Aperol & Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Juicy shrimp marinated in Aperol and fresh herbs, grilled to perfection with lemon zest for a bright, zesty appetizer or light main course. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 26 minutes pairs shrimp, Aperol, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, 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, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 tbsp Aperol
- 1, zest only lemon
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh oregano
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 2, for serving lemon wedges
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp Aperol, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp fresh oregano, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Toss shrimp with the Aperol marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 3: Thread shrimp onto soaked wooden skewers, spacing them evenly.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F/190°C). Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, turning once halfway through.
- Step 5: Transfer to a plate, garnish with extra lemon zest, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol & Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 26 minutes (20 min prep + 6 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 & Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers?
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 & Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers?
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 & Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 & Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers?
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
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
