Aperol-Infused Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Butter
Quick-cooked shrimp bathed in a bright Aperol and lemon butter sauce that enhances the seafood's natural sweetness without overpowering it. This italian-inspired seafood (gluten-free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, Aperol, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 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
- 8 oz, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 tbsp Aperol
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add 8 oz peeled and deveined shrimp and sear for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 tbsp Aperol, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, stirring constantly for 1 minute until the Aperol evaporates and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter until melted and fully incorporated, then add 1/4 tsp salt and a pinch of black pepper, simmering for 1 more minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, then serve immediately over rice or with crusty bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Infused Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Butter take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Butter?
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 peeled and deveined shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Infused Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Butter?
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 Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Butter 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 Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Butter 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
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.