Cajun Shrimp in Foil: A Fusion of Bold Flavors and Ease
There’s something uniquely satisfying about a dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with the ease of foil packet cooking. I remember the first time I tried a foil packet recipe during a camping trip; the simplicity of preparing the meal ahead of time and the delightful surprise of unwrapping a perfectly cooked dish by the campfire was an unforgettable experience. This Cajun Shrimp in Foil recipe brings back those fond memories, but with an elevated twist suitable for a weekday dinner or a weekend gathering.
Cajun shrimp, with its rich and spicy profile, has always been a favorite of mine. It takes me back to a summer visit to New Orleans, where the air was thick with the aromas of Creole and Cajun cooking. This recipe captures that essence beautifully, blending succulent shrimp with flavorful andouille sausage, fresh vegetables, and a touch of white wine. It’s not just the taste but also the convenience and the joy of a practically no-cleanup meal that makes this recipe a winner in my kitchen. Here’s how you can recreate this delightful dish at home.
Ingredients and Their Roles
1 tablespoon Cajun or Creole seasoning: This seasoning blend is the heart of the recipe, imparting the characteristic spicy and savory flavors typical of Cajun cuisine. It usually contains a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and herbs like thyme and oregano.
24 (1 pound) cleaned large shrimp: Shrimp are the star of the dish, providing a tender, juicy texture that pairs perfectly with the bold Cajun spices.
3 ounces fully cooked Turkey/Chicken Andouille sausage (Applegate), very thinly sliced: Andouille sausage adds a smoky, savory depth to the dish. It’s a staple in Cajun cooking and complements the shrimp beautifully.
1 medium zucchini (8 ounces each), sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds: Zucchini adds a fresh, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture that balances the spiciness of the dish.
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips: Bell peppers provide a sweet, crisp contrast to the spicy shrimp and sausage, adding both flavor and color to the packets.
1 1/2 cups corn kernels: Corn adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color, enhancing the overall taste and visual appeal of the dish.
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note that lifts the flavors of the dish.
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves: Basil adds a fragrant, slightly sweet touch that complements the other ingredients.
1/4 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio: White wine adds a subtle acidity and depth of flavor, helping to create a delicious sauce as the packets cook.
2 tbsp olive oil: Olive oil helps to keep the ingredients moist and enhances the overall richness of the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat them evenly. This step ensures that the shrimp are infused with the bold flavors of the seasoning.
2. Assemble the Foil Packets: Lay out 4 large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil (10 x 18 inches each) on a flat surface. Divide the sausage, zucchini, bell peppers, and corn among the foil pieces, placing the vegetables in the center of each sheet. Top each vegetable pile with 6 shrimp, then sprinkle each packet with 1 tablespoon of parsley and 1 tablespoon of basil. Arranging the ingredients in this way ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.
3. Season and Seal: Drizzle each packet with 1 tablespoon of white wine and about 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Fold the foil pieces to form packets, sealing tightly and leaving a little room inside for air to circulate. This creates a steaming effect that helps cook the shrimp and vegetables evenly.
4. Cooking Options:
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the packets on a baking sheet and bake for about 13 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through and the vegetables are crisp-tender. This method is perfect for a quick and easy meal with minimal cleanup.
Freezer Option: You can prepare these packets ahead of time and freeze them. Place uncooked packets into sealable plastic bags, keeping them level and upright. Freeze for up to two months. To cook, remove the frozen packets from the bags and place them on a baking tray in a cold oven set to 425°F. Once the oven reaches temperature, cook for 35-40 minutes. This option is great for meal prep and busy weeknights.
5. Serve: Carefully open the packets, being mindful of the hot steam. Transfer the shrimp, vegetables, and accumulated sauce to individual bowls or rimmed plates. The presentation is visually appealing, and the aroma is sure to whet your appetite.
Variations and Substitutions
Protein Swap: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, this recipe works wonderfully with chunks of white fish or even chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through.
Vegetable Medley: Feel free to mix up the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or thinly sliced carrots can be great additions, adding different textures and flavors.
Herb Alternatives: If you don’t have fresh basil or parsley, dried herbs or other fresh herbs like thyme or cilantro can be used for a different flavor profile. Experimenting with different herbs can give the dish a unique twist each time.
Low-Carb Option: For a lower carb version, omit the corn and add more green veggies like broccoli or green beans. This makes the dish lighter while still maintaining its delicious flavors.
Conclusion
This Cajun Shrimp in Foil recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful, nutritious meal with minimal effort and cleanup. The combination of spicy Cajun seasoning with fresh vegetables and savory sausage creates a harmonious blend of flavors that’s sure to please. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish offers a delicious and visually appealing presentation. The versatility and convenience of foil packet cooking make it a go-to method, allowing you to prepare meals in advance and cook them to perfection when needed. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the simplicity that this recipe brings to your table.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Servings, Serving Size: 1 packet
Amount Per Serving:
- Freestyle Points: 4
- Calories: 310 calories
- Total Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 188.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 29g
The nutrition information highlights the balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates in this dish, making it a well-rounded meal option. The relatively low calorie count also makes it a great choice for those watching their intake while still enjoying a hearty and satisfying meal.
In summary, this Cajun Shrimp in Foil recipe is not only delicious but also practical, offering a perfect solution for a busy lifestyle without compromising on flavor. The rich, spicy shrimp combined with fresh vegetables and savory sausage, all cooked to perfection in a convenient foil packet, ensures a meal that’s both enjoyable to make and eat.
CAJUN SHRIMP IN FOIL – Try it, you will not regret it!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Cajun or Creole seasoning: Imparts characteristic spicy and savory flavors.
- 24 large shrimp cleaned (1 pound): Provides a tender, juicy texture.
- 3 ounces fully cooked Turkey/Chicken Andouille sausage very thinly sliced: Adds a smoky, savory depth.
- 1 medium zucchini 8 ounces, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet flavor.
- 1 large red bell pepper seeded and cut into thin strips: Provides sweet, crisp contrast.
- 1 1/2 cups corn kernels: Adds sweetness and color.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves: Adds a bright herbaceous note.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves: Adds a fragrant slightly sweet touch.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio: Adds subtle acidity and depth of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps ingredients moist and enhances richness.
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine Cajun seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
- Lay out 4 large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil (10 x 18 inches each). Divide sausage, zucchini, bell peppers, and corn among the foil pieces, placing them in the center. Top with shrimp and sprinkle each packet with 1 tablespoon parsley and 1 tablespoon basil.
- Drizzle each packet with 1 tablespoon white wine and about 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Fold foil to form packets, sealing tightly while leaving room for air circulation.
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place packets on a baking sheet and bake for about 13 minutes, until shrimp are cooked and vegetables are crisp-tender. Freezer Option: Freeze uncooked packets in sealable plastic bags for up to two months. To cook, place frozen packets in a cold oven set to 425°F and bake for 35-40 minutes once the oven reaches temperature.
- Carefully open the packets to release steam. Serve shrimp, vegetables, and sauce in bowls or on plates.
Notes
- Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with chunks of white fish or chicken, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Vegetable Medley: Add cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or carrots for more variety.
- Herb Alternatives: Use thyme or cilantro instead of basil or parsley for a different flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Omit the corn and add more green vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
