Aperol-Glazed Citrus Shrimp with Fennel
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 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
- 12 oz shrimp
- 2 tbsp Aperol
- 1 tsp fresh orange zest
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 fennel bulbs
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 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.
- Step 2: Pat shrimp dry, season with remaining salt and pepper, then toss with 1 tbsp olive oil in a bowl.
- Step 3: Roast fennel for 20 minutes until edges are golden and tender.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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?
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 shrimp from drying out.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.