Herbed Shrimp Scampi Foil Packets: A Flavorful & Easy Meal

Shrimp scampi is a classic dish loved for its rich, garlicky, and buttery flavors. But what if you could simplify the cooking process without sacrificing any of that deliciousness? Enter: Herbed Shrimp Scampi Foil Packets! This method transforms a traditionally stovetop dish into an easy, portable, and incredibly flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners, camping trips, or backyard barbecues. By cooking everything in a sealed foil packet, the shrimp steams in its own fragrant juices, intensifying the flavors and keeping the shrimp tender and juicy.

This recipe combines succulent shrimp with a vibrant herb-infused garlic butter sauce, all cooked to perfection in a foil packet. The result is a mouthwatering dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes and requires minimal cleanup. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to enjoy shrimp scampi without the fuss.

## Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Foil Packet Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe a breeze to prepare, even on busy weeknights.
* **Minimal Cleanup:** Cooking in foil packets means virtually no dirty dishes! Just toss the foil away after enjoying your meal.
* **Flavorful and Delicious:** The combination of garlic, herbs, butter, and lemon creates an irresistible flavor that infuses the shrimp as it cooks.
* **Versatile:** This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences. Add your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level, or swap out herbs to create your own unique flavor profile.
* **Perfect for Outdoor Cooking:** Foil packets are ideal for grilling or cooking over a campfire, making them a fantastic option for camping or barbecues.
* **Healthy:** Shrimp is a great source of lean protein. You can also add lots of vegetables for a more complete meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Shrimp:** 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen shrimp (thawed completely) will work.
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted. The butter is the base of the flavorful sauce.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves garlic, minced. Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
* **Fresh Herbs:** 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, and 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped. Fresh herbs add a bright and aromatic element. You can also use a combination of other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives.
* **Lemon Juice:** 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
* **Lemon Slices:** A few lemon slices for added flavor and visual appeal.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). For a touch of heat.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Seasoning is crucial to enhancing the flavors.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon (optional, for drizzling). Adding a drizzle of olive oil helps keep the shrimp moist.
* **Dry White Wine:** 2 tablespoons (optional). Enhances flavor; use chicken broth if preferred.
* **Vegetables (Optional):** Sliced zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes.

## Equipment

* **Aluminum Foil:** Heavy-duty aluminum foil is recommended to prevent tearing.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For combining the ingredients.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping the garlic and herbs.
* **Knife:** For chopping.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Grill or Oven (Optional):** For cooking the foil packets.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**1. Prepare the Shrimp:**

* If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely under cold running water. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them brown slightly and prevents them from steaming in excess water.
* Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary. Ensure all shrimp are uniform in size for even cooking. Leaving the tails on is optional but adds a nice presentation.

**2. Make the Herb Garlic Butter Sauce:**

* In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped oregano, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
* Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more garlic, herbs, or red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.

**3. Assemble the Foil Packets:**

* Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375°F or 190°C) or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Cut four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each about 12 inches long. You can also use two larger sheets and fold them in half.
* Drizzle a little olive oil (optional) onto the center of each foil sheet. This helps prevent the shrimp from sticking and adds a bit of extra flavor.
* Divide the shrimp evenly among the foil sheets, placing them in a single layer. If adding vegetables, distribute them around the shrimp.
* Spoon the herb garlic butter sauce evenly over the shrimp and vegetables. Make sure each shrimp is well coated with the sauce.
* Arrange a few lemon slices on top of the shrimp for added flavor and visual appeal.

**4. Seal the Foil Packets:**

* Fold one side of the foil over the shrimp and vegetables. Crimp the edges together tightly to create a sealed packet. Make sure to leave enough room inside the packet for steam to circulate.
* Fold the remaining edges over, creating a tightly sealed pouch. The goal is to create an airtight seal to trap the steam and cook the shrimp evenly.

**5. Cook the Foil Packets:**

* **Grilling:** Place the foil packets on the preheated grill. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and cooked through.
* **Oven:** Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and cooked through.
* Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the temperature of your grill or oven. Check for doneness after the minimum cooking time and adjust as needed.

**6. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Carefully open the foil packets, being mindful of the hot steam that will escape.
* Serve the herbed shrimp scampi immediately. You can serve it directly from the foil packets or transfer it to a serving dish.
* Garnish with extra fresh parsley or lemon wedges, if desired.
* Serve the shrimp scampi with crusty bread, rice, pasta, or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.

## Tips for Success

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** Fresh shrimp, high-quality butter, and fresh herbs will make a significant difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp can be tough and rubbery. Cook just until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
* **Seal the Foil Packets Tightly:** A tight seal is essential for trapping the steam and ensuring the shrimp cooks evenly.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** Taste the herb garlic butter sauce before adding it to the shrimp and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Add Vegetables for a Complete Meal:** Adding vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus will make the foil packets a more complete and balanced meal.
* **Use Heavy-Duty Foil:** Avoid tearing by using heavy-duty aluminum foil.
* **Be Careful of Steam:** When opening the foil packets, be careful of the hot steam that will escape.

## Variations and Additions

* **Spicy Shrimp Scampi:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the herb garlic butter sauce for a spicier dish.
* **Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi:** Increase the amount of lemon juice and add lemon zest for a more pronounced lemon flavor.
* **Parmesan Shrimp Scampi:** Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp before sealing the foil packets for a cheesy and savory dish.
* **Coconut Shrimp Scampi:** Substitute coconut milk for some of the butter and add a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Replace the shrimp with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of this dish.
* **Add Other Seafood:** Include scallops, mussels, or clams to the foil packets for a seafood medley.
* **Add Wine:** Add a splash of dry white wine or sherry to the butter sauce for extra depth of flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Crusty Bread:** Serve the shrimp scampi with crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce.
* **Rice:** Serve over steamed rice, such as jasmine or basmati rice.
* **Pasta:** Toss with cooked pasta, such as linguine or spaghetti.
* **Quinoa:** Serve over quinoa for a healthy and protein-packed meal.
* **Salad:** Pair with a fresh green salad for a light and refreshing meal.
* **Grilled Vegetables:** Serve alongside grilled vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the herb garlic butter sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, assemble the foil packets as directed.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover shrimp scampi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the shrimp scampi in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on the amount of butter and vegetables used)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams

## Recipe Card

**Herbed Shrimp Scampi Foil Packets**

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15-20 minutes
**Serves:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
* 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
* 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* Lemon slices, for garnish
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and black pepper, to taste
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
* 2 tablespoons dry white wine (optional)
* Vegetables (optional): sliced zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat grill to medium heat or oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, parsley, oregano, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Cut four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
4. Drizzle olive oil (optional) onto each foil sheet.
5. Divide shrimp and vegetables (if using) among the foil sheets.
6. Spoon herb garlic butter sauce over the shrimp and vegetables.
7. Arrange lemon slices on top.
8. Fold foil over the shrimp and crimp the edges to seal tightly.
9. Grill for 12-15 minutes or bake for 15-20 minutes, until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
10. Carefully open foil packets and serve immediately.

**Notes:**

* Adjust seasoning to taste.
* Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
* Serve with crusty bread, rice, pasta, or quinoa.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Herbed Shrimp Scampi Foil Packets!

This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of shrimp scampi with minimal effort. The foil packet method locks in the flavors and creates tender, juicy shrimp that is sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking at home, camping, or grilling in the backyard, these foil packets are a convenient and delicious option.

Experiment with different herbs, vegetables, and spices to create your own unique version of this classic dish. The possibilities are endless! So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill or preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal.

**More Recipe Ideas**

* [Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Herbs](link to related post)
* [Garlic Butter Steak Bites](link to related post)
* [One-Pan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables](link to related post)

Enjoy!