Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Foil Packs Tasty Treat

Looking for a quick and tasty meal? Try these Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Foil Packs! They burst with flavor thanks to fresh shrimp, crisp veggies, and a rich garlic butter sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for busy nights or backyard grilling. Plus, you can pack them up for a picnic! Let’s get cooking and make your next meal a hit with family and friends. Your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables and Seasoning

– 2 cups asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

– 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Additional Flavorings

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish

The main ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Foil Packs are simple yet flavorful. The shrimp are the star of the dish. They cook quickly and soak up the garlic butter well. The butter gives a rich taste. Garlic adds depth and aroma.

For the vegetables, asparagus and cherry tomatoes bring color and nutrients. Asparagus stays crisp while tomatoes add a sweet burst. Lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. They give a fresh zing that balances the rich butter.

Seasonings like oregano and red pepper flakes add warmth and a hint of spice. Adjust the red pepper flakes for your taste. Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing flavors.

Finally, fresh parsley and lemon wedges add a lovely touch. They make the meal look bright and inviting. This combination of ingredients makes the dish tasty and appealing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures even cooking for your shrimp and veggies.

– In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic tastes bitter.

Assembling Foil Packs

– Take a large piece of aluminum foil and lay it flat. In the center, layer 2 cups of trimmed asparagus cut into 2-inch pieces and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. This mix gives a nice balance of flavors and colors.

– On top of the veggies, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Drizzle half of your garlic butter mixture over the shrimp and vegetables. This mixture adds a rich flavor that makes the dish shine.

Cooking the Foil Packs

– Fold the edges of the foil inward and seal the pack tightly. This keeps all the steam inside, helping the shrimp and veggies cook evenly. Make another pack with the rest of the ingredients.

– Place both foil packs on the grill or in the oven. Cook for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the shrimp turn pink and the vegetables are tender. Carefully open the foil pack, watching out for steam. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Perfect Shrimp

To cook shrimp just right, time matters. Shrimp should take about 15-20 minutes to cook in the foil packs. Look for a bright pink color and a firm texture. If the shrimp curl tightly, they may be overcooked.

To avoid this, monitor the cooking closely. Once you see the right color, check if they are done. Remove the packs from the heat right away. This helps keep them tender and juicy.

Enhancing Flavor

You can customize the spice level in your shrimp scampi. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder taste, reduce the amount.

Herbs can also boost the flavor. Try adding fresh basil or thyme for a twist. Each herb gives a different taste. Experiment to find what you like best.

Foil Pack Technique

Sealing your foil packs well is key. Make sure to fold the edges tightly so steam does not escape. This helps cook the shrimp and veggies evenly.

You can also use other vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn work well. Feel free to mix and match for your favorite flavors. This makes your meal fun and unique.

Variations

Seafood Alternatives

You can easily swap shrimp for other seafood. Try scallops, crab, or fish. They all work well in foil packs. If you want a vegan or vegetarian twist, use mushrooms or tofu. Both absorb flavors nicely and add texture.

Flavor Infusions

Want to change up the taste? Adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil can make a big difference. You can also try different sauces. Teriyaki adds a sweet touch, while marinara gives a classic vibe. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your shrimp scampi foil packs with sides. Rice or crusty bread complements the dish well. You can also serve it as part of a larger meal. Think grilled veggies or a fresh salad. This makes your dinner feel special and complete.

Storage Info

Leftover Storage

After enjoying your garlic butter shrimp scampi foil packs, you may have leftovers. To store them, place the foil packs in the refrigerator. Make sure to seal them tightly to keep out air and moisture. This helps maintain freshness. Leftovers can stay good for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, follow the reheating tips below.

Reheating Recommendations

Reheating shrimp scampi foil packs needs care. The best way to warm them up is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the foil pack on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Microwaving can change the texture of the shrimp. If you choose this method, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the shrimp from getting rubbery.

Freezing Options

You may wonder if you can freeze shrimp scampi foil packs. Yes, you can! Freezing is a great way to save extra packs for later. Wrap each foil pack tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps out air and prevents freezer burn. When you want to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method keeps the shrimp and veggies tasty.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just remember to thaw them first. Thawing takes about 15-20 minutes. You can run them under cold water. If you cook shrimp from frozen, it will take longer to cook. Add 5 minutes to your cooking time.

What if I don’t have aluminum foil?

If you lack aluminum foil, you have options. You can use parchment paper to wrap the packs. Another choice is a baking dish covered with a lid. You can also use a cast-iron skillet with a lid. Just make sure everything is sealed well to keep the steam in.

Can I make the garlic butter sauce in advance?

You can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Just melt the butter and mix in the other ingredients. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to cook, just warm it up again before using. This saves time and adds ease to your cooking.

In this blog post, we covered a tasty shrimp foil pack recipe. You learned about the main ingredients, like shrimp, butter, and asparagus. We provided detailed instructions for preparing, assembling, and cooking the foil packs. Tips for cooking shrimp perfectly and ideas for variations made it even better.

Try this easy method for a quick meal. Whether you keep it simple or customize it, enjoy delicious results every time. Happy cookin