Make-Ahead Garlic Butter Shrimp Packs 🧄🧈🔥🍤 Juicy, Garlicky, and Infused With Butter, Herbs, and Heat — Grill, Bake, or Freeze for Later

These foil packs are the ultimate meal prep win — shrimp, garlic butter, and optional veggies all wrapped up and ready to go. Grill them straight from the fridge or stash in the freezer for a fast, flavorful meal with zero cleanup.

Perfect for camping, weeknight dinners, or make-ahead BBQs.

Ingredients (Makes 4 foil packs)

For the shrimp packs

• 1½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes or bell pepper strips (optional)
• Salt and black pepper
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Heavy-duty foil or parchment

For the garlic butter

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley or thyme
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp smoked paprika or chili flakes (optional)
• Optional: splash of white wine or a drizzle of olive oil for extra moisture

Instructions

Step 1: Mix garlic butter
In a bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, herbs, lemon zest, and any optional seasonings. Set aside.

Step 2: Build the foil packs
Cut four large squares of foil (about 12×12 inches). Divide shrimp and optional veggies between each piece. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drizzle each pack with garlic butter (about 2 tbsp per pack). Fold tightly to seal.

Step 3: Store or cook

• To refrigerate: Store up to 24 hours before grilling or baking.
• To freeze: Place sealed packs in a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze flat up to 2 months.

Step 4: Cook

• Grill: Place on medium-high grill, cover, and cook 8–10 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
• Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
• From frozen: Grill or bake an extra 4–5 minutes, or thaw overnight for quicker cooking.

Step 5: Serve
Open carefully to avoid steam. Squeeze fresh lemon over the top. Serve with rice, crusty bread, salad, or directly from the foil.

Flavor Variations

• Add cooked pasta or pre-cooked rice to make it a full meal in the pack
• Use Cajun, Old Bay, or curry seasoning in place of paprika
• Swap in scallops or white fish chunks for a seafood mix
• Add sliced andouille sausage for a Southern twist
• Stir in pesto or sun-dried tomato oil instead of lemon and paprika

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook the shrimp — they’re done as soon as they turn opaque and curl slightly
• Double-seal foil if grilling over open flame
• Use parchment inside foil if you want to avoid direct metal contact
• Stack frozen packs flat for easy storage
• Label packs with flavor and date to keep track in the freezer

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Shrimp Packs are fast, flexible, and flavor-packed — your secret weapon for effortless dinners, last-minute guests, or beachside grilling with zero stress. Just heat, eat, and toss the foil.

Wrap it. Chill it. Grill it golden. 🧄🧈🔥🍤