Hey there, fellow grillers! I’ve been experimenting with different grilling methods lately, and I gotta tell you – grilling shrimp in foil packets has become my absolute favorite way to cook these little ocean treats. Let me share what I’ve learned about getting the timing just right for perfectly grilled shrimp every time.
The Quick Answer
For those who just want the basic timing, here it is:
- Large/jumbo shrimp (16-20 per pound): 8-10 minutes at 400°F
- Medium shrimp: 6-8 minutes at 400°F
- Small shrimp: 5-7 minutes at 400°F
Why Cook Shrimp in Foil?
Before we dive deeper into timing, lemme tell you why foil packet cooking is awesome:
- Keeps all the yummy juices trapped inside
- Super easy cleanup (my favorite part!)
- Prevents shrimp from falling through grill grates
- Perfect for adding veggies and seasonings
- Great for customizing individual portions
The Perfect Setup
What You’ll Need
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil (double-layer it!)
- Raw shrimp (cleaned and deveined)
- Your choice of seasonings
- Vegetables (optional but recommended)
- Cooking spray or oil
Basic Ingredients for Amazing Grilled Shrimp
Here’s my go-to recipe
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Your favorite herbs (I love parsley and oregano)
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
-
Prep Your Grill
- Heat to medium-high (around 400°F)
- Clean those grates!
-
Make Your Foil Packets
- Cut foil pieces about 12-14 inches long
- Double-layer them (trust me on this one!)
- Spray with cooking spray
-
Season Your Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry
- Toss with oil and seasonings
- Add any veggies you want
-
Pack It Up
- Place shrimp mixture in center of foil
- Fold edges to create sealed packets
- Leave some space for steam
The Perfect Timing Guide
Cooking Times by Shrimp Size
| Shrimp Size | Grilling Time |
|---|---|
| Jumbo | 8-10 minutes |
| Large | 7-9 minutes |
| Medium | 6-8 minutes |
| Small | 5-7 minutes |
How to Know When They’re Done
Your shrimp are ready when
- They’ve turned pink and opaque
- Formed a nice C-shape
- Feel firm but not rubbery
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
-
Don’t Overcook!
- Better slightly undercooked than overcooked
- You can always put them back on the grill
- Remember: rubbery shrimp = sad dinner
-
Add Some Veggies
My favorite combo includes:
- Sliced zucchini
- Bell peppers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Corn kernels
- Moisture Management
- Pat shrimp dry before seasoning
- Don’t overcrowd your packets
- Leave room for steam to circulate
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Using Single-Layer Foil
- Always double up, folks!
- Prevents tears and leaks
-
Opening Packets Too Soon
- Resist the urge to peek!
- Each peek releases precious steam
-
Overcrowding
- Give your shrimp some space
- They need room to cook evenly
Bonus Tips for Amazing Results
Seasoning Ideas
Try these combos:
- Garlic butter + lemon
- Cajun seasoning
- Old Bay + butter
- Italian herbs + olive oil
Perfect Pairings
Serve your grilled shrimp with:
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Fresh garden salad
- Steamed rice
- Crusty bread
Storage and Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers (doesn’t happen often in my house!):
- Store in airtight container
- Keep refrigerated up to 3 days
- Reheat gently to avoid rubbery texture
Final Thoughts
Grilling shrimp in foil packets is seriously one of the easiest and most delicious ways to cook shrimp. With these timing guidelines and tips, you’ll be making perfect grilled shrimp every time. Remember, practice makes perfect, and don’t be afraid to adjust the timing based on your grill and preferences.
Got questions about grilling shrimp? Drop ’em in the comments below! I’d love to hear how your foil packet adventures turn out. Happy grilling, everyone!
P.S. Don’t forget to squeeze some fresh lemon juice over your shrimp right before eating – it’s a game-changer!
Making the foil packets
I’ve given some detailed pics on the easiest way I’ve found to make the foil packets; you’ll find them lower on the post.
The seafood itself is simply divine! Take it off the grill just as it turns pink, and it’s perfectly cooked and tender! It has a nice spiciness to it, not overpowering at all. If you don’t care for spicy foods, feel free to cut back on the amount of Sriracha!
And that cooking liquid is awesome!
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We appreciate your support
Please let me know if you have any questions about this recipe. I read all the comments myself and I try to help as soon as I can. I have readers from all levels of comfort and experience in the kitchen on my site, and I’ve tried to answer some of your questions already in the post. But if I’ve missed anything, please feel free to leave a comment and ask.
We’ll often do some simple grilled veggies (like red peppers, zucchini, and onion slices) at the same time and maybe have some slices of bread toasted up to help soak up all the juices. It’s a very casual way to eat, and everyone loves it.
Super Quick Video Tips: The Best Way to Grill Shrimp
FAQ
How long should shrimp be cooked on the grill?
Preheat your grill to 350-450°F and set it up for direct cooking. Grill the shrimp over direct, medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning the shrimp halfway through the process. The outside of the shrimp should turn a nice pink color when it is cooked while the meat inside should be white and opaque.
How long to grill shrimp in foil at 400 degrees?
To bake this easy grilled shrimp recipe, do so for the same amount of time and the same temperature as you would the BBQ. So, 400 degrees for 14-18 minutes.May 29, 2020
How long do shrimp take to cook at 400 degrees?
How long to bake shrimp at 400? Making shrimp in the oven is easy! Place thawed shrimp in a single layer on a sheet pan and bake 8-10 minutes.
What are some common grilling mistakes with shrimp?
- Skipping the Deveining Step. …
- Not Thawing Shrimp Properly. …
- Overcooking Shrimp. …
- Skipping the Seasoning. …
- Using the Wrong Cooking Method. …
- Throwing Away Shrimp Shells. …
- Not Drying Shrimp before Cooking. …
- Forgetting to Preheat the Pan.
How long do you cook shrimp on the grill in foil?
To cook shrimp in foil, place the foil packet on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes until the shrimp is cooked through and pink. Carefully open the foil packet, remove the shrimp, and enjoy! Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do you cook shrimp on a grill?
Roll the foil into a foil packet so the ingredients stay in place. You don’t want any of the delicious ingredients falling into the grill. Put the packets on the grill. Place the foil packet on the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the shrimp is cooked through and pink. Open and enjoy. Carefully open the foil packet, remove shrimp and enjoy!
What temperature should the grill be for cooking shrimp?
Preheat the grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the shrimp in a large piece of foil. Top with the parsley, butter, lemon juice and garlic. Make the foil into a foil packet. Place the foil packet on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes until the shrimp is cooked through and pink.
What are grilled shrimp foil packets?
Grilled Shrimp Foil Packets is an easy seafood recipe that combines garlic, lemon, and butter to create a flavorful dish. The grill adds an additional layer of flavor, making it a family favorite for summertime.
How do you cook shrimp in a foil packet?
Dice your favorite vegetables and put inside the foil pack with the shrimp and melted butter or olive oil. This will make for a complete meal. Try using cherry tomatoes, squash, zucchini or onion. Shrimp boil. Add corn and potatoes with Cajun seasoning to make an easy shrimp boil foil packet. We like Old Bay seasoning.
What makes grilled shrimp in foil a family favorite?
The combination of the garlic, lemon and butter make the shrimp so flavorful. The flavor from the grill and the seasoning really makes this a family favorite.