These easy baked shrimp and broccoli foil packs are a fun and tasty way to cook dinner! Juicy shrimp and fresh broccoli come together, all wrapped up with seasonings, for a quick meal.
Making dinner in foil packs is genius! I love that the shrimp packs a protein punch without any fuss. Plus, clean-up is a breeze—just toss the foil when you’re done. So simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works beautifully. If frozen, just make sure they’re thawed before cooking. For a milder flavor, you can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best for this recipe, but you can use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have. Just reduce the cooking time since frozen broccoli is typically blanched.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil lends rich flavor, but you can swap it out for avocado oil or melted butter if you prefer. Both options will yield great results!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a bold taste. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder or even garlic-infused oil can be good alternatives. Just use less since they’re more concentrated.
Seasonings: Paprika gives a lovely smoky depth. If you’re out, you can use cayenne for heat or Italian seasoning for a herby twist!
How Do I Make Sure My Shrimp are Perfectly Cooked?
The key to perfectly cooked shrimp is not to overcook them. They cook quickly, and you’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and form a letter “C.” If they curl too tightly, they might be overcooked.
- Make sure to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking.
- Keep an eye on cooking time—around 15-18 minutes should do it!
- If you’re unsure, you can cut one shrimp in half to check—if it’s opaque inside, it’s ready!
Easy Baked Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups broccoli florets
For the Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Garnish:
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep, then you’ll bake it for about 15-18 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes to have a delightful meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot for your foil packs!
2. Prepare the Foil:
Tear off four large pieces of aluminum foil, roughly 12 x 12 inches each. Lay them out flat on your counter or table.
3. Add the Broccoli:
Take your broccoli florets and divide them evenly among the four sheets of foil, placing them right in the center of each piece.
4. Season the Shrimp:
In a mixing bowl, toss the peeled shrimp with the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy), salt, and black pepper. Make sure the shrimp are well coated!
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, distribute the seasoned shrimp evenly over the broccoli on each foil piece. This creates a nice layering of flavors.
6. Add the Lemon:
Place a couple of thin lemon slices on top of the shrimp in each foil pack to infuse extra freshness!
7. Seal the Foil Packs:
Fold the sides of the foil up over the ingredients and pinch the top closed tightly. You want to make sure no steam can escape for perfect cooking.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Put the foil packs on a baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through and the broccoli is tender.
9. Open and Garnish:
Carefully open the foil packs (watch out for the steam!) and sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color and flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
You can serve the shrimp and broccoli straight from the foil packs for a fun meal, or transfer them to plates. Squeeze a little extra lemon juice over everything if you like. Bon appétit!
Enjoy your healthy, flavorful, and easy baked shrimp and broccoli foil packs!
FAQ About Easy Baked Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw frozen shrimp by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to customize your foil packs! You can add bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of lemon juice to refresh the flavors.
Can I Make This Recipe on the Grill?
Absolutely! You can cook these foil packs on the grill instead of in the oven. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, place the sealed foil packs on the grill, and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
