together with a bold Cajun kick that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for grilling or baking, it’s a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that’s sure to be a hit with friends and family, whether you’re cooking outdoors or in the comfort of your kitchen.

Cajun Shrimp Boil in Foil

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Cajun Shrimp Boil in Foil combines shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes all seasoned with bold Cajun spices for a delicious, one-pan meal. The foil packets ensure easy cooking and cleanup, whether grilling or baking, making this a hassle-free, flavorful dish.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grill, Oven
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

1. 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
   
   2 ears of corn, cut into thirds
   
   1 lb small red potatoes, halved
   
   1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced
   
   3 tablespoons olive oil
   
   2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
   
   1 teaspoon garlic powder
   
   1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
   
   1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
   
   Salt and pepper, to taste
   
   2 tablespoons butter, cut into small cubes
   
   1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
   
   Lemon wedges (for garnish)

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Instructions

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

1. Prepare four large pieces of aluminum foil. Place a large piece of foil on a flat surface for each packet.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, corn, potatoes, sausage, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp and vegetables are well-coated with the seasoning mixture.
3. Divide the mixture evenly among the four foil sheets. Place 1/2 tablespoon of butter on top of each packet, then fold the foil over the ingredients to seal it, creating a tightly sealed packet.
4. Place the foil packets on the grill or on a baking sheet if using the oven. Grill or bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, the potatoes are tender, and the corn is cooked through.
5. Carefully open the foil packets (be cautious of the steam) and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges before serving.

Notes

• Add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions to the packet for extra flavor.
• For more traditional Cajun flavor, swap the smoked sausage for Andouille sausage.
• Increase the cayenne or add hot sauce to spice it up.
• If shrimp isn’t your favorite, substitute with crab legs, scallops, or chicken pieces.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 packet
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 1100mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 160mg