Baked Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce are the perfect solution for those looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner. These foil packs are not only easy to prepare but also come together in just under 30 minutes, making them a great weeknight meal option.
The combination of juicy shrimp, tender broccoli, and a zesty garlic lemon butter sauce creates a delicious, light dish that’s full of flavor without being heavy. Plus, the cooking method — baking everything together in foil packs — allows the ingredients to steam, locking in all their natural juices and enhancing the flavors.
1. Baked Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the shrimp and broccoli foil packs.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
Melt the butter: In a small bowl, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. You can do this in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Mix the sauce: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, zest and juice of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon of paprika to the melted butter. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Foil Packs
Cut the foil: Tear off four large sheets of aluminum foil, each about 12×12 inches. These will serve as the individual packs for each serving.
Divide the broccoli: Place ½ cup of broccoli florets in the center of each foil sheet. The broccoli will steam beautifully inside the foil, becoming tender without being overcooked.
Add the shrimp: Divide the 1 pound of shrimp evenly among the foil packs, placing them on top of the broccoli.
Drizzle the sauce: Spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce over the shrimp and broccoli, making sure to coat everything evenly. Season each pack with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Seal the Foil Packs
Fold the foil: Bring the two opposite sides of the foil together over the shrimp and broccoli and fold them over to create a tight seal. Then, fold the other two sides in, ensuring that the foil pack is completely sealed to trap the steam inside as it cooks. Be sure to leave a little room inside the foil for the steam to circulate.
Step 5: Bake the Foil Packs
Bake the shrimp and broccoli: Place the foil packs on a baking sheet and transfer them to the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the broccoli is tender. Cooking time may vary slightly based on the size of the shrimp.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Open the foil packs: Carefully open the foil packs — be cautious of the hot steam that will escape when you open them.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the shrimp and broccoli with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor. You can plate the shrimp and broccoli directly from the foil or serve them in the foil packs for a fun, no-mess presentation.
2. Tips for the Best Baked Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs
Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh, large shrimp work best for this recipe. They cook quickly and have a tender, juicy texture when baked. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before using them.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so it’s important not to overcook them. Keep an eye on the foil packs around the 12-minute mark. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque.
Cut Broccoli to the Right Size: To ensure even cooking, cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. If the pieces are too large, they may not cook as quickly as the shrimp.
Customize the Veggies: If you’re not a fan of broccoli or want to mix things up, feel free to substitute with other vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, bell peppers, or green beans. Just make sure to choose quick-cooking veggies that will steam nicely in the foil packs.
3. Variations of Baked Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs
Cajun Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs: For a spicier, more robust flavor, swap the Italian seasoning and paprika for Cajun seasoning. This will add a smoky, spicy kick to the shrimp and broccoli. Serve with a side of cornbread or dirty rice for a Southern-inspired meal.
Mediterranean Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs: Add a Mediterranean twist by using olive oil, lemon zest, oregano, and thyme. You can also toss in cherry tomatoes and olives for extra color and flavor. Serve with pita bread or a side of tabbouleh.
Garlic Herb Butter Shrimp Foil Packs: Instead of lemon, focus on garlic and fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and thyme. Use roasted garlic butter for a deeper, more indulgent flavor. Pair with a simple green salad or mashed potatoes for a comforting, homestyle meal.
4. What to Serve with Baked Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs
Rice or Quinoa: Serve the shrimp and broccoli over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the lemon butter sauce. The grains add a filling component to the meal while balancing the lightness of the shrimp and vegetables.
Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the leftover garlic butter sauce. The crispy texture of the bread contrasts wonderfully with the tender shrimp and broccoli.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs nicely with the rich butter sauce. Consider a simple arugula or spinach salad with a lemon dressing to echo the citrus flavors of the dish.
Pasta: Serve the shrimp and broccoli over angel hair pasta or linguine for a pasta night twist. Toss the pasta in a little extra garlic butter sauce and top with Parmesan for a decadent alternative.
Grilled Vegetables: Complement the foil packs with a side of grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. The smoky flavor from the grill will enhance the freshness of the shrimp and broccoli.
5. Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the shrimp and broccoli separate from any grains or pasta to maintain the best texture.
Reheating: Reheat the shrimp and broccoli gently in a skillet over medium heat with a little extra butter or olive oil. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough when reheated. You can also reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
These Baked Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce are a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy a healthy, homemade meal. The combination of juicy shrimp, tender broccoli, and a zesty, buttery sauce is sure to please the whole family. With minimal prep time and easy cleanup, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend dinner. The foil pack method locks in all the flavors and moisture, ensuring that every bite is bursting with freshness.