Baked shrimp asparagus foil has become my absolute go-to for a quick weeknight meal, and I think you’re going to love it too! There was a time when the thought of cooking after a long day felt overwhelming, but then I discovered the magic of foil packets. This simple method, especially with shrimp asparagus foil packets, transforms humble ingredients into a flavorful feast with hardly any cleanup. Imagine the aroma of garlic, lemon, and tender asparagus mingling with succulent shrimp, all cooked to perfection. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, even though it’s a truly easy shrimp asparagus foil dinner. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Shrimp Asparagus Foil
This shrimp asparagus foil bake is a lifesaver for so many reasons:
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of garlic, lemon, and butter infuses the shrimp and asparagus with amazing taste.
- Lightning-Fast Prep: You can have everything prepped and ready to go in just about 10 minutes.
- Healthy & Wholesome: It’s packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, making it a guilt-free meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Shrimp and asparagus are often on sale, making this an economical choice.
- Family-Approved: Even picky eaters tend to enjoy the tender texture and simple flavors of shrimp and asparagus in foil.
- Minimal Cleanup: The best part? You cook and serve right in the foil, meaning fewer dishes to wash.
- Versatile: Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, this shrimp and asparagus in foil recipe scales easily.
- Perfect Portions: Each foil packet ensures everyone gets a balanced and delicious meal.
Ingredients for Baked Shrimp Asparagus Foil
Gathering the ingredients for this garlic butter shrimp asparagus foil dish is super simple. You’ll need:
- 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed – this ensures a pleasant texture in every bite.
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined – choose large shrimp for that succulent bite.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic – the aromatic heart of our flavor!
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt – to enhance all the delicious flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – just a pinch for a little zing.
- 2 tablespoons chicken stock – adds a subtle savory depth to the packet.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice – this brightens everything up beautifully.
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed – melting butter makes this dish wonderfully rich.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish – a little green makes it look as good as it tastes!
How to Make Shrimp Asparagus Foil Packs
Let’s get this simple foil packet shrimp and asparagus recipe cooking! It’s honestly one of the easiest dinners you can whip up.
- Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to a nice hot 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, grab a baking sheet.
- Step 2: You’ll need four large pieces of aluminum foil, about 18 inches long each. These will be our cooking vessels.
- Step 3: Divide the trimmed asparagus evenly among the four foil pieces, creating a bed for our shrimp. This helps them steam perfectly.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine your peeled and deveined shrimp with the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Give it a gentle toss so all those succulent shrimp are coated with the seasonings.
- Step 5: Evenly distribute the seasoned shrimp mixture over the asparagus in each foil pack. Make sure not to overcrowd them.
- Step 6: Drizzle about half a tablespoon of chicken stock and half a tablespoon of lemon juice into each pack. Then, top the shrimp and asparagus with a few cubes of cold butter. This is where the magic happens for this foil packet shrimp and asparagus recipe!
- Step 7: Carefully seal each foil packet. You want to fold the edges tightly to keep all those delicious juices and steam inside, but leave a little room so the steam can circulate and cook everything through.
- Step 8: Place the sealed foil packs onto your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the shrimp are a beautiful opaque pink and have curled into a ‘C’ shape – perfectly tender asparagus and cooked shrimp are the goal for this foil packet shrimp and asparagus recipe.
- Step 9: Once done, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using tongs or oven mitts, carefully open each foil pack (watch out for that hot steam!). Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious shrimp asparagus foil packs!
Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Asparagus Foil Bake
Want to elevate your baked shrimp asparagus foil game? Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up:
- Seal it Right: When sealing your foil packs, make sure they’re snug. This traps the aromatic steam, which is key to cooking the shrimp and asparagus perfectly and keeping them moist.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give your ingredients a little breathing room in the foil. Too much packed in can lead to uneven cooking, so distribute the shrimp and asparagus evenly across the base.
- Quality Shrimp Matters: Use fresh, good-quality large shrimp. They cook quickly and have a great texture that really shines in this simple preparation.
- Prep Ahead for Success: You can trim the asparagus and peel the shrimp a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
What’s the secret to perfect Baked Shrimp Asparagus Foil packs?
The real secret to a perfect shrimp asparagus foil bake is creating a sealed environment that steams the ingredients. Tightly sealing the foil packs ensures all the garlic butter and lemon juices create a flavorful steam that cooks everything tenderly. For more cooking tips, check out therapeutic cooking.
Can I make Shrimp Asparagus Foil packets ahead of time?
Absolutely! For easy meal prep, you can assemble the foil packets a day in advance. Just store them flat in the refrigerator and add them to the oven when you’re ready to cook. They’ll need a few extra minutes if they’re cold.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Shrimp and Asparagus in Foil?
A common pitfall is overcooking the shrimp, which makes them tough. Watch them closely – they’re done when they turn pink and curl into a ‘C’. Also, be careful when opening the hot packs to avoid steam burns! Learning about different cooking techniques can help prevent this; explore our recipes for more ideas.
Best Ways to Serve Baked Shrimp Asparagus Foil
This versatile shrimp asparagus foil packets with lemon dish is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides to make it a complete meal. For a light and healthy dinner, serve these flavorful packets alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, a small portion of fluffy white rice or quinoa is perfect for soaking up any extra garlicky lemon butter sauce. You can also serve it with some crusty bread for dipping! For other delightful meal ideas, consider our easy macaroni tuna casserole.
Nutrition Facts for Baked Shrimp Asparagus Foil
When you enjoy this flavorful shrimp asparagus foil bake, you’re getting a wonderfully balanced meal. Each serving is packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, making it a smart choice for a healthy diet. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per foil pack:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Protein: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. For more information on healthy eating, you might find this pink salt weight loss recipe interesting.
This shrimp asparagus foil packet meal prep is fantastic for leftovers, making it a dream for busy schedules. Once the foil packs have cooled completely, transfer any leftover shrimp and asparagus mixture into airtight containers. You can store these in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you need to keep it longer, these packets freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to reheat, you have a couple of great options. For a quick reheat, you can place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can gently reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are heated through. Avoid overheating, as shrimp can become tough quickly. For other great meal prep ideas, consider our salmon Wellington recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Shrimp Asparagus Foil
What is shrimp asparagus foil recipe?
A shrimp asparagus foil recipe is a cooking method where ingredients like shrimp, asparagus, and seasonings are sealed in aluminum foil packets and then baked. This technique locks in moisture and flavors, making for a tender and delicious meal with minimal cleanup. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy seafood and vegetables!
Can I use different vegetables with shrimp and asparagus in foil?
Absolutely! While asparagus is classic, this shrimp asparagus foil bake is very forgiving. Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers (sliced), zucchini (chopped), cherry tomatoes, or snap peas. Just ensure they are cut to a size that will cook through in the same amount of time as the shrimp and asparagus.
How do I ensure my shrimp doesn’t overcook in the foil packet?
The key to perfectly cooked shrimp in these shrimp asparagus foil packs is timing and size. Use large shrimp and bake at a high temperature (425°F). They only need about 15-20 minutes. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque, and curl into a ‘C’ shape. Overcooking turns them rubbery, so keep an eye on them! For more tips on cooking seafood, you can explore tasty wahoo recipes.
Is this a good recipe for sheet pan shrimp asparagus foil?
Yes, this is an excellent recipe for a sheet pan shrimp asparagus foil meal! The foil packets are placed directly onto a baking sheet, making cleanup a breeze. It’s a convenient way to cook a healthy and flavorful meal for the whole family, all on one pan.
Variations of Shrimp Asparagus Foil Meal Prep You Can Try
This baked shrimp asparagus foil recipe is a fantastic base, and I love experimenting with different flavor profiles and even cooking methods to keep things exciting! For a truly healthy shrimp asparagus foil bake, consider adding colorful bell peppers or zucchini slices along with the asparagus for extra veggies. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even grill these foil packets! Just place them directly on the grill grates over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, checking for doneness.
For a spicy kick, I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp mixture before sealing the packets. You could also swap out the lemon juice for lime juice and add some chili powder for a Tex-Mex twist. Remember, the beauty of shrimp asparagus foil packets is their adaptability! For more adaptable recipes, check out our homemade Cajun honey butter sauce.
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Baked Shrimp Asparagus Foil: Swift, Tasty Meal
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Baked Shrimp and Asparagus Foil Packs are a quick and flavorful option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This dish features succulent shrimp combined with tender asparagus, all seasoned with aromatic garlic and zesty lemon. The foil pack cooking method locks in moisture and flavor, ensuring a satisfying meal without the hassle of extensive cleanup. Simply toss your ingredients together, seal them in aluminum foil, and bake for a hassle-free dinner that’s healthy and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus (ends trimmed)
- 1 pound large raw shrimp (peeled, deveined)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Prepare a baking sheet.
- Cut four large pieces of aluminum foil (about 18 inches long).
- Divide the asparagus among the foil pieces as a base.
- In a bowl, combine shrimp with garlic, salt, pepper, and toss to coat.
- Distribute the shrimp mixture over the asparagus in each foil pack.
- Drizzle each pack with chicken stock and lemon juice; top with cubed butter.
- Seal the foil packets tightly but leave room for steam.
- Bake on the baking sheet for 15-20 minutes until shrimp are opaque pink.
- Carefully open packs to serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
- The foil pack cooking method ensures minimal cleanup.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings.
- Ensure shrimp are cooked through; they should turn opaque pink and curl into a ‘C’.
- Open foil packs carefully to avoid steam burns.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 foil pack (approximately 220g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
