Garlic Butter Shrimp Foil Packets – Flavorful, Fast, and Foolproof

Jump to Recipe
Print Recipe

There’s just something magical about meals that are easy to throw together yet feel like a special treat. These garlic butter shrimp foil packets are exactly that kind of magic. The moment those foil bundles hit the grill or oven, the kitchen fills with the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling garlic, rich butter, and the ocean-fresh scent of juicy shrimp. Add in a mix of summer vegetables and a splash of lemon, and you’ve got yourself a low-effort, high-reward dinner that’s as versatile as it is delicious.

I lean on this garlic butter shrimp foil packets recipe when I need something quick but crowd-pleasing—especially in the summertime. Whether I’m hosting a backyard cookout, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a light yet satisfying dinner, these foil packets never let me down. They’re ideal for weeknight dinners, camping trips, or just tossing on the grill after a long day. And cleanup? Practically nonexistent. Everything steams together perfectly inside the foil, locking in flavor and moisture without any mess.

If you’ve been looking for an easy grilled shrimp foil recipe that fits into your low-carb, high-protein goals or helps you get more veggies in without compromising taste, you’ve landed in the right place. The garlic butter is rich and comforting, while the lemon brightens everything up. Plus, shrimp is a lean source of protein and rich in nutrients like selenium and iodine, as noted by Healthline. It’s a dinner that checks every box—simple, flavorful, wholesome, and just a little bit indulgent.

Save

Garlic Butter Shrimp Foil Packets – Flavorful, Fast, and Foolproof

Save

Sam

These garlic butter shrimp foil packets are a game-changer for busy nights! Packed with tender shrimp, minced garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite veggies, they’re juicy, flavorful, and ready in just 25 minutes. Whether you grill them outdoors or bake them in the oven, cleanup is a breeze—and the taste is unbeatable. Low-carb, protein-packed, and perfect for weeknight dinners or summer cookouts!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American, Seafood

Servings 4 servings

Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb raw large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 zucchini sliced
• 1 bell pepper sliced (any color)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 3 tbsp butter melted
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Preheat and Prep

  Preheat grill or oven to 400°F. Cut 4 large sheets of foil.
• Step 2: Toss the Ingredients

  In a large bowl, combine shrimp, zucchini, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Step 3: Assemble the Packets

  Divide mixture evenly among the foil sheets. Drizzle each with melted butter. Fold into packets, sealing tightly.
• Step 4: Grill or Bake

  Place on grill or bake for 12–15 minutes until shrimp are pink and veggies are tender.
• Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  Carefully open packets (watch for steam). Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges.

Notes

Secret Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Foil Packets

1. Use jumbo shrimp for juicier bites: When you’re baking or grilling shrimp in foil, larger shrimp retain more moisture and won’t overcook as easily. Look for deveined, tail-on jumbo or extra-large shrimp for the best texture in your easy shrimp foil packet dinner.
2. Don’t skimp on fresh garlic and lemon: The heart of every garlic butter shrimp packet is bold, aromatic flavor. Freshly minced garlic and a generous squeeze of lemon juice infuse the shrimp and veggies with that signature zingy, buttery taste.
3. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or Cajun seasoning for smoky heat: Want a sweet and spicy foil packet shrimp recipe? A dash of red pepper flakes or Cajun blend brings smoky depth without overpowering the garlic herb base.
4. Preheat your grill or oven: Whether you’re making grilled shrimp in foil or using the oven, make sure it’s hot before placing your foil packets on the heat. This locks in juices and gets your veggies tender-crisp without sogginess.
5. Include high-moisture vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. These not only cook quickly but also release steam inside the foil pouch, keeping your shrimp foil packets with vegetables moist and flavorful.
6. Double-wrap your foil packets for extra security: For outdoor grilling or campfire cooking, use heavy-duty foil and double wrap to avoid leaks or flare-ups. It’s one of the best no mess shrimp dinner ideas you can use!
7. Let the packets rest for 5 minutes before opening: Once off the heat, give them a few minutes to finish steaming. This step allows all the buttery garlic and lemon flavors to settle into every bite of your healthy foil baked shrimp.
8. Serve with crusty bread or cauliflower rice: Want to soak up all that flavorful garlic butter? A slice of warm bread or a spoonful of rice makes this dish even more satisfying—and still keeps it in the realm of low carb shrimp foil recipes if you go the cauliflower route.

Keyword easy shrimp foil packet dinner, foil packet shrimp with vegetables, garlic butter shrimp foil packets, garlic herb shrimp packets, grilled shrimp in foil, healthy foil baked shrimp, low carb shrimp foil recipes, no mess shrimp dinner ideas, shrimp foil packets with lemon and garlic, weeknight seafood foil dinner

Recipe Overview

Difficulty Level: Easy
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American / Seafood
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Snapshot (Per Foil Packet)

Calories: ~290
Protein: 26g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Gluten-Free: Yes
Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein, plus it’s packed with key nutrients. Butter adds healthy fats, while fresh vegetables offer fiber and antioxidants. See Nutritionix for a deeper breakdown of shrimp nutrition.

Budget Breakdown

Shrimp (1 lb): ~$8.00
Butter and garlic: ~$1.00
Zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes: ~$3.00
Lemon and seasonings: ~$1.00
Total Cost: ~$13.00
Cost Per Serving: ~$3.25

Behind the Recipe

The inspiration for these garlic butter shrimp foil packets came on a hot summer evening when I had fresh shrimp in the fridge, a garden full of vegetables, and zero desire to wash dishes. I wanted something light, summery, and low-carb—but still rich with flavor. So I grabbed the foil, tossed everything in a bowl with garlic butter, wrapped it up, and popped it on the grill.

The result? Perfection. The shrimp stayed juicy, the veggies softened just right, and the garlic butter created a luscious sauce with practically no effort. Since then, I’ve made these foil packets dozens of ways—on the grill, in the oven, even over a campfire. The method is foolproof, and the variations are endless.

A fun tip I picked up along the way: add a tiny splash of white wine or chicken broth to the foil before sealing it. It steams the shrimp even more beautifully and adds another layer of flavor. I also use this method to prep ahead—just assemble, seal, and stash in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

When I shared these at a family cookout, they were the first thing gone. Everyone loved how light yet satisfying they were. Even picky eaters dove right in, and I had more requests for the recipe than I could count.

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Shrimp Foil Packets

• Quick prep and minimal cleanup
• High in protein, low in carbs
• Loaded with flavor from garlic, herbs, and lemon
• Customizable with your favorite veggies or spice level
• Great for grilling, baking, or campfire cooking

Perfect For

• Weeknight meals when time is short
• Light summer dinners
• Camping trips and cookouts
• Picky eaters who love shrimp
• Low-carb and keto-friendly eating plans

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb raw large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

• Shrimp: A lean protein source loaded with selenium and iodine. According to FDA.gov, shrimp is among the best seafood choices for low mercury levels.
• Butter + Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps distribute flavor while providing heart-healthy fats. See Heart.org for the best oil options.
• Garlic and Lemon: A classic pairing that enhances the shrimp’s sweetness.
• Vegetables: Use what’s in season—zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes add color, fiber, and antioxidants.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Foil Packets

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat grill or oven to 400°F. Cut 4 large sheets of foil.

Step 2: Toss the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine shrimp, zucchini, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Assemble the Packets
Divide mixture evenly among the foil sheets. Drizzle each with melted butter. Fold into packets, sealing tightly.

Step 4: Grill or Bake
Place on grill or bake for 12–15 minutes until shrimp are pink and veggies are tender.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Carefully open packets (watch for steam). Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges.

Save

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the shrimp—they turn rubbery fast.
• Add a splash of white wine or broth to enhance steaming.
• Use heavy-duty foil to prevent tearing.
• Make packets ahead for easy prep—store in the fridge up to 24 hours.
• Add crushed red pepper for a spicy twist.

Easy Variations

• Use cod or salmon instead of shrimp
• Try other veggies like asparagus, green beans, or corn
• Add cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice for a heartier meal
• Swap butter for ghee or plant-based alternatives

Storage & Reheat Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled packets in airtight containers up to 3 days
• Freezer: Freeze uncooked packets for up to 2 months
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until heated through

🍽️ Make It a Meal

Pair these foil packets with:

• Cheeseburger Pockets
• Bacon Cheddar Breakfast Casserole
• Pineapple Coconut Bars

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Garlic butter shrimp foil packets are one of those rare recipes that feel impressive yet couldn’t be easier. From the smoky char on the veggies to the richness of the butter sauce soaking into every bite, it’s a meal that satisfies without ever feeling heavy.

I love how adaptable this recipe is—from changing the vegetables to swapping in different proteins—it’s endlessly versatile. Plus, it’s a lifesaver on busy nights when I want something delicious but don’t want to babysit the stove or clean a mountain of dishes. It’s backyard barbecue ready, meal prep friendly, and weeknight reliable.

So if you’re craving something fresh, fast, and full of flavor, try these garlic butter shrimp foil packets. They just might become your new summer staple.

📌 Pin & Share the Love

Love these Garlic Butter Shrimp Foil Packets? Pin it to your One-Pan Dinner or Low Carb Dinner board and tag us @readyprepmeals!

📌 Pin This Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Foil Packets
Buttery shrimp, vibrant veggies, and bold garlic flavor sealed in foil for a no-fuss meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes—grill it, bake it, or campfire it!