1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing all of your ingredients before assembling the foil packets. Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary, then pat them dry with paper towels.
Slice the smoked sausage into approximately 1/2-inch pieces. Chop the bell peppers and red onion into bite-sized pieces, and mince the garlic.
Preparing everything in advance makes the assembly process much faster and ensures that all the ingredients are ready to go.
2. Preheat the Oven or Grill
If you are cooking the packets in the oven, preheat it before assembling the meal. If you are using a grill, allow it to preheat as well.
A properly heated cooking surface helps the ingredients cook consistently and reduces the time the packets need to remain sealed.
3. Prepare the Foil
Cut several large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. If necessary, use two layers of foil for each packet, especially if you plan to cook them on a grill.
Place the foil sheets on a clean work surface with the shiny or dull side facing either direction. The important thing is to create a strong enough packet to hold all of the ingredients and their juices securely.
4. Divide the Ingredients
Divide the shrimp, sausage, bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic evenly among the foil sheets.
Try not to create an excessively thick pile in the center. Spreading the ingredients into a relatively even layer helps them cook more consistently.