Aperol-Marinated Grilled Shrimp

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

These shrimp are tenderized by a bright Aperol marinade, then grilled to perfection for a sophisticated appetizer or main course. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs Aperol, Olive oil, Garlic 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons Aperol, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon chopped thyme.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 ounces shrimp, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper to the bowl, then toss to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to marinate.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F). Thread shrimp onto skewers.
  5. Step 5: Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol-Marinated Grilled Shrimp take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (30 min prep + 5 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-Marinated Grilled Shrimp?

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-Marinated Grilled 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-Marinated Grilled 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.

What goes well with Aperol-Marinated Grilled Shrimp?

Italian 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.

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