Aperol-Infused Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Juicy shrimp caramelized in a vibrant Aperol reduction with bright lemon and garlic, served over zucchini noodles for a light yet flavorful meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low-carb, gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs Aperol, honey, garlic 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
- 1/4 cup Aperol
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz shrimp
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Mince 1 garlic clove and heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp, 1/4 cup Aperol, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to coat. Simmer for 5 minutes until shrimp turn pink and Aperol reduces to a glossy sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, spiralize 2 medium zucchini into noodles, then toss with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Serve shrimp and sauce over zucchini noodles immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Infused Lemon Garlic Shrimp take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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-Infused Lemon Garlic Shrimp?
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-Infused Lemon Garlic Shrimp?
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-Infused Lemon Garlic Shrimp 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-Infused Lemon Garlic Shrimp low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, 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
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
