Aperol-Cured Shrimp with Citrus Salad
Quick-cured shrimp with a bright Aperol kick, served atop a crisp citrus salad with arugula and blood orange segments for a light, sophisticated starter. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 19 minutes pairs peeled and deveined raw shrimp, Aperol, segments fresh blood orange for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz, peeled and deveined raw shrimp
- 1 tbsp Aperol
- 1, segments fresh blood orange
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine 8 oz peeled shrimp, 1 tbsp Aperol, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper; gently toss to coat and refrigerate for 15 minutes to cure.
- Step 2: While shrimp cure, arrange 2 cups arugula on a plate and top with 1 blood orange, segmented.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat; add cured shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until opaque and slightly pink.
- Step 4: Place shrimp on arugula with blood orange segments, drizzling any remaining cure liquid from the dish over the top before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Cured Shrimp with Citrus Salad take to make?
Total time is about 19 minutes (15 min prep + 4 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-Cured Shrimp with Citrus Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep aperol from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Cured Shrimp with Citrus Salad?
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-Cured Shrimp with Citrus Salad 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-Cured Shrimp with Citrus Salad?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
