Hey there seafood lovers! Today I’m gonna spill the tea about one of my absolute favorite summer sandwiches – the incredible shrimp roll! As someone who’s eaten their fair share of these delicious handheld bites I’m excited to share everything you need to know about this budget-friendly cousin of the famous lobster roll.
What Exactly is a Shrimp Roll?
A shrimp roll is basically heaven in sandwich form – it’s a New England-style sandwich where tender, chopped shrimp get mixed up with creamy mayo and crispy veggies, then stuffed into a warm, buttery toasted split-top bun. Think of it as the more affordable (but equally yummy!) version of the classic lobster roll.
The Story Behind This Seaside Favorite
Back in the day (we’re talking late 1800s), when lobster rolls were all the rage in New England, some genius figured out that shrimp could make an awesome alternative that wouldn’t break the bank The shrimp roll was born, and honestly? It’s been making waves ever since!
What Goes Into Making the Perfect Shrimp Roll?
Here’s what you’ll need to make these bad boys
The Must-Have Ingredients:
- Fresh or frozen shrimp (about 1 pound)
- Mayo (⅓ cup – Duke’s if you’re feeling fancy!)
- Celery (finely diced)
- Green onions or chives
- Fresh herbs (dill and parsley are top picks)
- Lemon juice (keeps it fresh and zingy)
- Old Bay seasoning (because duh!)
- Split-top hot dog buns
- Butter (for that golden-brown toasting magic)
How to Make Your Own Shrimp Rolls
Step 1: Prep Those Shrimp
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw ’em under cold running water
- Cook until just pink (don’t overcook or they’ll get rubbery!)
- Chop into bite-sized pieces
- Pat dry (nobody likes a watery roll!)
Step 2: Make the Amazing Filling
- Mix your chopped shrimp with mayo
- Add diced celery for crunch
- Throw in those herbs and seasonings
- Squirt some lemon juice
- Season with salt & pepper to taste
Step 3: The All-Important Bun Prep
- Butter those split-top buns
- Griddle ’em until golden brown
- Stuff with your amazing shrimp mixture
Pro Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prep the filling a day before – just keep it chilled!
- Bun Business: Toast those buns right before serving for maximum yumminess
- Seasoning Secrets: Start with less mayo and add more if needed – you can always add but can’t take away!
Ways to Switch It Up
Feel free to get creative! Here’s some fun variations I’ve tried:
- Add some diced jalapeno for kick
- Swap regular mayo for chipotle mayo
- Throw in some crispy bacon bits
- Use Old Bay seasoning for a Maryland twist
- Try it on a croissant instead of a hot dog bun
What to Serve with Your Shrimp Roll
Make it a meal with these perfect sidekicks:
- Potato chips (classic!)
- Coleslaw
- Cucumber salad
- Cold beer or lemonade
- Corn on the cob
Why Make Shrimp Rolls at Home?
- Save Money: Way cheaper than restaurant prices
- Customize It: Make it exactly how you like it
- Impress Friends: Perfect for summer gatherings
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 15 minutes
- Leftover Friendly: Filling keeps for 2-3 days
Storage Tips
- Keep the filling refrigerated for up to 2 days
- Don’t freeze (mayo gets weird when frozen)
- Toast buns fresh when ready to eat
- Store components separately for best results
Final Thoughts
Y’all, I gotta say – there’s something special about biting into a perfectly made shrimp roll on a warm summer day. It’s one of those foods that just makes everything better! Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just want a quick but fancy-feeling lunch, shrimp rolls are always a winner.
So whatcha waiting for? Grab those ingredients and get rolling! And hey, if your first attempt isn’t perfect, no worries – that just means you get to eat more shrimp rolls while practicing!
This Shrimp Roll Recipe is the Southern Version of New England Lobster Rolls
Since we live in the southeast where lobster is not exactly easy to come by, I’m putting a Southern spin on one of our favorite summer meals with these New England-style shrimp rolls. After all, shrimp is abundant around here, it’s more affordable than lobster, and it’s absolutely delicious when turned into a shrimp sandwich filling! Make the shrimp rolls ahead if you’re entertaining, or whip up the no-cook meal in about 15 minutes.
Ingredient Notes and Tips for Success
- You’ll need peeled, cooked and deveined shrimp that are diced into bite-sized pieces. I typically take a shortcut and purchase fresh or frozen pre-cooked shrimp so that all I have to do is chop them up. I like the meatier texture of large or extra-large shrimp, but any size will work fine.
- If you’re starting with raw shrimp, you will need to cook them before proceeding with the recipe. I’ve included those instructions in the recipe card below.
- Pick a high-quality mayonnaise (we prefer Duke’s for another Southern touch to this New England-inspired meal).
- Lemon juice and white vinegar are acidic components that cut the richness of the dressing and give the dish a bright flavor. Some readers prefer to omit the vinegar, which they say works great, too!
- Fresh dill adds extra flavor, although you can omit this herb if desired.
- Old Bay is a classic seafood seasoning blend that this Virginia girl just couldn’t forget!
- For a classic New England-style preparation, use top-split hot dog buns.
The Best Shrimp Rolls Recipe | New England-Style Rolls
FAQ
What’s on a shrimp roll?
- Shrimp – I recommend using jumbo, wild-caught shrimp for the best results. …
- Brioche Buns – these soft, sweet, and buttery rolls taste incredible with the shrimp filling.
- Mayonnaise – for making the creamy dressing.
- Fresh Dill, Parsley, Chives – fresh herbs are a must!
Is the shrimp in a shrimp roll cooked?
Once the shrimp are cooked, cooled, and cut into pieces, the rest follows standard lobster roll procedure: Fold the seafood with mayo, finely diced celery, chives, and lemon juice, then pack the mixture into buttered and toasted top-split buns.
What is the difference between a shrimp roll and a California roll?
The California roll contains cucumber, crab, and avocado. 2. Shrimp Tempura Roll- Tempura is a light batter typically used to fry fish and vegetables. The shrimp tempura roll is fried shrimp, avocado, and cucumber.
Are shrimp rolls healthy?
Shrimp rolls, particularly fresh Vietnamese-style shrimp spring rolls, can be a healthy option, especially when compared to fried or heavily processed foods. They are typically low in fat and calories, and often include fresh vegetables and lean protein from the shrimp.