Shrimp Boil Foil Packets

The first time I ever had a shrimp boil, I immediately fell in love. Growing up in New England, this was the southern version of my beloved clam bakes that I missed so much.

And, while recreating a New England clambake is almost impossible for a quick and easy weeknight meal, recreating a shrimp boil is actually surprisingly easy. All you need (besides fresh shrimp) is some good Cajun seasoning, a lean Andouille chicken sausage, red potatoes, and some summer corn!

I also like to throw in some extra veggies to add some nutrients and then everything is tossed on the grill or in the oven. A delicious Shrimp Boil in just 30 minutes.  the stove) for a delicious meal that's 

Key Ingredients and Easy Swaps

This recipe is so healthy because it is packed with vegetables and lean protein. It will remind you of an authentic southern shrimp boil.

Here are the ingredients I used:

• Shrimp: Make sure to peel and devein the shrimp. To save yourself time, you can use pre-prepped shrimp at your local seafood market. You can use fresh or frozen, just defrost the shrimp first so they cook evenly.
• Sausages: I used about a pound of Andouille chicken sausages and it tasted amazing. Make sure to slice them thin. You could swap in any sausage here but reaching for something spicy will add too the overall flavor of the dish. Make sure to choose pre-cooked sausage, not raw. 
• Corn: Cut some ears of corn into quarters. If you are trying to eat fewer carbs, you can leave the ears of corn out. You could swap in canned or frozen corn here, but fresh will taste the best.
• Green Beans: Use fresh green beans for the best taste and texture. Snap the ends off the green beans before you bake them.
• Mushrooms: I used baby bella mushrooms for this shrimp boil. You can use any type of mushrooms that you want or leave them out.
• Onion: For the most authentically southern taste, use a sweet red onion. If you don't have red onion, white or yellow will still work.
• Potatoes: Baby red potatoes cut into quarters really works the best in the foil packets. Since you are baking them, russet potatoes will also work. Just make sure you cut them into small pieces.
• Olive Oil: This is to coat the veggies so the seasoning sticks to them and they become nice and crispy. You can also use avocado oil instead.
• Cajun Seasoning: Use as much as you want. The more you use, the spicier it will be!

Note: For a full list of ingredients and detailed instructions on how to make this shrimp boil recipe, take a look at the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!

Side Dish Ideas

This is an entire meal in one pan, so you don't need to make very much on the side to go with it. If you want to start out with a salad, enjoy something easy like a tomato, corn, and avocado salad. It will also taste pretty amazing with this Southwest Quinoa Salad.

Pour a glass of your favorite iced tea and enjoy your dinner!

Another simple side dish that is often overlooked is a quick green salad and some sliced watermelon. Cornbread or corn muffins are also delicious on the side. 

Recipe Tips And Ideas

Follow these tips to make sure that this shrimp boil recipe turns out you make it!

• Seal everything completely in the foil packets. The best size is about 16-18 inches long.
• The food does not have to be in a single layer. Pile everything into the foil packets. Trust me- they will cook together.
• To make sure everything cooks at the same rate, pre-cook the potatoes and corn in a pot of boiling water. This way, they will be tender when the shrimp and other veggies finish cooking. Skipping this step will result in overcooked shrimp.
• If you start with raw sausage, make sure to slice it and cook it in a skillet before adding it to the foil packets. 
• Don't be scared to play around with the ingredients in this recipe. Swap in sweet potatoes for the regular potatoes. Add snap peas instead of green beans. Leave out the potatoes and add some black beans. Once you get the hang of this recipe, it is really flexible.

How to defrost frozen shrimp quickly?

Frozen shrimp tends to be the most affordable option and it is easy to defrost at home. If you remember, defrost the shrimp overnight in the fridge and then drain off any liquid.

If you need to defrost the shrimp more quickly, add them to a large bowl with cold water in the sink. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes until they are fully defrosted. Don't add warm water of the shrimp texture will change. After multiple tests, we found this method does not cause the shrimp to be watery. Just make sure the water is cold.