A One-Pan Wonder: Cajun Shrimp in Foil Packets
Craving a flavorful and fuss-free meal? Look no further than Cajun Shrimp in Foil Packets! This recipe delivers a delicious symphony of textures and tastes, all conveniently prepared and cooked in a single foil packet.
Imagine plump, juicy shrimp seasoned with a fiery Cajun kick, nestled amidst crisp-tender zucchini, vibrantly colored bell peppers, and sweet corn kernels. All of this is then infused with the herbaceous notes of fresh parsley and basil, creating a culinary adventure in every bite.
But the beauty of this recipe lies not just in its flavors, but also in its convenience. With minimal prep work and the magic of foil packets, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- Cajun Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon Cajun or Creole seasoning (feel free to adjust the amount based on your desired spice level)
- Protein and Vegetables:
- 24 large shrimp, cleaned and deveined (around 1 pound)
- 3 ounces fully cooked turkey or chicken Andouille sausage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium zucchini (about 8 ounces), sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
- 1 1/2 cups corn kernels
- Fresh Herbs and Aromatics:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- Liquids and Fats:
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or similar)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Spice Up the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper (to taste). Add the cleaned shrimp and toss to coat them evenly in the flavorful mixture.
- Prepare the Packets: Lay out four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil on a flat surface.
- Assemble the Flavor: Divide the sliced Andouille sausage, zucchini rounds, bell pepper strips, and corn kernels evenly among the four foil sheets. Arrange the vegetables in the center of each foil square.
- Star of the Show: Top each vegetable pile with approximately 6 seasoned shrimp. Sprinkle each packet with a tablespoon of chopped parsley and a tablespoon of chopped basil for a burst of freshness.
- Flavor Boosters: Drizzle each packet with 1 tablespoon of white wine and about ½ tablespoon of olive oil. The wine will add a touch of acidity and help to steam the ingredients, while the olive oil provides richness and helps to brown the vegetables slightly.
- Seal the Deal: Carefully fold each piece of foil over the ingredients, creating a packet. Seal the edges tightly, leaving a small amount of space at the top to allow steam to escape during cooking.
Cooking Options:
- Oven-Baked Freshness: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the sealed foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 13 minutes. This will ensure the shrimp is cooked through and the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Meal Prep Magic: The beauty of this recipe is that the uncooked packets can be refrigerated or even frozen for later use. Simply place them in a sealable plastic bag (two packets fit well in a gallon-sized bag) and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and cook the frozen packets for 35-40 minutes. There's no need to thaw beforehand!
Serving Suggestions:
Carefully open the packets, releasing the burst of delicious steam and aromas. Transfer the cooked shrimp, vegetables, and flavorful sauce that has accumulated in the packets to individual bowls or plates. Enjoy this flavorful and convenient meal on its own, or pair it with your favorite rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying dish.
Cajun Shrimp in Foil Packets is a perfect example of how simple ingredients and minimal effort can come together to create a restaurant-quality meal. So ditch the takeout menus and give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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