Shrimp, Corn, Potatoes, and Chicken Jalapeño Sausage Foil Pack

A delicious and flavorful combination of seafood, sausage, and vegetables cooked together in a foil pack, perfect for a quick and easy meal. This recipe combines the sweetness of corn, the earthiness of potatoes, the spice of jalapeño sausage, and the tenderness of shrimp, all seasoned with a Cajun flair. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity and versatility, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re grilling in the summer or baking in the oven during cooler months, this foil pack recipe is a surefire way to bring bold, satisfying flavors to the table with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the Foil Packs

  • 1 pound large shrimp – Peeled and deveined, ensuring a tender bite and easy eating.
  • 4 ears of corn – Husked and cut into thirds, providing a sweet crunch.
  • 1 pound baby potatoes – Halved for quick and even cooking, adding heartiness to the dish.
  • 4 chicken jalapeño sausages – Sliced into rounds, bringing a spicy, smoky flavor.
  • 1 red onion – Sliced thinly to add a mild sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • 4 cloves garlic – Minced, adding a robust, savory element.
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil – Used to coat the ingredients, ensuring even cooking and a slight crispiness.
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning – Provides a bold, spicy flavor that ties the dish together.
  • Salt and pepper to taste – Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped – For garnish, adding a touch of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.
  • Lemon wedges – Served on the side to add a bright, citrusy finish.

Preparing the Ingredients

Shrimp Preparation

Start by preparing the shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. This not only makes them easier to eat but also allows the flavors to penetrate better during cooking. Large shrimp work best for this recipe as they hold up well to grilling and provide a meaty bite that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. If you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before use to ensure even cooking.

Corn and Potatoes

Next, focus on the vegetables. Husk the ears of corn and slice them into rounds. The corn adds sweetness and a bit of crunch to the foil packs. For the potatoes, choose baby potatoes as they cook quickly and evenly. Halve the potatoes to ensure they cook through in the same time as the shrimp and sausage. The combination of corn and potatoes provides a hearty base for the foil packs, balancing the rich flavors of the sausage and shrimp.

Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage

The jalapeño cheddar sausages bring a spicy kick and creamy richness to the dish. Slice the sausages into rounds, allowing them to cook evenly and release their flavors into the other ingredients. The cheese inside the sausages melts during cooking, creating pockets of gooey goodness that complement the shrimp and vegetables perfectly. If you prefer a milder option, you can substitute with regular chicken sausage, but the jalapeño cheddar variety adds a wonderful depth of flavor.

Mixing and Seasoning

Making the Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, melt the butter and combine it with minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mixture serves as the flavor base for the dish, infusing every bite with garlic and spice. The butter also helps to keep the shrimp and vegetables moist and tender during cooking. If you like a bit more heat, feel free to add an extra pinch of Cajun seasoning or even some red pepper flakes.

Combining the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sliced sausage. Pour the butter mixture over the top and toss everything together until well coated. This step ensures that all the ingredients are evenly seasoned and ready to absorb the flavors as they cook. Make sure the seasoning reaches all the nooks and crannies, so every bite is packed with flavor.

Assembling the Foil Packs

Preparing the Foil

Lay out four large pieces of aluminum foil on a clean surface. It’s important to use heavy-duty foil or double up on regular foil to prevent tearing during cooking. The foil should be large enough to fold over the ingredients and seal them tightly, creating a packet that traps in heat and steam. This method ensures that the ingredients cook evenly and that all the flavors meld together beautifully.

Filling the Foil Packs

Divide the shrimp mixture evenly among the four foil pieces. Place the ingredients in the center of each foil sheet, ensuring that the corn rounds and potatoes are spread out to allow for even cooking. Fold the foil over the ingredients, bringing the edges together to create a seal. Make sure the packets are tightly sealed to prevent steam from escaping. This step is crucial as the steam cooks the ingredients while keeping them moist and flavorful.

Cooking the Foil Packs

Grilling

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the foil packs directly on the grill grates and cook for 15-20 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the shrimp and the thickness of the potato slices. You’ll know the packs are ready when the shrimp is pink and opaque, the sausage is heated through, and the potatoes are fork-tender. Be sure to turn the packs halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution.

Alternative Cooking Method

If you don’t have access to a grill, you can also cook the foil packs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the foil packs on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking to ensure that the shrimp and potatoes are fully cooked before serving. This method is just as effective and makes this dish versatile enough to enjoy year-round, even when grilling isn’t an option.

Serving the Dish

Finishing Touches

Once the foil packs are done cooking, carefully open them to release the steam. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. The parsley not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the overall flavor of the dish. For an added layer of flavor, you can also squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the foil packs directly on the table for a casual, family-style meal. The beauty of this dish is that it can be enjoyed straight from the foil, reducing the need for extra plates and making clean-up a breeze. Pair the meal with a simple green salad or a slice of crusty bread to round out the meal. The combination of flavors in the foil packs pairs well with a crisp white wine or a cold beer, making it an ideal dish for entertaining.

Conservation and Storage

Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. The shrimp, sausage, and vegetables can be reheated in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. They’ll retain their flavor and texture, making for a delicious lunch or quick dinner the next day. Leftovers can also be tossed with pasta or added to a salad for a completely different meal.

Storage Tips

The foil packs can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes them an excellent option for meal prep or when you’re expecting guests and want to minimize kitchen time. Just be sure to cook them within a day to ensure the shrimp remains fresh. You can also freeze the uncooked packs for up to a month, though fresh is always best for optimal flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Shrimp, Corn, Potatoes, and Chicken Jalapeño Sausage Foil Pack is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of summer’s best flavors wrapped in convenience. Whether you’re grilling outside or baking in the oven, this dish offers a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and spicy elements that will please any crowd. The simplicity of the preparation, coupled with the boldness of the flavors, makes it a go-to recipe for busy nights or special occasions. Enjoy the ease of cooking and the burst of flavors with every bite, and don’t forget to savor the satisfaction of a meal well made.

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