Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packet Dinner is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines savory shrimp, smoky sausage, and fresh vegetables all cooked together in a foil packet.
This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun outdoor grilling session. With the right seasoning.
this flavorful dinner packs a punch of taste and texture, all while being conveniently wrapped up for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
2 bell peppers, any color, chopped
1 large red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 ears of corn, cut into 4 pieces each
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 lemon, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Begin by preheating your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). If using a grill, prepare it for indirect heat. Cut large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12 x 12 inches).
This will allow enough space to wrap all the ingredients securely.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, sausage, chopped bell peppers, red onion, garlic, and corn. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste, and toss again to distribute the seasoning evenly.
Lay out the foil sheets and divide the mixture evenly among them. Place a few slices of lemon on top of each packet for added flavor and moisture.
Then fold up the edges of the foil to create a tightly sealed packet, ensuring no steam escapes during cooking.
Place the foil packets on the grill or in the oven. If grilling, cook the packets for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
If baking in the oven, bake the packets for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and the vegetables are tender.
Once the packets are cooked, carefully open them (watch out for steam) and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Serve immediately, and enjoy the burst of flavors from the shrimp, sausage, and veggies.
For a complete meal, serve the foil packet dinner with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. The simplicity and flavor-packed.
nature of this dish will surely make it a favorite among your family and guests.
How to Make
To make the Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packet Dinner, start by gathering all your ingredients and preparing the foil sheets.
This meal is quick to assemble, and the foil packets make cleanup a breeze. The key to this recipe is the seasoning mix and the timing to ensure that everything cooks evenly in the foil.
After mixing the shrimp, sausage, and vegetables in the olive oil and seasoning, the next step is to divide the mixture into separate foil packets.
Each packet should be sealed tightly to retain moisture and allow the ingredients to cook in their own steam.
This method ensures that the shrimp remain juicy and tender, while the sausage infuses its smoky flavor into the vegetables and corn.
When it comes to cooking, it’s important to monitor the temperature, especially if you’re grilling. Keep the foil packets away from direct heat to prevent burning.
For even cooking, flipping the packets halfway through ensures that both sides get properly cooked.
The total cooking time can vary slightly depending on the size of the shrimp and how well-done you like your vegetables.
If you’re baking in the oven, you’ll need to check the shrimp after the suggested time to ensure they are cooked through. Shrimp cook very quickly,
so be careful not to overcook them. Once you open the packet and see that the shrimp are pink and the vegetables tender, it’s time to serve.
As the foil packets are opened, the steam and aroma will hit you, and the mix of smoky sausage.
fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked shrimp will be sure to delight your senses. The lemon slices on top will add a refreshing citrus zing, balancing the richness of the sausage and shrimp.
The freshness of parsley as a garnish will brighten the dish even more, providing a pop of color and flavor that complements the Cajun seasoning.
This dish can be easily made for a crowd, and since it’s served directly in the foil packets, it’s also a great way to enjoy a no-fuss, one-pot meal.
Finally, remember that the key to the success of this dish is the seasoning and proper cooking method.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, the Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packet Dinner will become an easy, go-to recipe for busy nights or weekend get-togethers.
Variations
If you’re looking for a twist on the classic Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packet Dinner, there are many ways to customize this dish.
You can swap out the smoked sausage for other types of sausage, such as chorizo or Italian sausage.
to change the flavor profile. For a spicier kick, try adding more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
For a lighter version, use turkey sausage or even chicken sausage. You can also swap the shrimp for other seafood, such as scallops or white fish fillets.
though cooking times may vary depending on the seafood chosen. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, chicken breast chunks work just as well.
In addition to bell peppers and red onions, you can add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or tomatoes.
These vegetables complement the shrimp and sausage beautifully and bring more flavor and nutrition to the dish.
If you’re looking to make it heartier, consider adding baby potatoes or sweet potatoes, but make sure to slice them thinly so they cook in the same amount of time.
If you’re craving a more smoky flavor, toss the vegetables and sausage in some smoked paprika or chipotle powder before sealing the foil packet.
Alternatively, adding a splash of white wine or broth inside the packet will create a slightly different, more savory experience.
For a more indulgent version, top the cooked foil packets with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, and return the packets.
to the grill or oven for a few more minutes until the cheese melts. This creates a creamy, comforting texture with the smoky sausage and shrimp.
Lastly, for a vegan variation, swap the shrimp and sausage for plant-based sausage and tofu or tempeh.
Pair this with a variety of colorful vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and eggplant, and use vegan-friendly seasonings for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Tips
When preparing the Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packet Dinner, be sure to use heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent any.
tearing or leaking during cooking. The foil packets should be tightly sealed to trap all the flavors inside.
For a more evenly cooked meal, make sure to chop the vegetables into similar sizes so they cook at the same rate.
This will ensure that the peppers, onions, and corn cook evenly and are not overdone or undercooked.
If you’re making the foil packets ahead of time, you can store them in the fridge for up to a few hours before cooking.
Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before placing them on the grill or in the oven to avoid uneven cooking.
If you’re grilling, always place the foil packets on indirect heat, as direct flames can burn the food inside.
For best results, use a medium to low heat for grilling and flip the packets halfway through cooking.
To test if the shrimp are done, simply cut one open to check that it has turned pink all the way through.
If the shrimp are overcooked, they will become tough and rubbery, so be sure to keep an eye on them as they cook.
For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce right before serving. This will add a zesty finish that complements the smoky sausage and shrimp.
Lastly, always let the foil packets rest for a few minutes before opening them to avoid burning yourself with the steam.
Once the packets are opened, the aromas will be irresistible, and the flavors will be perfectly balanced.
Conclusion
Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packet Dinner is a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that can be prepared with minimal effort.
Whether you’re grilling or baking, this easy-to-make dinner is sure to please with its smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and flavorful vegetables.
This versatile recipe can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a fantastic option for any occasion.
The convenience and flavor of this dish are unmatched, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.