Description
Spicy Shrimp Packets are a flavorful and easy seafood dish perfect for grilling or baking. Juicy shrimp are paired with colorful bell peppers, red onion, and a blend of bold spices—smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper—then cooked in foil packets to lock in moisture and flavor. Garnished with fresh cilantro and ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is ideal for a quick, healthy, and vibrant main course that’s gluten-free and dairy-free.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 4 sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for cooking the shrimp packets.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shrimp, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and fresh lime juice. Sprinkle smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper evenly over the mixture. Toss everything together until the shrimp and vegetables are fully coated with the spices and seasonings.
- Assemble Packets: Divide the shrimp and vegetable mixture evenly among four sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Fold the foil over the mixture and seal the edges tightly to form individual foil packets, making sure they are well sealed to trap steam during cooking.
- Cook: Place the foil packets on the grill or in the preheated oven. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and turn pink, and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Carefully open each foil packet (watch out for steam), sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve immediately. The packets can be enjoyed on their own or served over rice, couscous, or in warm tortillas for shrimp tacos.
Notes
- Serve these shrimp packets over rice, couscous, or inside warm tortillas for delicious shrimp tacos.
- Add sliced jalapeños to the foil packets if you want an extra kick of heat.
- Swap shrimp for scallops or firm white fish chunks if preferred.
- For a smoky flavor, cooking on an outdoor grill is recommended but baking works well too.
