Aperol-Braised Shrimp with Fennel & Lemon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Plump shrimp simmered in a bright, aromatic sauce that balances Aperol's bitterness with fresh fennel and lemon, served over crusty bread. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs large shrimp, fennel bulb, Aperol for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and devein 300 g shrimp, then pat dry. Trim 100 g fennel bulb into thin half-moons and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fennel and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add 300 g shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Pour in 30 ml Aperol and 20 ml fresh lemon juice, then simmer for 2 minutes until the liquid reduces by half and becomes slightly glossy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol-Braised Shrimp with Fennel & Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Aperol-Braised Shrimp with Fennel & Lemon?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Braised Shrimp with Fennel & Lemon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Aperol-Braised Shrimp with Fennel & Lemon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Aperol-Braised Shrimp with Fennel & Lemon?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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