Introduction
Do you love a good shrimp boil but don’t want the hassle? These Cajun Shrimp Boil Foil Packets deliver all the smoky, buttery, and spicy flavors of a traditional Louisiana seafood boil in an easy, no-mess package. Whether cooking on the grill, in the oven, or over a campfire, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or an outdoor summer cookout!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ No Cleanup – Everything is cooked in a foil packet, making cleanup effortless.
✔️ Bold Cajun Flavor – Smoky, spicy, buttery goodness in every bite.
✔️ Customizable – Swap out proteins, add more veggies, or adjust the spice level.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Assemble packets in advance for an easy weeknight meal.
Equipment Needed
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Grill, oven, or campfire
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Foil Packets:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 2 ears of corn, cut into small sections
- 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Cajun Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (or more for extra spice)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Sodium: 900mg
Step by Step Instructions
- Total Time: 35 Minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F) or oven to 425°F.
- Cut 4 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12 inches each).
2. Cook the Potatoes First
- In a pot, boil the baby potatoes for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender but not fully cooked.
- Drain and set aside.
3. Assemble the Foil Packets
- In a large bowl, toss shrimp, sausage, potatoes, corn, bell pepper, and red onion with olive oil.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the four foil sheets.
4. Add the Cajun Butter Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, black pepper, cayenne, and lemon juice.
- Drizzle the sauce evenly over each packet.
5. Seal & Cook
- Fold the foil over the ingredients and tightly seal the edges to create a packet.
- Grill: Place packets on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Oven: Place packets on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Carefully open the packets (watch for steam!).
- Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice.
Tips for the Best Cajun Shrimp Boil Packets
🔥 Use Raw Shrimp – Pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery when reheated.
🌶️ Adjust the Heat – Add more or less cayenne to match your spice preference.
🥔 Pre Boil the Potatoes – Ensures even cooking with the shrimp and sausage.
🌿 Add More Flavor – Try a splash of hot sauce or Old Bay seasoning for an extra kick.
🛑 Don’t Overcook – Shrimp cook fast, so be mindful of the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
🍚 With Rice or Quinoa – Absorbs the buttery Cajun sauce beautifully.
🥖 With Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices.
🥗 With a Fresh Salad – A crisp green salad balances the richness.
🍹 Drink Pairing – Try a cold beer, lemonade, or a citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the packets up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Absolutely! Just thaw them first for even cooking.
Q: What can I substitute for andouille sausage?
A: Smoked sausage, kielbasa, or turkey sausage all work well.
Q: Can I cook these in a skillet?
A: Yes! Cook everything in a large skillet over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Q: How do I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute olive oil or vegan butter for the butter.
Conclusion
These Cajun Shrimp Boil Foil Packets bring all the bold flavors of a Louisiana seafood boil into a fuss-free, no-mess meal. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or cooking over a campfire, this easy recipe is packed with juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and tender veggies—all coated in a rich, buttery Cajun sauce.