Georgia Low Country Boil Grill Packets: A Southern Seafood Feast

There is something undeniably magical about the culinary traditions of the American South, where food is more than just sustenance—it is a reason to gather, celebrate, and connect. The Georgia Low Country Boil is a quintessential example of this spirit, traditionally involving a massive communal pot bubbling with seafood and spices. However, we have adapted this coastal classic for the modern backyard chef using the Arteflame grill. By converting the traditional boil into individual grill packets, you lock in every ounce of moisture and flavor while eliminating the hassle of cleaning a giant stockpot. This method steams the shrimp and vegetables to perfection in their own juices, creating a flavor profile that is rich, buttery, and packed with the zesty kick of Old Bay seasoning. Whether you are hosting a summer cookout or looking for a comforting family dinner, these foil packets deliver a gourmet experience with rustic charm.

Ingredients

The Main Event

• 2 lbs Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off based on preference)
• 14 oz Andouille Sausage (or any smoked sausage), sliced into rounds
• 4 Ears of Corn, shucked and cut into smaller 3-inch cobbettes
• 1 lb Baby Red Potatoes, washed and halved (pre-boil for 5 minutes if you prefer them extra soft)

The Flavor Profile

• 1 Stick (1/2 cup) Unsalted Butter, melted
• 2 tbsp Garlic, minced finely
• 1/4 cup Old Bay Seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 Lemon, cut into wedges for garnish
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
• Heavy-duty Aluminum Foil

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Arteflame and Foil

1. Fire up your Arteflame grill. You are aiming for a medium-high heat on the flat top cooktop, usually found closer to the center grate, though these packets can also be placed directly on the grill grate if you prefer a smokier finish.
2. Cut four to six large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12x18 inches each). If you only have standard foil, double up the sheets to prevent tearing and leaks.

Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, sliced Andouille sausage, corn cobbettes, and halved red potatoes.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, and the Old Bay seasoning until well combined.
3. Pour the butter mixture over the shrimp and vegetable mix. Toss everything gently with a large spoon or your hands until all ingredients are evenly coated in the spices and butter.

Step 3: Fill the Packets

1. Divide the seasoned mixture evenly among the center of your foil sheets.
2. Ensure that the ingredients are piled in the middle to allow room for folding.
3. Fold the long sides of the foil up to meet in the center, crimping them tightly together to create a seal. Fold up the short ends tightly. You want to create a tented effect that allows steam to circulate without escaping.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

1. Place the foil packets onto the flat top griddle of your Arteflame, or directly on the center grill grate for higher heat.
2. Cook for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. If cooking on the flat top, you can rotate the packets halfway through to ensure even heating.
3. You will know they are done when the shrimp turns an opaque pink and the potatoes are tender when poked with a fork through a carefully opened steam vent.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

1. Remove the packets from the grill using tongs—be careful, they will be extremely hot.
2. Place a packet on each plate and carefully open them (watch out for the steam release).
3. Squeeze a fresh lemon wedge over the top and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before digging in.

Tips

Creating the perfect Low Country Boil packet requires a balance of heat and timing to ensure everything finishes cooking simultaneously. The most crucial tip is to manage the size of your potatoes. Since potatoes take longer to cook than shrimp, cut them into small, bite-sized pieces, or par-boil them for about 5 minutes before adding them to the foil. This prevents you from having overcooked, rubbery shrimp while waiting for the potatoes to soften. Additionally, always use heavy-duty foil. The ingredients will release steam and natural juices, and thin foil is prone to tearing when you move the packets, which leads to dry food and a messy grill. Finally, do not skimp on the butter; it acts as the primary vehicle for the spices and ensures the corn and potatoes absorb that classic seafood boil flavor.

Variations

While the traditional recipe is a crowd-pleaser, these grill packets are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit any palate or dietary preference. You can easily modify the protein or the spice profile to create a new culinary experience every time you fire up the grill. Here are a few popular ways to mix things up:

• The Cajun Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture for a spicy Louisiana-style version.
• Surf and Turf: Swap the sausage for bite-sized steak tips to make a hearty meat-lover's packet.
• Beer Steamed: Pour two tablespoons of your favorite lager or pilsner into each packet before sealing to add a malty, steamed flavor depth.
• Vegetarian Delight: Omit the shrimp and sausage, and replace them with zucchini chunks, mushrooms, and bell peppers, increasing the amount of corn and potatoes.
• Herb Butter: If you dislike Old Bay, replace it with a mixture of lemon pepper, fresh dill, and thyme for a fresher, non-spicy citrus profile.

Best pairings

A Georgia Low Country Boil is a robust, flavorful dish that commands attention, so the sides and drinks you pair with it should complement rather than compete with the spices. Because the meal is rich with butter and spices, you want crisp, refreshing elements to cleanse the palate. This meal creates a festive atmosphere, so serve it family-style for the best effect.

• Beverages: An ice-cold pilsner or a light lager is the traditional choice. For wine lovers, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Rosé cuts through the richness of the butter perfectly.
• Bread: Crusty garlic bread or jalapeño cornbread is essential for soaking up the delicious garlic-butter sauce left at the bottom of the foil packet.
• Salads: A tangy, vinegar-based coleslaw provides a cold, crunchy contrast to the warm, soft seafood and potatoes.
• Dessert: Finish the meal with something Southern and sweet, like a slice of Key Lime pie or a warm peach cobbler.

Conclusion

These Georgia Low Country Boil Grill Packets offer the perfect intersection of convenience and gourmet flavor, proving that you do not need a massive stockpot to enjoy a traditional seafood feast. By utilizing the Arteflame grill, you achieve a consistent cook that highlights the natural sweetness of the corn and the savory brine of the shrimp. It is a recipe that invites conversation, encourages hands-on eating, and leaves you with almost zero cleanup at the end of the night. Gather your friends, chill the drinks, and enjoy the effortless luxury of a seafood boil right in your own backyard.