Aperol-Glazed Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Rice

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp caramelized in a sweet-bitter Aperol glaze, served over zesty lemon rice with fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals (gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs Aperol, extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 3.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz peeled shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Return skillet to medium heat, add 3 tbsp Aperol, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Simmer for 3 minutes until reduced by half and slightly syrupy, stirring constantly.
  4. Step 4: Return shrimp to skillet and toss to coat evenly, cooking for 1 minute more until glazed. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped basil.
  5. Step 5: While shrimp cooks, prepare rice: Cook 1 cup rice in 2 cups water until tender (about 15 minutes), then fluff and stir in 1 tsp lemon zest. Serve shrimp over rice, garnished with 1 tbsp sliced chives.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol-Glazed Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Rice 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 Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Rice?

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-Herb Rice?

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-Herb Rice 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 Shrimp with Lemon-Herb Rice 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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