The Shrimp Roll is a timeless seafood delight, cherished for its refreshing taste and minimal effort. Inspired by the classic New England-style roll, this version brings together succulent shrimp, creamy lemon mayo, and a buttery, toasted brioche bun for a sandwich that’s crisp, light, and perfect for summer days. The subtle kick of Dijon mustard and brightness from lemon zest elevate this humble sandwich to gourmet status.
Ideal for lunches, casual dinners, or even as a picnic staple, this Shrimp Roll is versatile and crowd-pleasing. You can easily customize it by adding diced pickles, switching herbs, or skipping the lettuce for a more traditional feel. Whether served alongside kettle chips or a cold pasta salad, it’s a dish that captures the best of coastal cuisine with every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450 g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tbsp butter, divided
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 tsp lemon zest
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1/4 cup finely chopped celery
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1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (optional)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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4 brioche hot dog buns, split
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1 tbsp chopped chives (for garnish)
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Optional: lettuce leaves for layering
Directions:
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Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Drain and rinse under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
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Roughly chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped celery, dill (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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Add chopped shrimp and gently toss to coat. Cover and chill for 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld.
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Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toast the sides of the brioche buns until golden brown.
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Spread a little butter inside each bun if desired.
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Line the buns with lettuce (optional), then fill generously with the shrimp mixture.
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Garnish with chopped chives and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Shrimp Rolls: A Coastal Classic Reimagined
Shrimp rolls have long been considered a staple in East Coast cuisine, especially in New England where seafood reigns supreme. Much like their close cousin, the lobster roll, shrimp rolls deliver that refreshing, briny taste of the ocean packed into a soft, buttery bun. What makes this dish truly special is its balance, the creamy filling contrasts beautifully with the crunch of celery and the buttery crisp of toasted brioche. It’s a luxurious yet simple sandwich that feels equally at home on a beachside picnic table or as part of a refined seafood platter.
Whether you’re looking for a light summer lunch, an easy dinner option, or a showstopper for your next backyard gathering, shrimp rolls offer both convenience and elegance. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into their origin, the key ingredients that make this recipe irresistible, customization ideas, storage tips, and expert serving suggestions. This way, you’ll have everything you need to make shrimp rolls a beloved staple in your kitchen.
The Origins of the Shrimp Roll
The shrimp roll has its roots in the culinary traditions of the American Northeast, where fresh seafood is part of everyday life. While lobster rolls may take center stage, shrimp rolls are often the more economical and equally flavorful option. These sandwiches are believed to have gained popularity in the mid-20th century when seafood shacks and roadside diners began serving cold shrimp salads on buttered hot dog buns as a quick and tasty offering to tourists and locals alike.
What differentiates the shrimp roll from other seafood sandwiches is its delicacy. Shrimp has a naturally sweet and light flavor that doesn’t overpower, making it the perfect protein to pair with subtle citrusy and herby dressings. Unlike heavy fried seafood sandwiches, shrimp rolls tend to be chilled, fresh, and crisp, the epitome of coastal simplicity.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
At first glance, shrimp rolls may seem like a simple mix of shrimp and mayo. But each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
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Shrimp: Medium-sized shrimp are ideal for this recipe. They’re big enough to offer a meaty bite but small enough to chop easily and blend into the dressing. Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used, but be sure to devein and cook them just until pink and opaque.
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Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of the dressing. For the best results, opt for a high-quality mayo or even make your own. You can also try a light version or substitute part of it with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
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Dijon Mustard: A small spoonful of Dijon adds tang and depth, balancing out the richness of the mayo.
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Lemon Juice & Zest: The citrus elements brighten up the entire dish and enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
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Celery: Adds crunch and freshness. It’s important to finely chop it so it doesn’t overpower the bite.
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Fresh Herbs: Dill and chives are the most common choices, offering subtle grassy and oniony notes. You can also experiment with parsley or tarragon.
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Brioche Buns: The buttery, slightly sweet flavor of brioche pairs wonderfully with the creamy shrimp filling. Toasting the buns until golden gives them a satisfying crunch while helping them hold the filling better.
Customization Ideas
Shrimp rolls are wonderfully versatile and can be tailored to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
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Add Pickles or Capers: For a briny punch, mix in finely diced dill pickles or capers.
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Spice It Up: Add a dash of Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper, or a spoonful of sriracha to give it a kick.
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Switch the Herbs: Not a fan of dill? Try fresh basil or tarragon for a unique twist.
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Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter used for toasting the buns with a dairy-free alternative.
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Lighten It Up: Replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce fat while keeping the creaminess intact.
Serving Suggestions
Shrimp rolls are great as a standalone meal but can also be paired with complementary sides to round out your dining experience:
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Chips or Fries: Kettle-cooked chips or sweet potato fries offer a satisfying crunch.
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Coleslaw: A tangy slaw cuts through the richness of the shrimp salad and adds extra veggies to your plate.
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Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn with a bit of butter and herbs fits perfectly with the seafood theme.
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Fresh Salad: A light garden salad or cucumber-tomato mix keeps things refreshing.
Want to make it a full-on seafood feast? Pair shrimp rolls with clam chowder or lobster bisque for a New England-inspired meal.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Shrimp rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can still prepare parts of the recipe in advance for easy assembly:
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Shrimp Salad: Can be made 1 day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving.
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Toasted Buns: Toast the buns just before serving for the best texture. If needed, you can toast them a few hours ahead and reheat in a low oven.
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Leftovers: If you have leftover shrimp salad, enjoy it on crackers, over lettuce, or tucked into a wrap for a quick next-day meal.
Avoid freezing, as mayonnaise-based dressings don’t hold up well to thawing.
Why Shrimp Rolls Are a Must-Try
In a culinary world where people are constantly seeking fast, flavorful, and fresh options, shrimp rolls are the answer. They offer the elegance of a seafood dish without the fuss of complicated preparation. With just a few high-quality ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can serve something that looks and tastes gourmet.
Moreover, shrimp is a lean protein, low in fat but rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like astaxanthin, which contributes to its pink color. This makes shrimp rolls not only tasty but also a nutrient-rich option for those watching their diet.
They also happen to be ideal for entertaining. From beach picnics to bridal showers, shrimp rolls can be dressed up or down to fit the occasion. Simply serve them on smaller slider buns for a more elegant, finger-food-friendly approach.
Conclusion
Shrimp rolls are the perfect marriage of flavor, texture, and convenience. With their creamy yet refreshing filling, crispy toasted buns, and delicate seafood flavor, they capture everything we love about coastal cuisine. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, they offer a delicious escape from the ordinary, no matter where you are.
Whether you’re preparing a casual lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner for guests, these shrimp rolls are guaranteed to satisfy. Don’t be surprised if they become a requested favorite at your table. Versatile, vibrant, and undeniably delicious, this recipe is one you’ll want to return to again and again.