Full Guide to Flavorful Shrimp & Asparagus Foil Packets
Introduction
Looking for a healthy, low-carb, high-protein dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes? These Shrimp and Asparagus Foil Packs with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce are a perfect go-to for busy weeknights, camping meals, or light summer dinners. With the convenience of foil-pack cooking and the bold, zesty flavors of garlic, lemon, and butter, this recipe checks all the boxes for flavor, nutrition, and minimal cleanup.
This dish is a favorite among seafood lovers and those following clean eating, keto, paleo, or gluten-free diets. The foil wrap locks in moisture and infuses the shrimp and asparagus with buttery citrusy goodness, creating a restaurant-quality meal with hardly any effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Mess-Free Cooking: Foil packs make cleanup a breeze.
- Healthy & Nourishing: High in protein, low in carbs, and loaded with nutrients.
- Customizable: Add other veggies, adjust spices, or swap shrimp for other proteins.
Ingredient Benefits
This meal is not only delicious, but it also brings several health benefits to the table.
- Shrimp: Low in calories and fat but high in protein and omega-3s.
- Asparagus: Rich in fiber, antioxidants, folate, and vitamins A, C, E, and K.
- Lemon & Garlic: Naturally detoxifying and anti-inflammatory.
- Butter: Adds healthy fats and richness while carrying the flavors.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here are the key ingredients you’ll need (measurements listed in Part 2):
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined. Tail on or off, based on preference.
- Asparagus: Trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for the best flavor.
- Butter: Melted, unsalted butter forms the base of the lemon garlic sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for a zesty kick.
- Paprika, Onion Powder, and Italian Seasoning: Adds a punch of flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: To enhance and balance the dish.
- Fresh Parsley: Optional, but great for garnishing.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a grill over medium heat. Lay out 4 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil or double-layered regular foil.
2. Assemble the Foil Packs
Divide the asparagus and shrimp evenly among the foil sheets. Place the asparagus down first, then layer the shrimp on top.
3. Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, and seasonings. Stir well to combine all flavors.
4. Pour & Seal
Spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce evenly over each foil pack. Fold the foil over the shrimp and asparagus, sealing the edges tightly to create a packet.
5. Bake or Grill
- Oven: Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes.
- Grill: Place directly on the grill grates and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through if needed.
6. Serve
Carefully open the foil packs—watch for hot steam—and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve as-is or over cauliflower rice, zoodles, or a side salad.
Notes & Tips
- Even Cooking: Cut asparagus spears into similar sizes so they cook evenly with the shrimp.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Add Citrus Zest: Lemon zest in the sauce adds extra brightness.
- Make It a Meal: Serve over rice, quinoa, or mashed cauliflower for a heartier dish.
- Camping-Friendly: These foil packs are perfect for campfires and outdoor grilling.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave or a skillet with a splash of broth or water.
- Freezer Option: Freeze raw assembled foil packs for up to 1 month—thaw overnight before baking.
Perfect Occasions for This Dish
- 🔥 Backyard BBQs
- 🏕️ Camping Trips
- 🍽️ Light Weeknight Dinners
- 🥗 Healthy Meal Prep
- 🐟 Seafood-Themed Dinners
With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, these foil packs are a fuss-free meal you’ll turn to again and again.
Quick Recipe Card
Shrimp and Asparagus Foil Packs with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
Description:
Juicy shrimp and tender asparagus cooked in a garlic lemon butter sauce—all wrapped in a foil pack for an easy, healthy, and mess-free meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Servings: 4 foil packs
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and chopped
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 4 large sheets aluminum foil
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (or preheat grill to medium heat).
- Divide shrimp and asparagus evenly between 4 foil sheets.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, and all seasonings.
- Pour the sauce over each foil pack. Fold and seal the edges.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes (or grill for 10–12 minutes).
- Open carefully, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.