Indulge in the mouthwatering goodness of shrimp scampi foil packs, perfect for camping trips, cookouts, or simply satisfying your shrimp cravings all summer long! The combination of succulent shrimp, zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich butter will leave you craving more. Whether you’re cooking over a campfire, grill, or stovetop, these shrimp scampi foil packets are sure to impress. And if you’re a fellow shrimp enthusiast, you might also appreciate other seafood delights like shrimp linguine, Panda Express-inspired shrimp steak, or General Tso’s shrimp stir-fry.
Why You’ll Love These
Shrimp scampi foil packets offer an unparalleled level of ease, convenience, and deliciousness. Simply combine your ingredients in a foil packet and cook it on the grill, campfire, or in the oven – the simplicity is truly effortless. What’s more, by adding a few select seasonings and flavors to the shrimp, you can elevate its natural taste to new heights. Whether you’re camping, having a backyard cookout, or just looking for a quick and easy meal solution, these foil packets are an ideal choice.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Foil Packets
To start preparing your succulent shrimp, begin by combining the butter with chicken broth, parsley, lemon juice, garlic, lemon pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. This seasoning mix will add incredible flavor to your dish. Next, arrange the shrimp on a baking sheet or – if you’re camping – place them in a Ziploc bag. Add the butter mixture to the shrimp, along with some grated lemon zest for an extra burst of citrusy goodness. To assemble the packets, position 6 shrimp in the center of each of 4 large foil squares, then roll up and seal the edges to create a tight pocket. Finally, allow the shrimp about 8 minutes to cook through – adjust cooking time according to the size of your shrimp. Smaller ones may only need 5-7 minutes, while larger ones might require up to 10 minutes.
Substitutions and Variations
You’re not limited to just salmon when it comes to this recipe. Try substituting with other seafood options like shrimp, prawns, langoustines, scallops, or a mix of your favorite varieties. To elevate the dish even further, consider adding sliced onions and other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or any other flavors you enjoy. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or chipotle chili to give it a bold and spicy twist.
How to Store Shrimp Scampi Packets
When it comes to storing and reheating leftover shrimp, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. For refrigeration, it’s best to store leftovers for up to three days in the refrigerator to maintain their flavor and texture. Freezing, on the other hand, is not recommended as it can result in a loss of flavor and texture. Instead, cook only what you need at the time and reheat any leftover shrimp gently by warming them up in the microwave or a pan on the stove, or if you’re away camping, over the campfire. This approach ensures that your shrimp remain fresh and flavorful for as long as possible.
Top Tips
Before embarking on your camping adventure, take some time to prepare the butter mixture at home. Store it in a Ziploc bag for later use. A crucial tip is to hold off adding the lemon-infused butter to the shrimp until just 30 minutes prior to cooking. This ensures that the citric acid from the lemon doesn’t prematurely ‘cook’ the shrimp, resulting in an unfavorable outcome. When selecting foil for your camping trip, don’t settle for cheap alternatives. They may tear easily, causing your carefully prepared shrimp scampi packets to fall apart. Instead, invest in high-quality foil that will withstand the rigors of outdoor cooking.
Campfire Shrimp Scampi Foil Packets FAQs
When it comes to selecting the ideal shrimp size for your campfire cooking, the main difference lies in the dimension. For this particular recipe, I suggest opting for larger shrimp. Tiny shrimp are best suited for dishes like shrimp salad and tea sandwiches where their delicate nature is an asset. However, when cooking over a potentially hot campfire, it’s essential to choose shrimp that can withstand the heat. Larger ones are more forgiving and less likely to dry out quickly. They’ll retain their moisture and flavor better, making them a great choice for this recipe.
To determine if your shrimp are cooked to perfection, look for signs beyond just their color. Raw shrimp typically take on an L-shape or a slightly curled up shape. Overcooked shrimp, on the other hand, will curl into a C-shape. For perfectly cooked shrimp, aim for a halfway point between these two shapes. Most types of shrimp will turn bright pink when done, while others may shift to a reddish hue. But be cautious not to overcook them, as this can lead to an unpleasantly chewy texture.
When it comes to adding a squeeze of lemon juice, you might be tempted to use bottled juice. While this is an option, I highly recommend bringing along a few lemons on your camping trip instead. Fresh lemon juice and zest add a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with bottled alternatives. It’s worth the extra effort to incorporate these fresh ingredients into your dish.
Shrimp Foil Packets Recipe
Shrimp Scampi Foil Packs
Bella Bucchiotti’s shrimp scampi foil packets are a culinary delight, wafting an irresistible aroma as they cook. The harmonious blend of lemon, garlic, and butter is nothing short of phenomenal! With a mere 5 minutes spent on preparation, these delectable treats can be ready in just 15 minutes total, serving 4 people with ease.
Instructions
Before embarking on your camping adventure, ensure your grill is preheated to a comfortable 350 degrees Fahrenheit. To prepare the ingredients, cut four squares of aluminum foil into 12-inch pieces and set them aside. In a bowl, combine softened butter, chicken broth, chopped parsley, lemon juice, minced garlic, garlic powder, lemon pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes until the mixture is well combined. It’s essential to have this prepared at home before heading out to the campsite, so mix it into a small mason jar for easy transport. Next, place the shrimp on a large plate or baking sheet, or if you’re camping, transfer them to a Ziplock bag. Pour the butter mixture evenly over the cold shrimp, allowing it to congeal slightly – don’t worry, this will melt and infuse the flavors into the shrimp during cooking. Sprinkle lemon zest over the top of the shrimp for an added burst of citrus flavor. Fold each foil square into a neat pocket, placing six shrimp within each packet. Place the packets on the preheated grill or directly over the campfire flames. Allow them to cook for 8-10 minutes, adjusting the cooking time as needed for your specific type and size of shrimp.