Total Time: 25 minutes | Yield: Serves 4 people
Growing up on the Maine coast, lobster rolls were the ultimate summer treat, but they weren’t always within our family’s budget. My grandmother, ever resourceful and creative, developed this incredible shrimp roll recipe that captured all the same coastal flavors at a fraction of the cost. Now, decades later, I find myself making these rolls even when lobster is available – there’s something about the sweet, tender shrimp and that perfect creamy dressing that feels like pure summer nostalgia.
These rolls embody everything I love about New England seafood: fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and flavors that transport you straight to a seaside picnic. The best part? They come together in just 25 minutes, making them perfect for impromptu gatherings or weeknight dinners when you’re craving something special.
Why These Shrimp Rolls Will Become Your New Obsession
Budget-Friendly Luxury: Shrimp provides that premium seafood experience without the premium price tag. Moreover, this recipe feeds four people generously while feeling incredibly indulgent.
Quick Weeknight Solution: Unlike lobster preparation, cooking shrimp is straightforward and forgiving. Additionally, the entire recipe comes together faster than most takeout deliveries.
Customizable Base: The creamy, herb-infused dressing serves as the perfect foundation for personal touches and seasonal additions.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: These rolls satisfy both seafood lovers and those who might be intimidated by more exotic preparations. Furthermore, they’re elegant enough for entertaining yet casual enough for family dinners.
Fresh Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Perfectly Poached Shrimp
- 1½ lbs raw shrimp (21-25 count, cleaned and deveined)
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
- 3-4 fresh dill sprigs
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
For the Signature Dressing
- 2 celery ribs, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons scallions, diced
- ⅓ cup high-quality mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, minced
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
Assembly Essentials
- 4-5 brioche hot dog buns
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Perfect Accompaniments
Consider serving with kettle-cooked potato chips, crisp coleslaw, or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a complete coastal meal experience.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Creating the Perfect Poaching Liquid
- Build flavor from the start: Fill a large pot with water and add lemon slices, dill sprigs, bay leaves, salt, and peppercorns. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the water with aromatic flavors.
- Cook the shrimp perfectly: Add the cleaned shrimp to the simmering liquid and cook for 3-5 minutes, until they turn pink and curl into a C-shape. Overcooking will result in rubbery texture, so watch carefully and remove them as soon as they’re done.
Preparing the Creamy Base
- Create the foundation: While the shrimp cools, combine diced celery, scallions, mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, dill, paprika, black pepper, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Achieve the perfect texture: Once the shrimp has cooled enough to handle comfortably, chop into bite-sized pieces – not too small, as you want substantial chunks in every bite. Fold the chopped shrimp gently into the creamy mixture, taking care not to break the pieces further.
Final Assembly
- Toast for perfection: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Brush both sides of each brioche bun with melted butter and toast until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside.
- Serve immediately: Generously fill each warm, toasted bun with the shrimp salad mixture. The contrast between the warm, buttery bun and the cool, creamy filling creates the perfect temperature balance.
Elevated Serving Suggestions
Transform your shrimp rolls into a complete New England-style feast by serving them alongside classic coastal accompaniments. Crispy potato chips provide the perfect textural contrast, while a tangy coleslaw adds refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the mayo-based dressing.
For a more sophisticated presentation, arrange the rolls on individual plates with a small mixed greens salad and a wedge of fresh lemon. This approach works beautifully for lunch parties or casual dinner gatherings where you want to impress without overdoing it.
Creative Recipe Variations
Spicy Coastal Kick
Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the dressing mixture for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their seafood.
Garden Fresh Version
Incorporate diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or avocado for extra vegetables and varied textures that complement the shrimp beautifully.
Herb Garden Special
Experiment with different herb combinations such as fresh chives, tarragon, or basil instead of the traditional dill and parsley.
Connecticut-Style Alternative
For those who prefer a warmer version, toss the cooked shrimp with melted butter, lemon juice, and herbs instead of the mayonnaise-based dressing.
Smart Make-Ahead Strategies
The shrimp salad mixture actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator – just remember to give it a gentle stir before serving.
You can also cook and chop the shrimp up to two days ahead of time. Store the prepared shrimp separately from the dressing ingredients, then combine them just before serving to prevent the mixture from becoming watery.
However, always toast the buns fresh just before serving. Pre-toasted buns will lose their crispy exterior and become soggy when filled with the creamy mixture.
Essential Cooking Notes
Shrimp selection matters: Choose shrimp that smell like the ocean – fresh and briny, never fishy. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Temperature control: Keep the poaching liquid at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, which can make the shrimp tough and chewy.
Seasoning balance: Taste your shrimp mixture before assembling the rolls and adjust seasoning as needed. The saltiness can vary depending on your mayonnaise brand and the natural salinity of the shrimp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe? While fresh-cooked shrimp tastes better, you can use pre-cooked shrimp in a pinch. Skip the poaching step and simply chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces, then proceed with making the dressing and assembly.
What size shrimp works best? Medium to large shrimp (21-25 count per pound) provide the best texture and visual appeal. They’re substantial enough to hold their shape when chopped but not so large that they overwhelm the bun.
How do I know when the shrimp are properly cooked? Properly cooked shrimp will be pink, opaque, and curled into a C-shape. They should feel firm but not hard. Overcooked shrimp curl into tight circles and become rubbery.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter for toasting the buns, and the rest of the recipe is naturally dairy-free as long as you choose a mayo without dairy ingredients.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover shrimp salad? Don’t reheat the shrimp salad mixture itself – instead, let it come to room temperature naturally, then serve on freshly toasted buns. Heating the mayo-based mixture can cause it to separate.
Can I use different types of buns? While brioche provides the best flavor and texture, you can substitute with potato rolls, challah, or even croissants. Avoid overly dense bread that might overpower the delicate shrimp.
How long do the assembled rolls keep? For best quality, eat the assembled rolls immediately. The buns will start to get soggy after 30 minutes. However, you can store the shrimp mixture separately for up to 2 days and assemble fresh rolls as needed.
Nutritional Information (Per Roll):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Method: Poaching | Cuisine: New England American