Get ready to transport your taste buds to the warm and vibrant flavors of the Southwest with this delightful recipe for Sonoran Shrimp Packets. Bursting with zesty ingredients and fresh seafood, these parcels are a perfect choice for a cozy dinner at home or a backyard barbecue with friends. The combination of succulent shrimp, colorful veggies, and tantalizing spices will create a delicious dish that is sure to impress your guests. Let’s dive into creating these flavorful Sonoran Shrimp Packets that will become a staple in your recipe collection.
**Sonoran Shrimp Packets**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Juice of 1 lime
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
2. **Create the Marinade:** In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped jalapeño, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, lime juice, and olive oil. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
3. **Marinate the Shrimp:** Place the shrimp in a large Ziploc bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, ensuring they are well coated. Allow the shrimp to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
4. **Assemble the Packets:** Tear off four 12×18-inch pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Divide the sliced bell peppers and onions evenly among the foil pieces, creating a bed for the shrimp. Place an equal portion of marinated shrimp on top of the vegetables in each foil packet.
5. **Seal the Packets:** Bring the sides of the foil together and fold them over a few times to seal the packets securely. Fold the top and bottom edges to create a tightly sealed packet, ensuring no juices can escape during cooking.
6. **Grill the Packets:** Place the sealed foil packets on the preheated grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Carefully remove the packets from the grill using tongs, as they will be hot.
7. **Serve and Garnish:** Open the packets carefully to release the aromatic steam. Garnish each packet with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness and color. Serve the Sonoran Shrimp Packets directly in the foil, allowing guests to enjoy the vibrant flavors right out of the packet.
Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and textures in these Sonoran Shrimp Packets. The juicy shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices come together to create a dish that is both satisfying and full of Southwestern charm. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a taste of the Southwest, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to savor every bite of these delightful shrimp packets!