Garlic Butter Shrimp Foil Packet (Easy Camping Recipe)

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If you’re looking for a no-fuss, incredibly delicious meal you can throw together at the campsite — or even in your own backyard — this garlic butter shrimp foil packet recipe is your new best friend. We’re talking juicy shrimp smothered in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, all cooked right inside a little foil pouch. Easy prep, zero dishes, and absolutely packed with flavor.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Foil Packet Recipe

There’s something magical about foil packet cooking. Everything steams together inside the packet, locking in all those incredible flavors. The shrimp stays tender and juicy (never rubbery!), and that garlic butter sauce soaks into every bite. Whether you’re camping over a fire, grilling in the backyard, or even baking in the oven, this recipe adapts beautifully. It’s one of those easy camping recipes that feels way fancier than the effort it takes. Serves 4.

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced into pats
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
4 sheets heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12×12 inches each)

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Foil Packets

Instructions

Prep your foil: Lay out four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil on a flat surface. Lightly spray or brush the center of each sheet with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Season the shrimp: In a bowl, toss your shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 3 – Assemble the packets: Divide the seasoned shrimp evenly among the four foil sheets, piling them in the center. Top each portion with minced garlic, a couple of lemon slices, and a few pats of butter.
Seal the packets: Fold the sides of the foil up and over the shrimp, then crimp the edges tightly to create a sealed packet. Make sure there are no gaps — you want all that garlic butter steam locked inside.
Cook: Place the packets on a preheated grill over medium-high heat (or directly on campfire coals). Cook for 8–10 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. If using an oven, bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
Open and serve: Carefully open the packets (watch out for the hot steam!), garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately — right in the foil if you want zero cleanup.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Foil Packets

Keep it cold: When camping, keep your raw shrimp tightly sealed and buried in the coldest part of your cooler on ice until the exact moment you’re ready to assemble and cook.
Use the right foil: Don’t skip the heavy-duty foil — regular foil can tear over high heat, especially on a grill or campfire. If you only have regular foil on hand, just use two layers.
Watch the clock: Try not to overcook the shrimp. Once they’re pink and curled, they’re done. Overcooked shrimp get rubbery fast, and nobody wants that.
Adding veggies: You can customize this easy shrimp foil packet by adding quick-cooking veggies like sliced zucchini or cherry tomatoes for a complete one-pack meal. Note: If you want to add corn, be sure to parboil it at home first, otherwise your shrimp will overcook before the raw corn is tender!

Serving Suggestions

These garlic butter shrimp foil packets are fantastic served with crusty bread to soak up all that amazing butter sauce. At the campsite, pair them with rice cooked in a pot over the fire, or just enjoy them straight out of the packet with some chips on the side. Back home, serve over pasta or a bed of fluffy white rice for a more complete dinner.

Make It Your Own

Love extra garlic? Double it — no one’s judging. Want a citrusy kick? Squeeze fresh lemon juice right into the packet before sealing. You can even swap the butter for olive oil for a lighter version. This shrimp foil packet recipe is incredibly versatile, which is exactly what you want when you’re camping and working with limited ingredients.

Loved this garlic butter shrimp foil packet recipe? Save it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it again on your next camping trip! And don’t forget to share it with your friends and family — they’ll thank you when they’re sitting around the fire eating these amazing garlic butter shrimp foil packets. The more, the merrier!