Shrimp Scampi Foil Packs

Why You’ll Love These

Easy:  Foil packets are deliciously easy because you pretty much just have to put the ingredients in a foil packet and pop it on the grill, campfire or in the oven. These are just such simple recipes!
Delicious: Shrimp is already delicious but add a few seasonings and flavors and enclose the whole thing in a foil packet and you have the makings of an incredibly tasty meal!
Convenient: If you’re camping and you need something to make on a campfire or you’re having a cookout and you want something super-simple, you are going to find shrimp scampi foil packets really convenient!

Shrimp Scampi Foil Packets Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below

Shrimp: I like to use jumbo shrimp because it takes longer to cook than small shrimp, which means more time to soak up all those other flavors. I’d advise using the biggest size shrimp you can find.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice along with lemon pepper adds a lovely zesty flavor to the shrimp. You could use bottled lemon juice but fresh is just that bit better! And try to add lemon zest too if you’re using fresh – it’s so good with the shrimp.
Seasonings: Dried parsley adds a classic flavor which goes perfectly with the shrimp, while garlic powder and red pepper flakes boost the recipe even more. Feel free to omit what you don’t want to use though.
Chicken broth: Chicken broth is delicate enough in flavor to pair with seafood or you can use dry white wine or vegetable broth in its place.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi Foil Packets

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card

Prepare the seasoning mix:  Mix the butter with the chicken broth, parsley, lemon juice, garlic, lemon pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Flavor the shrimp: Either arrange the shrimp on a baking sheet or, if at a campsite, put them in a Ziploc bag, and add the butter mixture along with the lemon zest.
Wrap the shrimp: Put 6 shrimp in the center of 4 large foil squares, then roll up and seal into a pocket.
Cook: Give the shrimp about 8 minutes to cook through – less for smaller shrimp or more for bigger ones.

Substitutions and Variations

Different seafood:  This recipe would work with shrimp, prawns, langoustines, scallops, or mixed seafood.
Jazz it up: Add sliced onions to the foil packets. Perhaps also add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or anything else.
Some like it hot: A pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes or chipotle chili in the foil packs will add some oomph!

Serving Suggestions

Side dishes:  Pair these succulent shrimp scampi foil packets with rice, pasta or garlic bread. Lemon wedges and a dipping sauce would also be tasty, and you might like to pair the foil packets with green goddess salad or smoked asparagus. If I’m making this at home, I love to use pretty pasta bowls (here).
Desserts: Ready for something sweet after these shrimp scampi foil packets? Keep that campfire hot because you’re going to love campfire apple crisp or banana boats!
Drinks: Wash all that yummy camping food down with salted peanut butter hot chocolate (yes you can make it ahead and keep it in a thermos!)

How to Store Shrimp Scampi Packets

Store:  Keep leftovers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freeze:  It’s not worth freezing this as you’ll sacrifice flavor so just cook as much as you need.
Reheat:  Gently warm leftover shrimp back up in the microwave or in a pan on the stove (or, if you’re still away, over the campfire!)

Top Tips

Prep ahead: Make the butter mixture at home before heading to your camping site. It’ll be fine in a Ziploc bag.
Hold the butter: The butter mixture has the lemon components mixed in. For this reason, don’t add the butter to the shrimp more than half an hour before cooking, or else the citric acid from the lemon will start to “cook” the shrimp and it won’t come out the same.
Not all foil is equal: As an experienced camper, trust me, cheap foil is never worth it! It will tear and your shrimp scampi foil packets will just fall through. Invest in good quality foil (my fave) – it’s totally worth it!