Aperol-Glazed Citrus Shrimp with Fennel

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

Juicy shrimp caramelized in a bright, bittersweet glaze infused with Aperol and orange zest, served atop roasted fennel for a refreshing summer dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs shrimp, Aperol, fresh orange zest 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim fennel bulbs, slice into 1/2-inch wedges, toss with 1 tsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper, then spread on a baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Pat shrimp dry, season with remaining salt and pepper, then toss with 1 tbsp olive oil in a bowl.
  3. Step 3: Roast fennel for 20 minutes until edges are golden and tender.
  4. Step 4: Heat remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add shrimp, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Remove skillet from heat, stir in Aperol, orange zest, and lemon juice, then toss to coat shrimp until glaze thickens slightly and becomes glossy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol-Glazed Citrus Shrimp with Fennel take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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-Glazed Citrus Shrimp with Fennel?

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-Glazed Citrus Shrimp with Fennel?

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-Glazed Citrus Shrimp with Fennel 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.

Is Aperol-Glazed Citrus Shrimp with Fennel gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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