When the winter chill sets in, there’s something incredibly satisfying about curling up with a warm, hearty meal. One of my favorite go-to recipes during colder months is something my grandmother used to make for cozy nights in—Garlic Herb Steak and Shrimp Foil Packets. It’s a simple, flavor-packed dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to prepare. Combining juicy steak, succulent shrimp, and a medley of herbs and garlic, all wrapped in a convenient foil packet—it’s dinner magic.
I remember her layering ingredients with such care, wrapping them in foil, and letting the oven do its thing. The result? A steamy, savory package filled with bold flavors and minimal cleanup. This is comfort food, upgraded.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ One-pan convenience with zero mess
- 🥩 Juicy steak and 🦐 tender shrimp in one delicious bite
- 🧄 Bold garlic herb butter for next-level flavor
- ❄️ Perfect for winter—warm, satisfying, and aromatic
- 🔥 Great for oven, grill, or campfire cooking
Ingredients (Serves 2)
For the Protein:
- 2 small ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 6 oz each), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on or off)
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp rosemary, minced
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Vegetables (optional but highly recommended):
- 1 cup baby potatoes, quartered
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
For Assembly:
- 2 sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12” x 18”)
- Cooking spray or a brush of olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔪 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🧑🍳 Cook Time: 20 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 35 minutes
Step 1: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
Pro Tip: You can make this butter ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Use leftovers to slather on warm bread or melted over veggies.
Step 2: Prep the Ingredients
- Cube the steak into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
- Season steak and shrimp with salt and pepper.
- If using vegetables, parboil the potatoes for 5-7 minutes until just tender. This ensures everything cooks evenly in the foil packet.
Step 3: Assemble the Foil Packets
Lay out two large sheets of foil. Lightly spray or brush with oil. Divide the steak, shrimp, and any veggies between the two packets.
Top each with half of the garlic herb butter.
Fold the foil:
- Bring the long sides of the foil together and fold over to seal.
- Fold in the short sides to create a tight packet.
Step 4: Cook the Packets
Oven Method (Recommended for winter):
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place packets on a baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes.
Grill Method:
- Heat grill to medium-high.
- Grill packets for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Campfire Method:
- Cook on hot coals or over a grate for 12–15 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully open the packets (steam will escape—watch your fingers!). Transfer to a plate or serve directly in the foil for a rustic, cozy presentation. Garnish with extra herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Tips for the Best Steak and Shrimp Foil Packets
- Choose quality steak like ribeye or sirloin for tenderness.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—they’re done when pink and opaque.
- Mix up the herbs: add dill or chives for a different flavor profile.
- Add a starch: parboiled potatoes or cooked rice work well in the packet.
Wine Pairing
Pair this hearty dish with a glass of Chardonnay (to complement the shrimp) or a Cabernet Sauvignon (to match the steak). Or, go bold and serve both!
Variations to Try
- Cajun Style: Use Cajun seasoning in place of herbs.
- Asian-Inspired: Swap herb butter for a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger.
- Surf & Turf Skewers: Thread everything onto skewers and grill instead of foil-baking.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet or oven at 325°F. Avoid microwaving the shrimp too long—they can get rubbery.
FAQs
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble packets and refrigerate up to 6 hours in advance. Bake when ready.
Can I freeze them?
It’s best to freeze raw components separately. Assemble fresh before cooking.
What other vegetables work well?
Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or corn cut into small rounds.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Herb Steak and Shrimp Foil Packets bring together everything we love about winter comfort food—rich flavors, easy prep, and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or treating yourself, this dish hits all the right notes. Just like Nonna used to say, the secret is always in the garlic butter. 💛