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Flavorful Cajun Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Easy Outdoor Dinner Recipe

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A quick and easy Cajun shrimp boil cooked in foil packets on the grill, combining shrimp, corn, and potatoes with smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning for a flavorful outdoor meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 2 cups baby red potatoes, halved or quartered
  • 2 ears of corn, cut into thirds or 1 ½ cups frozen corn kernels
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (blend of smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and oregano)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 medium lemon, sliced thinly
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat

Instructions

  1. Rinse and halve the baby red potatoes so they cook evenly. Cut corn into thirds if using fresh ears. Slice the lemon thinly and mince garlic. Chop the green onions but save for garnish later.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and fragrant.
  3. Add the potatoes and corn to the bowl and toss until fully coated in the buttery Cajun mix. If time allows, let them marinate for 10 minutes.
  4. Tear off large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12×12 inches). Divide the potato and corn mixture evenly onto each sheet. Place a handful of shrimp on top, then add lemon slices over everything.
  5. Fold the foil edges tightly to create sealed packets, leaving some space inside for steam to circulate. Double wrap if desired.
  6. Place packets directly on preheated grill grates over medium heat. Cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Shrimp should be opaque and potatoes tender when done.
  7. Carefully open the packets (watch for hot steam), garnish with chopped green onions, and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the packets to avoid soggy potatoes and rubbery shrimp. Use medium heat (350-400°F). If potatoes are not tender after cooking, reseal and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Marinate shrimp and veggies in seasoning mix for 15-20 minutes for deeper flavor if time allows. Use heavy-duty foil to prevent tearing. Can bake in oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes if grill is unavailable.

Nutrition

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