Creamy Garlic Herb Seafood Foil Packs with Salmon Steaks

These Creamy Garlic Herb Seafood Foil Packs with Salmon Steaks are a delicious way to enjoy a restaurant-style seafood dinner with very little cleanup. Thick salmon steaks are paired with juicy shrimp, fresh garlic, fragrant herbs, and a rich buttery cream sauce, then wrapped in foil to lock in all that wonderful flavor.

As the packets cook, the salmon becomes tender and flaky, the shrimp turn juicy and flavorful, and the garlic herb sauce gently coats every bite. A splash of lemon adds freshness, while Parmesan cheese gives the creamy sauce an extra savory touch.

Whether you're preparing a quick weeknight dinner, planning a summer cookout, or looking for something special to serve guests, these seafood foil packs are an excellent choice. Each packet is individually portioned, easy to prepare, and packed with comforting seafood flavor.

Why You'll Love These Seafood Foil Packs

• Full of seafood flavor: Salmon steaks and shrimp make a delicious combination.
• Rich and creamy: Garlic butter, cream, and Parmesan create a flavorful sauce.
• Easy cleanup: Cooking everything in foil means fewer dishes afterward.
• Fresh herb flavor: Parsley, thyme, and lemon brighten the rich sauce.
• Perfect for grilling or baking: You can prepare these packets in the oven or on the grill.
• Customizable portions: Individual packets make serving simple and convenient.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Seafood Foil Packs

• 4 salmon steaks, approximately 6 ounces each: Thick salmon steaks provide a rich, buttery seafood flavor and hold their shape during cooking. Choose steaks of similar thickness so they cook evenly.
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds juicy seafood flavor and pairs beautifully with the salmon.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps coat the seafood and prevents sticking.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a beautiful color.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides extra garlic flavor throughout the seafood.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mild savory flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives the seafood a little seasoning.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste: Enhances the natural flavor of the salmon and shrimp.
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced: Adds brightness and helps balance the richness of the sauce.
• 1 small zucchini, sliced (optional): Adds color and a tender vegetable side directly inside the packets.
• 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional): Adds sweetness and color.

For the Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a rich, buttery base for the sauce.
• 5 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the sauce its delicious aromatic garlic flavor.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
• 1/4 cup chicken or seafood broth: Adds flavor and helps loosen the sauce.
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, slightly nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the creamy sauce.
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Adds a delicate earthy herb flavor.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brings freshness and color.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle spicy kick.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Herb Seafood Foil Packs

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Foil

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each approximately 12–14 inches long.

Lightly brush the center of each foil sheet with olive oil to help prevent the seafood from sticking. If you are using zucchini and bell pepper, divide the vegetables evenly between the four sheets.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.

Pour in the heavy cream and broth. Stir gently and allow the mixture to warm for 2–3 minutes without bringing it to a rapid boil.

Add the Parmesan cheese, thyme, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in half of the chopped parsley. Set aside while preparing the seafood.

Step 3: Season the Salmon and Shrimp

Pat the salmon steaks and shrimp dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil.

Season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Gently toss the shrimp to coat evenly. Rub the seasoning over the salmon steaks without breaking them apart.

Step 4: Assemble the Foil Packets

Place one salmon steak in the center of each prepared foil sheet. Divide the shrimp evenly between the four packets, arranging them around the salmon.

Add a few lemon slices to each packet. Spoon the creamy garlic herb sauce evenly over the salmon and shrimp, reserving a little parsley for garnish.

Fold the long sides of the foil together and seal them tightly. Fold the short ends upward to create a closed packet, leaving a little room inside for heat to circulate.

Step 5: Bake the Seafood Packets

Arrange the foil packets on a large baking sheet with the sealed edges facing upward.

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon steaks and shrimp.

Carefully open one packet to check the seafood. Salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F at its thickest point, and shrimp should be opaque and fully cooked. Cooking time may vary, so use a food thermometer rather than relying on time alone.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Once cooked, carefully open the packets, watching out for hot steam. Sprinkle the remaining fresh parsley over the salmon and shrimp.

Spoon some of the creamy garlic herb sauce over each portion. Add an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.

Serve immediately while the seafood is warm, tender, and coated in that delicious buttery sauce!

Tips for Perfect Salmon and Shrimp Foil Packs

• Choose salmon steaks of similar thickness: This helps all four portions cook at approximately the same rate.
• Pat the seafood dry: Removing excess moisture helps the seasonings stick and prevents watery packets.
• Use heavy-duty foil: It is less likely to tear when holding the seafood and creamy sauce.
• Seal the packets securely: Tight folds help keep the sauce and steam inside.
• Don't overcrowd the packets: Give the shrimp enough space around the salmon for even cooking.
• Check the salmon temperature: Use a food thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
• Open carefully: Hot steam can escape quickly when the foil is opened.
• Add fresh herbs at the end: This keeps their flavor fresh and vibrant.

Grilling Instructions

These creamy garlic herb seafood foil packs can also be prepared on the grill, making them perfect for outdoor cooking.

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat, approximately 375–400°F.
2. Prepare the sauce and season the seafood as directed.
3. Assemble and seal the foil packets securely.
4. Place the packets on the grill grates over indirect heat.
5. Cook for approximately 15–22 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon and the heat of the grill.
6. Carefully open a packet and check that the salmon reaches 145°F and the shrimp are fully cooked.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Grill temperatures vary, so begin checking the seafood early to prevent overcooking.

Delicious Recipe Variations

Cajun Garlic Butter Seafood Foil Packs

Replace the paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder with 1–2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Lemon Parmesan Salmon and Shrimp Packs

Add extra lemon zest and another tablespoon of Parmesan cheese to the sauce. The bright lemon flavor pairs beautifully with the rich seafood.

Spicy Creamy Seafood Foil Packs

Increase the red pepper flakes and add a little hot sauce to the cream sauce for a spicy, creamy seafood dinner.

Garlic Herb Salmon with Scallops

Replace half of the shrimp with sea scallops. Pat the scallops dry before seasoning and make sure all seafood is arranged in a single layer for even cooking.

Vegetable-Packed Seafood Foil Packs

Add thinly sliced zucchini, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. Cut vegetables into small, even pieces so they soften during the cooking time.

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Herb Seafood Foil Packs

These salmon and shrimp packets are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with simple side dishes.

• Garlic mashed potatoes: A creamy side that absorbs the delicious garlic herb sauce.
• Steamed rice: Perfect for serving with the buttery seafood juices.
• Roasted asparagus: Adds a fresh, slightly crisp vegetable side.
• Buttered green beans: A simple side that complements the seafood.
• Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up every bit of the creamy sauce.
• Fresh garden salad: Adds a light, refreshing contrast to the rich salmon and shrimp.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerator

Allow leftover seafood to cool promptly. Transfer the salmon, shrimp, and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep the seafood refrigerated at 40°F or below.

Reheating

For the best texture, place the seafood and sauce in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. You can also reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat. Avoid high heat, which can dry out the salmon and make the shrimp rubbery.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this finished recipe because the cream sauce may separate and the cooked seafood may lose its tender texture. It is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salmon fillets instead of salmon steaks?

Yes! Salmon fillets work very well. Choose thick fillets of approximately 6 ounces each and adjust the cooking time according to their thickness.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely. Thaw the shrimp completely in the refrigerator, remove excess moisture with paper towels, and season as directed.

Can I prepare the foil packs ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic herb sauce and season the seafood ahead of time. For the best food safety and texture, assemble the packets shortly before cooking and keep all seafood refrigerated until ready to use.

Can I make these foil packs without heavy cream?

Yes. You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, although it will be less rich and may be thinner. Avoid boiling the sauce, especially when using lower-fat dairy.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

Check the thickest part of the salmon with a food thermometer. The recommended safe internal temperature for salmon is 145°F. The flesh should also look opaque and separate easily with a fork.

Can I add potatoes to the foil packs?

Yes, but potatoes take longer to cook than shrimp and salmon. Use small, thinly sliced potatoes and partially cook them before assembling the packets so everything finishes at approximately the same time.

Why is my foil packet watery?

Seafood and vegetables naturally release moisture as they cook. Pat the seafood dry before seasoning, avoid adding too much broth, and use vegetables that have been sliced evenly. The creamy sauce should be thick enough to coat the seafood before cooking.

Creamy Garlic Herb Seafood Foil Packs with Salmon Steaks Recipe Card

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 620 per serving

Ingredients

Seafood Foil Packs

• 4 salmon steaks, approximately 6 ounces each
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 small zucchini, sliced (optional)
• 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)

Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chicken or seafood broth
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and broth. Warm gently for 2–3 minutes.
4. Add Parmesan, thyme, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth, then mix in half the parsley.
5. Pat the salmon and shrimp dry. Drizzle with olive oil and season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
6. Divide optional vegetables between the foil sheets. Place one salmon steak and one-quarter of the shrimp in each packet.
7. Add lemon slices and spoon the creamy garlic herb sauce over the seafood.
8. Fold and seal the foil packets securely, leaving a little room inside for heat circulation.
9. Arrange the packets on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 15–20 minutes, depending on seafood thickness.
10. Check that the salmon reaches 145°F and the shrimp are opaque and fully cooked.
11. Carefully open the packets, garnish with the remaining parsley, and serve immediately.

Estimated Nutrition Information

Per serving (1 foil pack):

• Calories: 620 kcal
• Protein: 55 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fat: 41 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 780 mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the size of the salmon steaks, shrimp, dairy products, and optional vegetables used.

Final Thoughts

These Creamy Garlic Herb Seafood Foil Packs with Salmon Steaks are an easy and delicious way to bring together tender salmon, juicy shrimp, fresh herbs, and a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Cooking everything in individual foil packets helps keep the seafood moist while making preparation and cleanup simple.

Serve them with rice, roasted vegetables, or warm crusty bread to enjoy every drop of the creamy sauce. Whether you're cooking for your family or preparing a special seafood dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!