East Coast Shrimp Rolls

Few dishes capture the essence of summer on the East Coast quite like shrimp rolls. Inspired by the iconic New England lobster roll, shrimp rolls offer the same buttery, toasty bun filled with fresh seafood goodness, but with the more accessible and equally delicious shrimp. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light and refreshing meal, shrimp rolls are a coastal classic that anyone can recreate at home.

The beauty of shrimp rolls lies in their simplicity. Tender, sweet shrimp are combined with a creamy, tangy dressing, then piled high onto a warm, toasted split-top bun. This recipe captures all the flavors of a seaside shack but can be made in your kitchen in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re reminiscing about a trip to Maine or just craving something light and flavorful, shrimp rolls are sure to delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is everything you love about summer dining:

• Quick and Easy: With minimal cooking and simple ingredients, these rolls are ready in less than 30 minutes.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of shrimp, lemon juice, and fresh herbs creates a light yet satisfying flavor.
• Customizable: Adjust the seasoning, add extra toppings, or swap out ingredients to suit your tastes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve these rolls at a summer barbecue, as a quick weeknight dinner, or even as an elegant appetizer for entertaining.
• East Coast Charm: This recipe brings the taste of a New England seafood shack to your kitchen, no matter where you live.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 shrimp rolls
• Serving Size: 1 roll

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Salad

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cooked
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Rolls

• 4 split-top hot dog buns (or brioche rolls)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup shredded lettuce (optional, for a crispy base)

Optional Add-Ins and Toppings

• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped (for crunch)
• A pinch of Old Bay seasoning (for a hint of spice)
• Sliced avocado (for creaminess)
• Extra dill or chives for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

• If your shrimp are not already cooked, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Drain and transfer the shrimp to an ice bath to cool.
• Once cooled, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, chives, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Toss the Shrimp

• Add the chopped shrimp to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to coat the shrimp evenly in the creamy mixture. Adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

• Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread a thin layer of butter on the sides of each roll.
• Toast the buns in the skillet until golden brown and slightly crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side.

Step 5: Assemble the Rolls

• If using lettuce, place a small handful in the bottom of each toasted bun.
• Spoon the shrimp salad generously into each bun, ensuring every roll is fully stuffed.
• Garnish with extra dill or chives, if desired.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the shrimp rolls immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus. Pair with chips, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Ingredient Background

• Shrimp: Fresh shrimp are key to this recipe’s success. Choose large shrimp for their sweet flavor and meaty texture. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked shrimp work well too.
• Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base for the dressing, binding all the flavors together. Use high-quality mayo for the best taste.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: The brightness of lemon enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp and adds a refreshing citrus note.
• Dill and Chives: These fresh herbs bring a pop of flavor that complements the seafood beautifully.
• Split-Top Buns: A classic choice for seafood rolls, these buns have flat sides that toast up perfectly for added texture.

Technique Tips

• Cook Shrimp Properly: Overcooking shrimp can make them rubbery. Keep a close eye on them while boiling or steaming.
• Chill the Salad: Allowing the shrimp salad to chill for a few minutes before assembling the rolls enhances the flavors.
• Toast Buns Evenly: Butter the buns evenly and toast over medium heat to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Mini Shrimp Rolls: Use slider buns or small brioche rolls to create bite-sized versions of this recipe, perfect for parties or appetizers.
• Shrimp Salad Platter: Serve the shrimp salad on a bed of lettuce with crackers or crostini on the side for a deconstructed presentation.
• Lettuce Wraps: Skip the buns and spoon the shrimp salad into large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

Additional Tips for Success

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the shrimp salad after mixing and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.
• Serve Immediately: Shrimp rolls are best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crispness of the toasted buns and the brightness of the salad.
• Prep Ahead: Cook the shrimp and prepare the dressing a day in advance. Assemble the rolls just before serving for maximum freshness.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Shrimp Rolls: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
• Tarragon Twist: Replace dill with fresh tarragon for a slightly sweet, licorice-like flavor.
• Avocado Shrimp Rolls: Add slices of avocado to the rolls for extra creaminess and flavor.
• Asian-Inspired Rolls: Swap the mayo for a sesame-ginger dressing and add shredded carrots and cucumbers for an Asian twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover shrimp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the rolls just before serving.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy dressing and shrimp texture do not hold up well after thawing.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Greek Yogurt Substitute: Replace half (or all) of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
• Whole Wheat Buns: Use whole wheat or sprouted grain buns for added fiber and nutrients.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use unsalted butter and low-sodium seasoning to reduce the salt content.
• More Veggies: Add diced cucumber, red bell peppers, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Summer Barbecue: Pair the shrimp rolls with grilled corn on the cob, coleslaw, and potato salad for a complete barbecue menu.
• Picnic Fare: Pack the shrimp salad in a chilled container and assemble the rolls on-site for a fresh and portable picnic option.
• Elegant Brunch: Serve shrimp rolls alongside sparkling wine, fresh fruit, and a light green salad for a sophisticated brunch spread.
• Game Day Snack: Create mini shrimp rolls to serve as finger food for a crowd-pleasing game day appetizer.

Special Equipment

• Large Pot: For boiling or steaming shrimp.
• Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl for preparing the shrimp salad dressing.
• Skillet or Griddle: For toasting the buns to golden perfection.
• Tongs: Useful for removing shrimp from the boiling water or flipping buns in the skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking. Frozen shrimp can be just as fresh and flavorful as fresh shrimp when properly prepared.

2. What’s the best way to peel and devein shrimp?

Run a small paring knife along the back of the shrimp to remove the shell and vein. Many stores sell shrimp that are already peeled and deveined for convenience.

3. Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise?

Yes! Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or an avocado-based dressing for a mayo-free version.

4. How do I prevent overcooking shrimp?

Shrimp cook quickly, typically within 2-3 minutes. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

5. Are shrimp rolls served hot or cold?

Shrimp rolls are traditionally served chilled or at room temperature, but the buns are toasted warm for contrast.

6. Can I make shrimp rolls gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free buns or serve the shrimp salad in lettuce wraps.

7. What other seafood can I use?

If you prefer, you can substitute shrimp with crab, lobster, or even scallops for a different take on this recipe.

8. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover shrimp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble fresh rolls when ready to serve.

Conclusion

East Coast Shrimp Rolls are a delicious and elegant way to enjoy fresh seafood with minimal effort. This recipe celebrates the simple yet bold flavors of the coast, combining tender shrimp with a creamy, tangy dressing and warm, buttery buns. Whether served as part of a summer feast, a quick weeknight dinner, or an appetizer for guests, shrimp rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With easy preparation, customizable options, and incredible flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the taste of the East Coast wherever you are!

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