Pan-Seared Shrimp with Aperol-Lemon Butter

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

Juicy shrimp seared in butter with a zesty Aperol and lemon sauce that complements their natural sweetness. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, butter, Aperol for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat shrimp dry, then season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tbsp Aperol, 1/2 lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/2 tsp fresh thyme to the skillet. Simmer for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly and aromatics are fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat, transfer shrimp to a plate, and spoon sauce over top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Shrimp with Aperol-Lemon 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 Pan-Seared Shrimp with Aperol-Lemon 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 Pan-Seared Shrimp with Aperol-Lemon 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 Pan-Seared Shrimp with Aperol-Lemon 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Shrimp with Aperol-Lemon Butter?

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.

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