Seafood Boil Packets
Seafood boil packets are a mess-free, flavor-packed way to enjoy tender seafood, sweet corn, potatoes, and sausage steamed together in a garlic butter sauce. Everything cooks in foil, locking in juices and making cleanup easy—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: ~45–50 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
Seafood & Vegetables
450 g large shrimp, peeled & deveined
450 g crab legs or mussels
2 smoked sausages, sliced (chicken or beef)
2 cups baby potatoes, halved
2 ears corn, cut into rounds
1 small onion, sliced
Garlic Butter Sauce
6 tbsp butter, melted
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
½ tsp paprika
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional (for heat lovers):
Chili flakes or cayenne, to taste
For Serving
Fresh parsley
Lemon wedges
Crusty bread or dinner rolls
Instructions
1. Preheat
Oven: Preheat to 200°C (400°F)
Grill: Preheat to medium-high heat
2. Prep the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, Old Bay, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble Packets
Tear 4 large sheets of heavy-duty foil
Divide potatoes and corn evenly in the center of each foil sheet
Add sausage, onion, shrimp, and crab/mussels
Spoon garlic butter sauce generously over everything
4. Seal
Fold foil tightly into packets, sealing edges well to trap steam.
5. Cook
Oven: Bake for 30–35 minutes
Grill: Cook for 18–22 minutes, turning once
Seafood should be opaque and shrimp pink.
6. Serve
Carefully open packets (steam will escape). Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Tips for Best Results
Cut potatoes small so they cook evenly
Don’t overcook shrimp—add them on top for gentler heat
Use heavy-duty foil to prevent leaks
Serve packets over parchment for easy eating
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Assemble packets up to 6 hours ahead, refrigerate, then cook.
Can I customize the seafood?
Absolutely—use fish chunks, scallops, clams, or only shrimp.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Replace butter with olive oil or dairy-free butter.
Is this spicy?
Not unless you add chili—by default it’s mild and buttery.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic bread or baguette
Simple green salad
Coleslaw
Steamed rice with lemon butter drizzle
Nutritional Information
Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Fat: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Omega-3s: High