Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packet Dinner Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb smoked sausage (like kielbasa), sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 1 bell pepper, sliced into strips (any color)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Foil Packets:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Cut 4 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12 inches long). If you don’t have heavy-duty foil, you can double up the sheets.
- Place each sheet of foil on a flat surface and spray with a little cooking spray or drizzle with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Assemble the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, sausage, bell pepper, onion, and zucchini.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and add the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well-coated with the oil and spices.
3. Build the Foil Packets:
- Divide the shrimp and sausage mixture evenly among the foil sheets.
- If you’re using lemon juice, squeeze a little over the top of each packet for a fresh citrus flavor.
- Fold the sides of the foil up and over the ingredients, then fold the top and bottom to seal the packet tightly. The goal is to create a secure packet so the steam stays inside while cooking.
4. Cook the Foil Packets:
Grilling Method:
- Place the foil packets on the grill over medium-high heat.
- Cook for about 10-15 minutes, flipping the packets halfway through, until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the sausage is heated through.
Oven Method:
- Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve:
- Carefully open the foil packets (be cautious of the hot steam that will escape).
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve the shrimp and sausage mixture with rice, quinoa, or simply enjoy it on its own for a low-carb meal.
Tips:
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or swap out vegetables based on your preferences. Cherry tomatoes, corn, asparagus, or even potatoes (thinly sliced) work well.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for some extra heat.
- Cooking time: Keep in mind that cooking time may vary depending on the size of the shrimp and how much you pack into each foil packet. Just make sure the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and the sausage is fully cooked.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the foil packets ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Just throw them on the grill or in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the foil packet dinner with a side of garlic bread or a light salad.
- If you want more flavor, you can drizzle the shrimp and sausage with extra lemon juice or a little melted butter when serving.
This Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packet Dinner is an easy and flavorful way to enjoy a complete meal with minimal cleanup. Perfect for a summer cookout, weeknight dinner, or camping trip! Would you add any other ingredients or spices to make it your own? 😄