Shrimp rolls are a light and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a creamy, tangy dressing, all nestled in a soft, buttery roll. The shrimp is perfectly seasoned and mixed with crisp veggies, offering a delightful crunch with every bite.
What Are Shrimp Rolls?
Shrimp rolls are a classic seafood sandwich, inspired by New England’s famed lobster rolls. They feature chunks of tender, cooked shrimp, typically tossed in a creamy dressing, nestled in a warm, split-top bun. Light, fresh, and satisfying, shrimp rolls are perfect for seafood lovers looking for an easy and impressive dish.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Rolls
Freshness Is Key: Always use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp. For the best flavor, opt for wild-caught shrimp if available.
Properly Cook the Shrimp: Poach the shrimp gently in salted water for the best texture. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
Chill the Filling: Let the shrimp mixture chill for 15-20 minutes before assembling. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Butter the Buns: Lightly toast the buns with butter for added richness and a slight crunch.
Balance the Flavors: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of Old Bay seasoning to enhance the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic shrimp roll recipe is a crowd-pleaser, there’s plenty of room for customization. Here are some creative twists:
- Spicy Shrimp Roll: Add a dash of Sriracha or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Asian-Inspired Shrimp Roll: Mix in sesame oil, soy sauce, and finely chopped scallions for an umami-rich flavor profile.
- Avocado Shrimp Roll: Add diced avocado to the shrimp mixture for a creamy, healthy twist.
- Herbed Shrimp Roll: Toss the shrimp with fresh dill, chives, or parsley for a garden-fresh touch.
- Cajun Shrimp Roll: Season the shrimp with Cajun spice before cooking, and mix with a mayo-based dressing.
How to Serve Shrimp Rolls
- Classic Style: Serve the shrimp rolls warm or chilled, with a side of potato chips or coleslaw for a complete meal.
- As Sliders: Use mini buns for bite-sized sliders, perfect for appetizers or party platters.
- With a Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad or cucumber salad for a lighter option.
- On a Platter: Arrange shrimp rolls on a large platter with lemon wedges for an elegant presentation.
Storing Shrimp Rolls
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover shrimp filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble the rolls just before serving to keep the buns from becoming soggy.
- Freezing: While shrimp can be frozen, the mayo-based dressing doesn’t freeze well. If you plan to freeze, store the cooked shrimp separately and mix fresh dressing when ready to serve.
Shrimp Rolls Recipe FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked shrimp can save time. Just ensure they’re thawed and patted dry before mixing with the dressing.
What type of buns are best for shrimp rolls?
Split-top hot dog buns are traditional, but brioche or potato buns also work wonderfully for a richer flavor.
Can I make shrimp rolls dairy-free?
Yes! Swap regular mayonnaise for a dairy-free alternative or use avocado-based mayo.
How can I lighten up the recipe?
Use Greek yogurt or a 50/50 mix of mayo and yogurt for the dressing to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
What side dishes go well with shrimp rolls?
Options like sweet potato fries, corn on the cob, or a tangy cucumber salad pair beautifully with shrimp rolls.
Shrimp Rolls
Shrimp rolls are a light and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a creamy, tangy dressing, all nestled in a soft, buttery roll. The shrimp is perfectly seasoned and mixed with crisp veggies, offering a delightful crunch with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. shrimp (cooked, peeled, and chopped)
- 1 stalk celery (finely diced)
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (minced)
- ¼ tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ tsp sugar
- Kosher salt & black pepper to taste
- 4 hot dog buns (split)
- 2-3 tbsp salted butter (room temp)
- Optional: fresh parsley or extra dill for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry and toss in a large bowl with celery and green onions
- Whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, vinegar, dill, Old Bay, and sugar. Combine with the shrimp mixture and season to taste.
- Chill until ready to serve.
- Butter the cut sides of the buns and toast them in a skillet until golden brown.
- Fill each bun with the shrimp salad and garnish with fresh dill or parsley.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 563Total Fat 35gSaturated Fat 14gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 19gCholesterol 293mgSodium 1713mgCarbohydrates 30gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 32g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp rolls are a versatile and delectable dish that can be dressed up for a fancy gathering or kept simple for a laid-back meal. With the tips, tricks, and variations shared in this guide, you’re well-equipped to create the perfect shrimp rolls that’ll impress family and friends alike.
