Grilled Shrimp Boil: A Perfect Summer Feast

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When the sun is shining and the weather is warm, there’s nothing quite like the smell of delicious food sizzling on the grill. Imagine a meal that combines all the flavors of a classic shrimp boil with the smoky goodness of grilling. Grilled Shrimp Boil: A Perfect Summer Feast brings together juicy shrimp, tender baby potatoes, smoky sausage, sweet corn, and vibrant seasonings—all cooked to perfection in foil packets. It’s easy to prepare, fun to eat, and perfect for summer cookouts or laid-back family dinners.

Why You’ll Love Grilled Shrimp Boil

This recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s versatile, packed with flavor, and easy to customize. Plus, since everything is cooked in foil packets, cleanup is a breeze! Each bite is an explosion of flavors, from the sweetness of corn to the savory richness of smoked sausage and the bold zest of Old Bay seasoning. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, camping, or enjoying a casual backyard dinner, this grilled shrimp boil is guaranteed to make everyone happy.

Ingredients for Grilled Shrimp Boil

Here’s everything you need to create this mouthwatering summer feast:

IngredientQuantity
Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)1 lb (about 20-25 shrimp)
Baby potatoes1 lb
Corn (cut into thirds)2 ears
Smoked sausage (sliced)1/2 lb
Melted butter1/4 cup
Old Bay seasoning2 tbsp
Lemon (sliced)1
Parsley (chopped)1/4 cup

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

  1. Boil the Potatoes: Start by placing the baby potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re just tender.
  2. Drain and Cool: Drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool slightly. This step ensures the potatoes are fully cooked before they’re grilled.

2. Assemble the Foil Packets

  1. Cut the Foil: Tear off large sheets of aluminum foil, about 12×18 inches each.
  2. Divide Ingredients: Evenly divide the shrimp, cooked potatoes, corn pieces, and smoked sausage slices among the foil sheets.
  3. Add Butter and Seasoning: Drizzle each packet with melted butter, then sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.

3. Add Lemon and Seal Packets

  1. Add Lemon Slices: Top each foil packet with lemon slices for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
  2. Seal the Packets: Fold the sides of the foil up and over the ingredients, sealing the packets tightly to keep the steam inside. Make sure no liquid can escape during cooking.

4. Grill the Packets

  1. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Place the Packets: Arrange the foil packets on the grill grates.
  3. Cook and Flip: Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping the packets halfway through. The shrimp should be opaque, and all the ingredients should be heated through.

5. Serve and Garnish

  1. Carefully Open Packets: Use tongs to remove the packets from the grill. Be cautious when opening them, as hot steam will escape.
  2. Garnish: Sprinkle each packet with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Add extra lemon wedges on the side if desired.
  3. Serve: Serve the grilled shrimp boil directly from the foil packets for a fun, no-fuss presentation, or transfer everything to a large serving platter.

Why This Recipe Works

The foil packets allow all the ingredients to cook together, locking in the juices and flavors. The shrimp absorb the rich butter and Old Bay seasoning while staying tender. The potatoes, corn, and sausage soak up the smoky flavors from the grill, creating a dish that’s perfectly balanced in texture and taste. Plus, it’s an all-in-one meal, so there’s no need for additional sides or sauces.

Tips for the Perfect Grilled Shrimp Boil

  • Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh shrimp, corn, and parsley for the best flavor. If fresh shrimp isn’t available, frozen shrimp that’s been thawed works just as well.
  • Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Watch for them to turn pink and opaque.
  • Customize the Seasoning: If you’re not a fan of Old Bay, try Cajun seasoning or a mix of garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  • Make It Spicy: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the butter mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Add Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes can be added for extra flavor and color.

Nutritional Information

NutrientPer Serving
Calories~350
Protein25 g
Fat18 g
Carbohydrates22 g
Fiber3 g
Sodium900 mg

FAQs About Grilled Shrimp Boil

1. Can I cook this in the oven instead of on the grill?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the foil packets on a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes.

2. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Pre-cooked shrimp can be used, but they require less cooking time. Add them to the packets in the last 5 minutes of grilling to avoid overcooking.

3. How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Replace the melted butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for a dairy-free version.

4. Can I prepare the packets ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the foil packets up to a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to grill.

5. Can I use other proteins?
Yes, you can substitute shrimp with scallops, chicken, or even firm fish like salmon or cod.

6. What should I serve with this dish?
This shrimp boil is a complete meal, but you can serve it with crusty bread, a green salad, or coleslaw for added variety.

Why You’ll Love Grilled Shrimp Boil

This recipe is perfect for summer evenings when you want something quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. The foil packets allow you to enjoy all the flavors of a traditional shrimp boil with none of the mess. It’s versatile enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve at your next barbecue. The smoky, buttery flavors paired with fresh herbs and lemon make every bite irresistible.

Conclusion: Ready to Fire Up the Grill?

Now that you know how to make Grilled Shrimp Boil: A Perfect Summer Feast, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply treating yourself to a special meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit. It’s quick, flavorful, and packed with everything you love about summer cooking.

So, grab your foil, fire up the grill, and enjoy a shrimp boil that’s bursting with flavor!

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Grilled Shrimp Boil: A Perfect Summer Feast


  • Author: Annabel
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

A flavorful mix of juicy shrimp, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and smoky sausage—this grilled shrimp boil is summer grilling at its finest. Packed with buttery, zesty goodness and cooked to perfection in foil packets, it’s an easy and crowd-pleasing dish for cookouts or family dinners.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 2025 shrimp)
  • 1 lb baby potatoes
  • 2 ears corn, cut into thirds
  • 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

  • Boil the baby potatoes in salted water for about 10-12 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.

2. Assemble the Foil Packets:

  • Tear large sheets of aluminum foil (12×18 inches). Divide the shrimp, potatoes, corn pieces, and sausage among the foil sheets.
  • Drizzle with melted butter, sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning, and toss gently.

3. Add Lemon and Seal Packets:

  • Add a few lemon slices to each packet. Fold the foil tightly to seal the packets, trapping the steam inside.

4. Grill the Packets:

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the packets on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The shrimp should be opaque and cooked through.

5. Serve:

  • Carefully open the packets, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve directly from the foil or transfer to a serving platter. Enjoy with extra lemon wedges if desired!

Notes

  • Customize the Seasoning: Swap Old Bay for Cajun or garlic-paprika seasoning if preferred.
  • Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes work well in this dish.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble packets a day in advance, refrigerate, and grill when ready to serve.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American