Hey there, fellow grillers! Today I’m gonna share everything you need to know about grilling shrimp in foil packets. As someone who’s cooked tons of seafood, I can tell you that foil packet grilling is hands-down one of the easiest and most foolproof methods for getting perfectly juicy shrimp every single time.
The Quick Answer
For most shrimp sizes, grill foil packets for 8-10 minutes at medium-high heat (around 400°F). But hold up – there’s more to nailing the perfect grilled shrimp than just timing! Let me break down everything you need to know.
Picking the Right Shrimp Makes a Huge Difference
Before we dive into cooking times let’s talk about choosing the best shrimp for grilling
- Size Matters: Go for large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 per pound). They’re way easier to grill and won’t overcook as quickly as smaller ones
- Fresh vs. Frozen: Both work great! If using frozen, just make sure to thaw completely
- Shell On or Off: Either works, but peeled and deveined saves prep time
- Raw is Best: Always start with raw shrimp – pre-cooked ones will get rubbery
Our Foolproof Method for Perfect Grilled Shrimp in Foil
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for basic garlic butter shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp
- 2-4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
2. Make Your Foil Packets
- Cut heavy-duty foil into 12-14 inch squares
- Place shrimp in center of foil
- Add seasonings and butter
- Fold edges to create sealed packets
- Leave some space for steam
3. Grill Time and Temperature Guide
| Shrimp Size | Grilling Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | 6-8 minutes | 400°F |
| Large | 8-10 minutes | 400°F |
| Jumbo | 10-12 minutes | 400°F |
Pro Tips for Amazing Results
-
Don’t Overcrowd: Keep shrimp in a single layer for even cooking
-
Add Veggies: Try adding:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Zucchini slices
- Bell peppers
- Corn
-
Check Doneness: Shrimp are done when they’re:
- Pink and opaque
- Curved into a loose “C” shape
- Firm but still tender
-
Flavor Boosters:
- Compound butter
- Cajun seasoning
- Italian herbs
- Teriyaki sauce
- White wine
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve all been there! Here are some oopsies to watch out for:
- Don’t peek too early – opening packets releases steam
- Don’t use regular foil – it can tear easily
- Don’t forget to preheat the grill
- Don’t overcook – nobody likes rubbery shrimp!
Serving Suggestions
Make your grilled shrimp meal complete with these awesome sides:
- Rice or quinoa
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Fresh salad
- Crusty bread
- Grilled asparagus
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? No problem!
- Store in airtight container
- Keep in fridge up to 3 days
- Reheat gently to avoid overcooking
- Can freeze for up to 3 months
FAQ (Because Y’all Always Ask…)
Q: Can I prep packets ahead of time?
A: Yup! Make ’em up to 4 hours ahead and keep refrigerated.
Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
A: No worries! Bake at 400°F for about the same time.
Q: Help! My shrimp are still gray inside!
A: Just seal ’em back up and grill for another 1-2 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Grilling shrimp in foil is pretty much foolproof once you get the hang of it. Remember the golden rule: it’s better to slightly undercook (you can always add more time) than overcook (can’t undo rubber shrimp!).
So fire up that grill and give it a try! Trust me, once you master this method, you’ll be the seafood grilling champion of your neighborhood. And hey, if you try this recipe, drop a comment below – I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
Now get out there and start grilling! And don’t forget to share your creations with us using #ShrimpGrillMaster. Happy grilling, friends!
What’s in this post: Grilled Shrimp Foil Packets
I love making foil pack recipes because they become an easy weeknight dinner. It makes cleanup a breeze and you easily add smoked sausage, andouille sausages and vegetables for a delicious addition.
These foil packs are made with simple ingredients and can easily be cooked in the oven or on the grill. You may also love this Steak and Potato Foil Packs.
- Shrimp, raw, peeled and deveined
- Parsley, chopped
- Butter, diced into small pieces
- Lemon, juiced
- Minced Garlic . You can also use garlic powder.
Supplies:
- Aluminum Foil. Heavy duty foil is best when grilling. It is sturdy and helps to prevent spills. If you are using regular foil, I suggest doubling it.
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.
- Seasoning. This is a quick and easy to change the flavor of raw shrimp. Some ideas include: Cajun spices, black pepper, red pepper flakes, only Garlic, butter and Parmesan cheese and taco seasoning with lime. It is optional but you can marinate using a large bowl. You may even like this Grilled Shrimp Marinade.
- Veggies. 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. The Cajun shrimp is delicious with red potatoes, corn on the cob and lemon wedges.
- Alfredo. Make your favorite alfredo sauce to serve over fettuccine. Top with grilled shrimp for an amazing meal in minutes.
- Shrimp Bowls. Create a bowl with your favorite salad greens, black beans, guacamole, pico de gallo and shrimp.
How to Cook Shrimp Foil Packets in the Oven
Sometimes the weather is not suitable for grilling so you might want to bake these foil packets instead. Simply prepare them as normal.
Then place on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 14 minutes.
This method is fast and easy for another option. We love to grill but there are some days it just isn’t possible. Give this baking option a try on those days.
You will love the shrimp and it still has tons of flavor.
Make the foil packets the night before and place in the fridge. They will be ready to go on the grill the next day for an easy dinner. This is a great way to meal prep and makes it so easy on busy weeknights. You can toss on the grill and you are set
Store any leftover shrimp inside an airtight container. Place in the refrigerator up to 3 days. See Leftover Shrimp Recipes.
It does not take long so be careful not to overcook the shrimp. In just about 8 to 10 minutes on the grill using high heat, the shrimp should be ready. The color should be pink on both sides. This easy meal is ready in less than 15 minute for the best dinner.