Aperol-Glazed Shrimp with Lemon and Fennel

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

Sweet shrimp caramelized in a vibrant Aperol glaze, balanced with fresh lemon and fennel for a bright, elegant appetizer. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals ready in about 18 minutes pairs Aperol, extra virgin olive oil, fennel bulb 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 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 thinly sliced fennel bulb and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until fennel edges soften and garlic is fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz peeled shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Pour in 3 tbsp Aperol, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp lemon zest, stirring to coat shrimp. Simmer for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Serve immediately while hot.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Shrimp with Lemon and 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 aperol from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Glazed Shrimp with Lemon and 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 Shrimp with Lemon and 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.

What goes well with Aperol-Glazed Shrimp with Lemon and Fennel?

Mediterranean quick meals 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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