Looking for a fun way to enjoy your favorite seafood and summer vegetables? This delicious shrimp and Mexican corn foil packets recipe is a must-try! This dish combines the flavors of fresh corn, succulent shrimp, and a tantalizing mix of spices, all conveniently wrapped in foil packets for easy cooking and clean-up.
To craft this recipe, you may need to visit your local supermarket for a few ingredients. One of them is cotija cheese, a salty Mexican cheese that gives the dish a distinctive tang. Another is taco seasoning, a mix of spices often used in Mexican cuisine. If you can't find cotija cheese, you can substitute it with feta. As for taco seasoning, you can also make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
Ingredients for Shrimp and Mexican Corn Foil Packets Recipe
Shrimp: The star of the dish, providing a succulent, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices.
Corn: Adds a sweet, earthy flavor and a satisfying crunch to the dish.
Bell peppers: Provides a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, complementing the other ingredients.
Red onion: Adds a sharp, spicy, yet sweet flavor to the dish.
Olive oil: Helps to cook the ingredients evenly and adds a subtle, savory flavor.
Garlic: Gives a strong, pungent flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Taco seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the dish a Mexican flair.
Brown sugar: Slightly sweetens the dish, balancing the savory and spicy flavors.
Lime juice: Adds a tangy freshness that brightens up the dish.
Cilantro leaves: Provides a fresh, citrusy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that enhances the dish's complexity.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the elotes topping.
Sour cream: Gives a tangy creaminess to the elotes topping.
Cotija cheese: A crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a salty tang.
Chili powder: Adds a spicy kick to the dish.
Lime: Used as garnish and adds a fresh, citrusy finish to the dish.
One reader, Daisey Thatcher says:
This shrimp and Mexican corn foil packets recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are outstanding, and the dish is so easy to prepare. The combination of juicy shrimp, sweet corn, and zesty seasoning is a delight. Plus, the elotes topping adds a creamy, tangy finish. It's a must-try for any seafood lover!
Techniques for Preparing Shrimp and Mexican Corn Foil Packets
How to prepare the shrimp foil packets: This involves combining the shrimp, corn, bell peppers, and onions with the specified seasonings and lime juice, then dividing the mixture among the foil sheets and sealing the packets.
How to grill the foil packets: This involves grilling the sealed foil packets for a specific duration on each side until the shrimp is cooked through and the corn is tender.
How to make the elotes topping: This involves mixing mayonnaise, sour cream, and garlic together, then drizzling the mixture over the cooked corn and topping it with cotija cheese and chili powder.
These corn foil packets recipe is a Mexican classic made with corn, peppers, and shrimp grilled together and drizzled with a flavorful Mexican cream.
Serves:
Ingredients
For The Shrimp Foil Packets:
- 2lbshrimp
- 2ears of corn on the cob,husked, cut into 6×1-inch pieces per cob
- 1red bell pepper,deseeded and thinly sliced
- 1orange bell pepper,deseeded and thinly sliced
- 1green bell pepper,deseeded and thinly sliced
- ½red onion,thinly sliced
- 2tbspolive oil
- 2clovesgarlic
- 1tbsptaco seasoning
- 1tspbrown sugar
- ¼cuplime juice
- 2tbspfresh cilantro leaves,chopped
- ½tspground cumin
For The Elotes Topping:
- 2tbspmayonnaise
- 2tbspsour cream
- 1clovegarlic,medium, finely minced
- ⅓cupCotija cheese,finely crumbled, or feta cheese, or fresh grated parmesan cheese
- ¼tspchili powder,plus more for serving
- 2tbspcilantro leaves,finely chopped, to garnish
- 1lime,cut into wedges
Instructions
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Preheat a gas or charcoal grill, or a pan over high heat.
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Cut four sheets of foil, about 10×12-inches long. Combine the shrimp, corn, bell peppers, and onions in a large bowl.
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Add the olive oil, garlic, taco seasoning, brown sugar, lime juice, cilantro, and cumin; gently toss to combine.
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Divide shrimp mixture among the four pieces of foil, arranging the ingredients on the center of each piece. Fold up all 4 sides of each foil packet, covering completely and sealing the packets closed.
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Place foil packets on the grill and cook until just cooked through for about 6 to 8 minutes on one side.
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Flip, and continue to grill on the other side for a further 6 minutes, or until the corn is tender and shrimp are fully cooked.
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While the packs are cooking, mix together the mayo, sour cream, and garlic until thoroughly mixed through.
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Once cooked, drizzle the corn with the cream and top with the cheese and chili powder.
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Garnish packs with the cilantro or parsley and serve packets immediately with lime wedges, tortillas, rice, or other sides.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450.30kcal
- Fat: 20.89g
- Saturated Fat: 5.67g
- Trans Fat: 0.04g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.42g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.29g
- Carbohydrates: 31.00g
- Fiber: 2.98g
- Sugar: 5.58g
- Protein: 36.75g
- Cholesterol: 304.62mg
- Sodium: 1647.68mg
- Calcium: 238.00mg
- Potassium: 735.49mg
- Iron: 1.88mg
- Vitamin A: 278.05µg
- Vitamin C: 114.40mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Shrimp and Mexican Corn Foil Packets
When preparing your shrimp for this recipe, make sure to devein them properly. The vein of a shrimp is actually its digestive tract and can sometimes be filled with grit. To devein, simply make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and use the tip of your knife to lift out the vein. This will ensure a cleaner taste and texture for your shrimp and mexican corn foil packets.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Foil Packet Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and marinate the shrimp the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use frozen shrimp: Opt for pre-peeled and deveined frozen shrimp to skip the time-consuming prep work.
Grill in batches: If you're making a large quantity, grill the foil packets in batches to ensure even cooking.
Invest in a grill basket: Consider using a grill basket for the vegetables to save time on individually wrapping each foil packet.
Delegate tasks: Enlist the help of family or friends to assemble the foil packets, making the process more efficient.
Prep the elotes topping in advance: Mix the elotes topping ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to use for quick assembly.
Substitute Ingredients For Shrimp & Mexican Corn Foil Packets Recipe
shrimp - Substitute with cubed firm tofu: Firm tofu can provide a similar texture and absorb the flavors of the dish well.
corn on the cob - Substitute with frozen corn kernels: Frozen corn kernels can be used as a convenient alternative and will cook quickly in the foil packets.
red bell pepper - Substitute with orange bell pepper: Orange bell peppers have a similar sweet flavor and will add a pop of color to the dish.
orange bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers have a slightly different flavor but will still provide a sweet and crunchy element to the dish.
green bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers have a mild heat and earthy flavor that can add a unique twist to the dish.
red onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a slightly milder flavor compared to red onions and will work well in this recipe.
taco seasoning - Substitute with chili powder, cumin, and paprika mix: A combination of chili powder, cumin, and paprika can replicate the flavors of taco seasoning.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide a similar level of acidity and freshness to the dish.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can offer a tangy and creamy element as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise.
sour cream - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can provide a similar tangy creaminess to the dish.
cotija cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese has a tangy and salty flavor that can substitute for cotija cheese in this recipe.
Presentation Ideas for Shrimp and Mexican Corn Foil Packets
Elevate the shrimp: Arrange the cooked shrimp in a circular pattern on the plate, ensuring each piece is visible and appealing.
Corn and pepper arrangement: Place the grilled corn and bell peppers in an artistic manner, creating a visually appealing and balanced composition on the plate.
Garnish with cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over the dish to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the overall presentation.
Drizzle with elotes topping: Carefully drizzle the creamy elotes topping over the shrimp and vegetables, creating an enticing visual contrast and adding a touch of indulgence to the dish.
Lime wedge placement: Position lime wedges strategically around the plate to add a vibrant and citrusy element to the presentation, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Use of negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the vibrant colors of the dish to stand out and captivate the diners' attention.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce edible flowers as a delicate and visually stunning garnish, adding an elegant touch to the presentation while complementing the flavors of the dish.
Artistic drizzle of olive oil: Create an artistic drizzle of high-quality olive oil around the plate, adding a glossy finish and a touch of sophistication to the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Foil Packet Meals
- Gas or charcoal grill: A cooking appliance used for grilling food over an open flame.
- Pan: A versatile cooking tool used for frying, searing, and sautéing.
- Foil: Aluminum foil is used to wrap and cook food, keeping it moist and flavorful.
- Bowl: Used for mixing and tossing ingredients.
- Grill: A cooking surface with parallel metal bars used for grilling food.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for Shrimp and Mexican Corn Foil Packets
- Allow the shrimp and mexican corn foil packets to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled packets to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- If you plan to freeze the packets, follow these steps:
- Wrap each packet tightly with an additional layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped packets in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal quality.
- To reheat frozen shrimp and mexican corn foil packets:
- Thaw the packets in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the thawed packets on a baking sheet and reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the packets on the grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until heated through.
- Note that the texture of the shrimp and vegetables may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavor should remain delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Shrimp and Mexican Corn Foil Packets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover shrimp and mexican corn foil packets on a baking sheet and reheat them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and flavors of the dish while ensuring that the shrimp and corn are evenly reheated.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use a microwave. Transfer the contents of the foil packets to a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp and vegetables are heated through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
For a crispy texture, you can reheat the shrimp and mexican corn in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the contents of the foil packets to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp and vegetables are heated through and slightly crispy.
If you have a lot of leftover foil packets, you can reheat them on a grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the foil packets directly on the grates. Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp and corn are heated through and have a nice char.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the shrimp with a food thermometer to ensure that they have reached a safe temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once reheated, serve the shrimp and mexican corn foil packets immediately with fresh lime wedges, tortillas, or your favorite sides.
Interesting Trivia About Shrimp and Mexican Corn
The Mexican corn used in this recipe is also known as elote, a popular street food in Mexico. It is typically served on the cob and topped with mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. This dish is a delicious combination of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.
Is Making Shrimp and Mexican Corn Foil Packets Budget-Friendly?
This shrimp and Mexican corn foil packets recipe offers a high degree of cost-effectiveness for a household. The use of affordable and readily available ingredients such as shrimp, corn on the cob, and bell peppers makes it a budget-friendly option. The versatility of the dish allows for easy customization based on seasonal produce, further enhancing its cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of four people is approximately $25-$30, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Shrimp and Mexican Corn Foil Packet Dish Healthy?
The shrimp and Mexican corn foil packets recipe is a relatively healthy dish with a good balance of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. The recipe includes nutrient-dense ingredients such as:
- Shrimp, which is low in calories and high in protein and essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12
- Corn, bell peppers, and onions, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Olive oil, a healthy source of monounsaturated fats
- Lime juice and cilantro, which offer vitamin C and antioxidants
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The taco seasoning and mayonnaise may contain added sodium and unhealthy fats, respectively
- The sour cream and cotija cheese add saturated fat and calories to the dish
To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a low-sodium or homemade taco seasoning to reduce the overall sodium content
- Replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or avocado for a healthier source of creamy texture and healthy fats
- Opt for a reduced-fat sour cream or replace it with additional Greek yogurt
- Use a smaller amount of cotija cheese or substitute it with a lower-fat cheese like feta or queso fresco
- Add more vegetables to the foil packets, such as zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or jalapeños, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Serve the foil packets with a side of brown rice or quinoa for added whole grains and fiber
Editor's Opinion on the Shrimp and Mexican Corn Foil Packets Recipe
The combination of succulent shrimp, sweet corn, and vibrant bell peppers in foil packets is a brilliant way to infuse flavors on the grill. The addition of taco seasoning, lime juice, and cilantro creates a zesty and aromatic profile, while the elotes topping with mayo, sour cream, and cotija cheese adds a creamy and tangy finish. This recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making it a perfect choice for a summer cookout or a casual dinner. The presentation in foil packets adds a fun and interactive element to the dining experience. Overall, it's a fantastic recipe that celebrates the essence of Mexican-inspired cuisine.
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Why trust this Shrimp & Mexican Corn Foil Packets Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a flavorful experience with shrimp and Mexican corn foil packets. The combination of fresh shrimp, corn on the cob, and vibrant bell peppers ensures a burst of flavors in every bite. The use of taco seasoning and lime juice infuses the dish with zesty and aromatic notes, while the addition of cotija cheese and cilantro leaves elevates the dish with a touch of creaminess and freshness. Trust in the harmony of these ingredients to deliver a delightful and authentic Mexican culinary experience.
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