I love to make Shrimp Boil Packets that boast all the great flavors of a traditional low country boil with shrimp, smoked sausage, potatoes, and corn that can be customized in individual foil packets. This easy summer-time dinner comes together in about 45 minutes time.
Prep the kielbasa, corn on the cob, shrimp, lemon wedges, parsley, and potatoes prior to starting the assembly of pouches.
Place a 16-18-inch piece of aluminum foil on the countertop. Fold each edge ½-inch in two times. Then place a quarter of the quartered potatoes on top of the foil. Followed by the sliced kielbasa and shrimp on top of the potatoes. Place four pieces of corn (which equals one whole ear) on each of the corners of the potato/sausage/kielbasa pile.
Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of Old Bay Seasoning along with a teaspoon of diced fresh parsley on top. Place 2 tablespoons of butter on top of the shrimp and 2 lemon wedges.
Bring the long end of the foil to the other side and begin to fold edges. Fold all three edges so that no steam can escape from the foil packet.
Repeat, three more times until you have four foil packets made and all ingredients are used.
On the Grill
Preheat a gas grill to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Reduce the heat to low. Then place the four foil packets on to the grill. Grill for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.
Once the foil packet dinner is done, carefully transfer off the grill and on to a sheet pan. Place foil packets in large shallow bowls, carefully life foil open and enjoy!
Baking in Oven
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place two foil packets on a baking sheet, and the other two packets on another baking sheet. Place foil packets in large shallow bowls, carefully lift foil open and enjoy straight from the foil or dump into a bowl.
Carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven. Place foil packets in large shallow bowls, carefully lift foil open and enjoy straight from the foil or dump into a bowl.
Video
Notes
Baby Potatoes - 1 pound of baby potatoes is about 18 potatoes. Divide them evenly among the foil packets.
Prep Ahead of Assembly - It is key that you prep all the ingredients prior to starting to assemble. I slice the kielbasa and remove shrimp shells and tails first. I'll dice parsley and slice lemon wedges next. I'll cut a stick of butter into 8 equal pieces and then cut the entire stick lengthwise so you have 4 smaller pieces of butter. The very last thing I'll do is quarter the potatoes as these will start to brown and oxidize.
Less Heat - If someone in your home does not like spicy food reduce the amount of Old Bay Seasoning in their packet to at most 1 teaspoon. My kids find it too spicy the way this recipe is written. For their foil packet I will use minimal amount of spices tossing just a little bit on the shrimp, potatoes and sausage and none on the corn.
Unsalted Butter - It's important to use unsalted butter for this recipe. The Old Bay Seasoning and kielbasa all contain a lot of salt. Plus lemon brings additional salt like flavors to the dish. If you use salted butter you will have a very salty dinner.
Transferring - Whenever I transfer the foil packets to and from the grill I use a sheet pan. I find it's the easiest way to ensure the foil packs don't rip. Plus once they are done they will be super hot and juice could leak out.