If you’re craving a seafood dish that bursts with vibrant flavors while being incredibly simple to prepare, the Baked Shrimp Scampi in Foil Packets Recipe is here to become your new favorite weeknight hit. This recipe wraps plump, juicy shrimp in a garlicky, buttery sauce, sealed in foil packets that lock in every drop of deliciousness while keeping clean-up to a minimum. The combination of garlic, white wine, and fresh lemon juice creates a lively, refreshing taste that makes this dish feel both luxurious and effortlessly elegant. Perfectly tender shrimp, infused with just the right amount of spice and brightness, make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential in crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Baked Shrimp Scampi in Foil Packets Recipe. Each item brings something special, from rich butter to zesty lemon, ensuring a dish that’s lively yet comforting.
- Shrimp (1 ¼ – 1 ½ lbs.): Peeled and deveined large shrimp provide tender texture and carry the flavors beautifully.
- Butter (6 Tbsp., salted, melted): Offers richness and helps meld the garlic and wine into a silky sauce.
- Garlic (4 cloves, finely minced): Adds a pungent, aromatic punch key to classic scampi.
- Dry white wine (3 Tbsp.): Adds acidity and depth, but chicken broth is a great non-alcoholic substitute.
- Salt (½ tsp., to taste): Brings out the natural flavors of the shrimp and balances the richness.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ tsp., to taste): Deliver just the right gentle heat to elevate the dish.
- Black pepper (¼ tsp., to taste): Offers subtle warmth and layers the seasoning.
- Lemon juice (1 Tbsp., freshly squeezed): Adds a bright, fresh zing that finishes the flavor profile perfectly.
- Parsley (optional): For a splash of color and a fresh, herbaceous touch.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Scampi in Foil Packets Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is essential to cook the shrimp quickly while steaming them in the packets, ensuring they remain juicy and tender without drying out.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, white wine, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. This flavorful sauce will soak into the shrimp as they bake, marrying those irresistible buttery and garlicky tones with a subtle kick of spice and wine acidity.
Step 3: Assemble the Foil Packets
Tear off four strips of aluminum foil about 10 inches long and line each with a slightly shorter piece of parchment paper. Place 6 to 8 shrimp on each parchment square, then spoon a quarter of your garlic butter sauce over the top. Fold the foil and parchment edges together and twist to seal while leaving a small vent for steam to escape—this creates a perfectly cooked, fragrant packet every time.
Step 4: Bake the Shrimp Packets
Lay the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. During this time, the shrimp will steam gently in the flavorful sauce, absorb all that garlicky goodness, and turn a beautiful pink, signaling they’re ready to enjoy.
Step 5: Add Lemon and Serve
Carefully open each packet and drizzle fresh lemon juice over the cooked shrimp, then sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like. This final step brightens up the rich sauce with a refreshing citrus burst, making every bite full of vibrant flavors you’ll want again and again.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp Scampi in Foil Packets Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of chopped basil for a touch of green and a fragrant lift. A few thin lemon slices tucked into the packets before baking also add visual appeal and an extra layer of citrus flavor that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the luscious garlic butter sauce or over a bed of angel hair pasta for an indulgent meal. Roasted vegetables or a fresh crisp salad offer a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the shrimp splendidly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the foil packets directly at the table for a fun, interactive experience. Alternatively, gently spoon the shrimp and sauce over creamy mashed potatoes or a jasmine rice pilaf to turn your Baked Shrimp Scampi in Foil Packets Recipe into a stunning, restaurant-quality feast at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to two days while still maintaining its delicious flavor and texture when properly stored.
Freezing
You can freeze the shrimp in foil packets before baking to save for later. Just wrap them tightly and freeze for up to one month. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for a quick, convenient meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 to 10 minutes or in a skillet on low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. This helps preserve their tenderness and keeps that irresistible buttery sauce from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before assembling your packets so the sauce doesn’t get watery. This will ensure the best texture and flavor in your dish.
What if I don’t have white wine on hand?
No problem at all. You can substitute dry white wine with chicken broth or even vegetable broth to maintain moisture and add depth without alcohol.
How spicy will the dish be with red pepper flakes?
The amount of red pepper flakes is mild enough to add just a gentle warmth that complements the garlic and butter without overpowering the shrimp. You can always adjust the quantity to your taste.
Can I prepare the foil packets in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the foil packets ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking, which makes this recipe perfect for busy evenings or when entertaining guests.
Is parchment paper necessary inside the foil?
The parchment paper helps prevent the shrimp from sticking to the foil and makes cleanup easier, but if you don’t have it, you can skip it and just use foil—just be gentle when removing the shrimp.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Shrimp Scampi in Foil Packets Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that feels fancy but comes together with such ease, making it perfect for any occasion. The marriage of garlic, butter, and lemon with tender shrimp always hits the right spot, whether for a simple family dinner or a special gathering. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation. So grab your foil, get cooking, and enjoy every buttery, garlicky, zesty bite!
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Baked Shrimp Scampi in Foil Packets Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Baked Shrimp Scampi in Foil Packets recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy shrimp with garlic butter, white wine, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Cooked in individual foil packets, the shrimp stays tender and juicy while soaking up all the vibrant flavors. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes and serves four.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 ¼ – 1 ½ lbs. shrimp (peeled, deveined, 20-count/pound)
Sauce
- 6 Tbsp. butter (salted, melted)
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 3 Tbsp. dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- ½ tsp. salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes (to taste)
- ¼ tsp. black pepper (to taste)
Finishing
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the shrimp packets evenly.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, finely minced garlic, dry white wine (or chicken broth), salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. This flavorful mixture will coat the shrimp and infuse them with rich taste as they cook.
- Add Shrimp to Packets: Tear off four strips of aluminum foil about 10 inches long and place four slightly shorter strips of parchment paper on top of the foil. Arrange 6-8 shrimp on the center of each parchment paper piece. Pour one-quarter of the garlic butter mixture over the shrimp in each packet. Fold the longer edges of the foil and parchment together and twist to seal, leaving a small opening for ventilation. Then roll up the shorter sides to form secure foil packets.
- Bake in Oven: Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. The foil packets help steam the shrimp, keeping them juicy and tender while melding the flavors.
- Add Lemon and Serve: Carefully open each foil packet, avoiding the steam. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked shrimp and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful shrimp scampi!
Notes
- Use dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for best flavor; substitute with chicken broth if avoiding alcohol.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- To easily peel and devein shrimp, buy prepped shrimp or do it yourself ahead of time to save time.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta to make it a full meal.
- Leftover shrimp scampi can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated.
