🦐 Garlic Butter Shrimp Boil Foil Packets (Mediterranean-Style)

These Garlic Butter Shrimp Boil Foil Packets are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. Tender shrimp, baby potatoes, sweet corn, and smoky spices are wrapped in foil and baked (or grilled) in a rich garlic-lemon butter sauce. It’s a fun, mess-free meal packed with bold flavor.

This Mediterranean-inspired version lightens things up with olive oil, fresh herbs, and lemon while keeping the classic comfort of a shrimp boil—aligned with the principles of the Mediterranean diet.

🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Easy cleanup (foil packets!)
✔ High in protein
✔ Bright lemon-garlic flavor
✔ Perfect for grilling or baking
✔ Great for summer gatherings

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)

500g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
400g (14 oz) baby potatoes, halved
2 ears corn, cut into thirds
3 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of ½ lemon
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Salt & black pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Optional add-ins:

Sliced zucchini
Cherry tomatoes
Smoked turkey sausage (Mediterranean twist alternative to traditional sausage)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Pre-Cook the Potatoes

Boil halved baby potatoes in salted water for 10–12 minutes until just fork-tender. Drain.

(This ensures everything cooks evenly.)

2️⃣ Make Garlic Butter Sauce

In a bowl, mix:

Melted butter
Olive oil
Garlic
Lemon juice & zest
Paprika
Oregano
Chili flakes
Salt & pepper

3️⃣ Assemble Foil Packets

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) or preheat grill to medium-high.

Place potatoes and corn evenly on 4 large foil sheets.
Top with shrimp.
Spoon garlic butter mixture over everything.

Seal foil tightly into packets.

4️⃣ Cook

Bake or grill for 12–15 minutes until shrimp are pink and fully cooked.

5️⃣ Serve

Carefully open packets (steam will escape!).
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon.

Serve directly in foil or transfer to plates.

🥗 Mediterranean Serving Ideas

Serve with a simple cucumber-tomato salad
Add whole-grain bread for dipping
Pair with grilled vegetables
Drizzle extra olive oil before serving

🦐 Nutritional Benefits

Shrimp are high in protein and low in fat
Olive oil supports heart health
Garlic offers antioxidant benefits
Balanced meal with protein + vegetables

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I skip butter?

Yes! Replace with all olive oil for a lighter version.

Q2: How do I know shrimp are done?

They turn pink and opaque and curl into a “C” shape.

Q3: Can I cook without pre-boiling potatoes?

You can, but slice them thinly to ensure they cook fully.

Q4: Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before using.

Q5: Can I make it spicy?

Increase chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.

Q6: Can I meal prep this?

Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers keep 2–3 days refrigerated.

🌞 Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Shrimp Boil Foil Packets are bold, juicy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor. They’re simple enough for weeknights yet festive enough for gatherings—proof that healthy eating can still feel indulgent.