Tired of dinner dilemmas that leave your kitchen looking like a war zone? Craving something healthy, bursting with flavor, and ridiculously easy to clean up? Get ready to meet your new weeknight hero: Baked Shrimp & Broccoli Foil Packs! This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary magic trick where juicy shrimp, tender broccoli, and a symphony of spices conspire in a neat little foil package, emerging perfectly cooked and ready to delight your taste buds. Say goodbye to endless scrubbing and hello to effortless deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Prepare to fall head over heels for these Baked Shrimp & Broccoli Foil Packs for more than just one reason. Here are four fantastic reasons why this recipe is about to become a permanent fixture in your meal rotation:
- Effortless Cleanup (The Dream!): Seriously, this is a game-changer. Since everything cooks inside the foil, you’re left with virtually no dishes to wash. Just toss the foil, and your cleanup is done. More time for you, less time scrubbing!
- Flavor Fiesta in Every Bite: The magic of foil packs is how the ingredients steam together, infusing every shrimp and broccoli floret with the aromatic garlic, tangy lemon, and savory spices. It’s a concentrated burst of deliciousness that will have you savoring every morsel.
- Lightning-Fast & Super Speedy: From prep to plate in just 25 minutes? Yes, please! This recipe is ideal for those busy weeknights when you need a nutritious meal on the table without sacrificing precious time. It’s quicker than most takeout options and a whole lot healthier.
- Healthy & Wholesome Goodness: Packed with lean protein from the shrimp and a generous dose of vitamins and fiber from the broccoli, these foil packs are a nutritional powerhouse. Plus, with controlled portions and fresh ingredients, it’s a meal you can feel genuinely good about eating.
Ingredients
Gather your simple yet mighty ingredients to embark on this delicious journey with your Baked Shrimp & Broccoli Foil Packs:
- 🍤 1 pound medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 🥦 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 🧄 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 🍋 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 🧈 2 tablespoons butter
- 🥣 2 tablespoons chicken broth, divided
- 🌿 Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 🧂 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 🧅 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 🔥 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⚫ Salt and black pepper, to taste
Detailed Step-by-Step Directions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to create your perfect Baked Shrimp & Broccoli Foil Packs:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for even easier cleanup, though the foil packs themselves greatly reduce the mess.
- Grab two square sheets of aluminum foil, each about 14×14 inches. Lay them flat on your counter – these will be your individual cooking packets.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian seasoning, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This blend will form the backbone of the incredible flavor in your foil packs.
- Gently toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with this aromatic spice mix until each piece is beautifully coated. Divide the seasoned shrimp evenly and place it in the center of each foil sheet.
- Arrange the fresh broccoli florets right alongside the shrimp in each packet. Sprinkle the minced garlic generously over both the shrimp and broccoli, then squeeze the fresh lemon juice over everything to add a bright, zesty note.
- Top each packet’s ingredients with 1 tablespoon of butter (sliced or cubed for even melting) and 1 tablespoon of chicken broth. These additions ensure moisture and enhance the overall flavor profile as the contents steam.
- Carefully fold and seal your foil packets. Bring the two long sides of the foil together and fold them down several times, then crimp the short ends tightly to create a secure, but not too tightly wrapped, pouch. This allows steam to build and cook the contents perfectly without bursting.
- Place the sealed packets onto your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink, opaque, and is completely cooked through, and the broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Open the foil packets carefully (watch out for hot steam that will escape!) and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley before serving your delicious and healthy meal straight from the packet.
Ways to Present and Serve Your Foil Packs
While the beauty of Baked Shrimp & Broccoli Foil Packs lies in their simplicity and direct-from-packet serving, there are several delightful ways to present and enhance your meal:
- Serve in the Packet: The most common and convenient way! Carefully open the foil at the table (beware of steam!) and let everyone enjoy their personalized, steaming hot meal. The foil acts as its own serving dish, keeping everything warm.
- Over Grains: For a heartier meal, spoon the contents of the foil pack over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or couscous. The savory juices from the foil pack will perfectly flavor your chosen grain.
- With Pasta: Toss the cooked shrimp and broccoli with a small serving of al dente pasta (like linguine or angel hair) and a splash of the remaining juices from the packet for a light, flavorful pasta dish. A dash of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick!
- Alongside a Salad: Complement the rich flavors of your foil pack with a crisp, refreshing side salad. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a lovely contrast in texture and taste.
- As Part of a Mezze Platter: If you’re hosting, open several foil packs and arrange the shrimp and broccoli on a large platter alongside pita bread, hummus, olives, and other Mediterranean-inspired small bites for a communal dining experience.
- Garnish Galore: Beyond parsley, consider a sprinkle of fresh dill, a dash of extra lemon zest, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an added touch of color and flavor. A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil before serving can also elevate the dish.
Storage and Shelf Life
Good news for meal preppers! These Baked Shrimp & Broccoli Foil Packs are just as delightful the next day. Here’s how to store and enjoy your leftovers:
- Cool Down: Allow any leftover shrimp and broccoli to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation and helps maintain quality.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the cooked shrimp and broccoli from the foil pack into an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and prevents any odors from spreading in your fridge.
- Refrigeration: Store the sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. While shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, it holds up well for a couple of days.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can use a microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through, or for best results, place the contents back into a new foil packet (or an oven-safe dish covered with foil) and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until hot. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as it can become rubbery.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this dish. Shrimp and broccoli can become watery and change in texture upon thawing and reheating, especially when cooked together in this manner. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days from the fridge.
FAQs
Curious about perfecting your Baked Shrimp & Broccoli Foil Packs? Here are answers to some common questions:
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before seasoning and adding it to the foil packs. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. - What other vegetables can I add to the foil packs?
Feel free to experiment! Bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or sliced mushrooms would all be delicious additions. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes to the broccoli for even cooking. - Can I make this recipe spicier?
Of course! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice blend, or include a dash of cayenne pepper. A few slices of jalapeño or a drizzle of hot sauce after cooking would also work wonders. - Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it’s excellent for meal prep! You can assemble the foil packs ahead of time (up to 24 hours) and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. The cooked leftovers are also great for a quick lunch the next day. - What kind of foil should I use?
Heavy-duty aluminum foil is ideal as it’s less likely to tear. If you only have regular foil, you might want to use two sheets per packet for extra strength, especially when folding and sealing. - How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and opaque, and curls into a loose “C” shape. If it’s tightly curled into an “O”, it’s likely overcooked. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the raw foil packs up to a day in advance. Store them sealed in the refrigerator and bake them when ready. This makes dinner incredibly quick on a busy night! - Can I use different seasonings?
Absolutely! Experiment with different flavor profiles. Cajun seasoning, lemon-herb blends, or even just salt, pepper, and garlic powder would be delicious. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed, this recipe for Baked Shrimp & Broccoli Foil Packs is naturally gluten-free. - How many foil packs should I make per person?
This recipe is portioned for 2 servings, with 1 pound of shrimp divided between two packs. If serving as a main course, one packet per person is usually sufficient, especially if paired with a side like rice or a salad.
Baked Shrimp & Broccoli Foil Packs
Juicy shrimp, tender broccoli, delicious, healthy, and effortlessly baked together.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 head broccoli large, cut into florets
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth divided
- Fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Grab two square sheets of aluminum foil, each about 14×14 inches, and lay them flat – these will be your individual cooking packets.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian seasoning, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create your spice blend.
- Gently toss the peeled shrimp with this aromatic spice mix until each piece is beautifully coated. Divide the seasoned shrimp evenly and place it in the center of each foil sheet.
- Arrange the fresh broccoli florets right alongside the shrimp. Sprinkle the minced garlic generously over both the shrimp and broccoli, then squeeze the fresh lemon juice over everything.
- Top each packet’s ingredients with 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of chicken broth for added moisture and flavor.
- Carefully fold and seal your foil packets, ensuring they are closed but not too tightly wrapped, allowing steam to cook the contents perfectly.
- Place the sealed packets onto your prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and is completely cooked through.
- Open the foil packets carefully (watch out for hot steam!) and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley before serving your delicious and healthy meal.
Notes
Nutrition per serving: Calories: 385 kcal, Total Carbs: 27 g, Net Carbs: 18.1 g, Fats: 15 g, Protein: 40 g