Classic Creamy Shrimp Roll Recipe: Your Quick Guide to Coastal Flavor
Craving a taste of the coast without the fuss? This **shrimp roll recipe** is your answer! Imagine succulent, perfectly cooked jumbo shrimp tossed in a rich, creamy dressing, all nestled into a soft, buttery bun. It’s a mouth-watering delight that comes together in an astonishingly quick 10-15 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a speedy lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive appetizer. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a creamy, delicious escape to seaside dining, right in your own kitchen.
Why This Shrimp Roll Recipe Works Wonders
This **homemade shrimp roll** captures the essence of a classic lobster roll but with the delightful, accessible flavor of juicy, plump shrimp. Instead of expensive lobster, we harness the versatility of shrimp to create an equally satisfying and incredibly flavorful sandwich. The heart of this recipe is its simple yet perfectly balanced filling, essentially a rich **shrimp salad**. It’s lusciously creamy, bursting with fresh herbs like chives, and brightened by the crispness of celery, a touch of zesty lemon juice, and the smooth tang of mayonnaise.
What truly sets this recipe apart is its dedication to letting the shrimp shine. We avoid overwhelming the roll with too many competing ingredients, ensuring that the sweet, delicate flavor of the shrimp remains the star. A dash of classic Old Bay seasoning provides that quintessential East Coast seafood flavor, perfectly complementing the creamy dressing without masking the natural taste of the shrimp. This minimalist approach proves that sometimes, less is indeed more when it comes to creating truly memorable dishes.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed. In just minutes, you can transform humble ingredients into a sophisticated and satisfying meal. Whether you pile the mixture onto soft, untoasted buns for a quick bite or give them a quick toast for added texture and buttery richness, the result is always a delightful culinary experience that transports you straight to a coastal clam shack.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Shrimp Roll
Creating an exceptional shrimp roll starts with selecting the right ingredients. While the full list with exact measurements is available in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, let’s dive into some specifics about choosing and preparing these key components to ensure your shrimp rolls are absolutely perfect.
Ingredient Deep Dive & Smart Substitution Ideas
Understanding each ingredient and having flexible substitution options can elevate your cooking and ensure you can make this delicious recipe any time. Here’s a closer look:
- SHRIMP: The Star of the Show
For this recipe, **jumbo shrimp** are highly recommended. Their size offers a satisfying bite and presence in the roll. It’s crucial that your shrimp are peeled, deveined, and have had their tails removed for the best eating experience. You have a few options for sourcing and preparation:
- Raw Shrimp: If starting with raw shrimp, you’ll get the freshest flavor. Season them generously with Old Bay seasoning before cooking.
- Precooked Shrimp: To save time, pre-cooked shrimp are a fantastic shortcut. Simply thaw them if frozen, pat them dry, and gently toss with Old Bay for flavor before mixing into the dressing. Ensure they are fully chilled before adding to the dressing.
- Cooking Methods for Raw Shrimp: Choose your preferred method for cooking raw shrimp until just pink and opaque (don’t overcook!):
- Steaming: A gentle method that keeps shrimp tender. Bring an inch of water to a boil, place shrimp in a steamer basket, and steam for 2-3 minutes until cooked.
- Sautéing: Quick and flavorful. Sauté shrimp in a tablespoon of butter or olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Boiling: Classic method. Bring salted water to a rolling boil, add shrimp, and cook for 1-3 minutes until pink.
- Air Frying: For a slightly crispy exterior. Lightly oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Remember: Regardless of the cooking method, **chilling the cooked shrimp thoroughly** is key. Cold shrimp is essential for a proper shrimp salad texture and taste.
- BUNS: The Perfect Vessel
The choice of bun significantly impacts the overall experience. While regular hot dog buns work perfectly well, for an authentic **New England-style shrimp roll**, look for top-split buns. These buns have flat sides, which are ideal for buttering and toasting, creating a golden, crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Optional Bun Preparation: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, we highly recommend buttering your buns. Simply smear the cut sides with softened butter or mayonnaise and toast them on a skillet, griddle, or in a toaster oven until golden brown. This step prevents sogginess and adds a delightful richness.
- CREAMY DRESSING COMPONENTS:
- Mayonnaise: Use a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. For a lighter option, you can use light mayonnaise.
- Old Bay Seasoning: This is non-negotiable for that classic seafood shack flavor. It adds a blend of spices that perfectly complements the shrimp.
- Onion Powder: Provides a subtle onion flavor without the crunch or pungency of raw onion, ensuring a smooth dressing.
- Horseradish Sauce: This is a secret weapon! It adds a gentle, tangy kick that brightens the entire salad without being overly spicy. Adjust to your taste.
- Celery: Crucial for adding that essential crunch and freshness to the creamy mixture. Chop it finely.
- Fresh Chives: Offer a mild, fresh oniony note and a beautiful pop of green. Fresh herbs are always superior here. You can substitute with fresh dill or parsley for a different aromatic profile.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is vital. It cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise, brightens the flavors, and enhances the seafood.
How to Craft Your Delicious Shrimp Roll
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. For the complete printable version with all measurements and instructions, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Season your jumbo shrimp generously with Old Bay seasoning. Cook the shrimp using your preferred method – steaming or sautéing are excellent and easy choices. For steaming, simply bring a small amount of water to a boil in a pot, place shrimp in a steamer basket, cover, and steam for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, immediately transfer the shrimp to the refrigerator to chill completely. This step is vital for the best texture and taste in your cold shrimp salad.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, onion powder, horseradish sauce, finely chopped celery, fresh chives, and fresh lemon juice. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-combined, and creamy dressing. The vibrant flavors of the chives and lemon will awaken your senses!
- Combine Shrimp and Dressing: Gently fold the thoroughly chilled cooked shrimp into the creamy dressing. Ensure the shrimp is evenly coated but be careful not to overmix, which could break down the shrimp. The cold shrimp will keep the salad refreshing.
- Assemble the Rolls: Now for the best part – assembly! Take your preferred buns (toasted or untoasted) and generously pile the creamy shrimp mixture into each one. For an added layer of freshness and to help prevent the bun from getting soggy, you can tuck a crisp lettuce leaf into the bun before adding the shrimp. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of coastal flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for the Best Shrimp Rolls
Absolutely! To ensure the freshest taste and prevent soggy buns, I highly recommend preparing the shrimp mixture (shrimp and dressing) up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply scoop the chilled mixture into your buns. This method guarantees a crisp bun and perfectly flavored shrimp salad every time.
Yes, using precooked frozen shrimp is a fantastic time-saver. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly first, pat them dry to remove excess moisture, and then toss them with Old Bay seasoning and the other dressing ingredients as normal. Ensure they are completely cold before mixing.
Steaming or a quick sauté are often preferred as they keep the shrimp tender and prevent overcooking. However, boiling for 1-3 minutes until pink is also a perfectly good option. The key is to cook them just until opaque and then chill them quickly. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
While this recipe focuses on simplicity to let the shrimp shine, you can certainly customize! Some popular additions include a touch of finely chopped red onion, a pinch of fresh dill, or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little extra heat. Just be mindful not to overpower the delicate shrimp flavor.
For a classic look and perfect toasting surface, New England-style top-split hot dog buns are ideal. However, standard hot dog buns, brioche buns, or even small brioche slider rolls work wonderfully. The key is to toast them with butter for that irresistible golden crust.
Perfect Serving Suggestions for Your Shrimp Rolls
A delicious shrimp roll is a meal in itself, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the entire dining experience. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:
- Preventing Soggy Buns: Before piling in the creamy shrimp mixture, optionally tuck a fresh, crisp lettuce leaf (like butter lettuce or a small romaine leaf) into the bun. This acts as a barrier, helping to keep the bun from getting soggy, especially if serving is delayed. Alternatively, as mentioned, smear the buns with butter or mayo and lightly toast them in a skillet or toaster oven for a delightful crunch.
- Classic Sides:
- Potato Chips: A bag of classic potato chips offers a satisfying crunch and salty counterpoint.
- French Fries: Golden, crispy French fries are always a welcome addition, especially with a side of ketchup or aioli.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich shrimp salad.
- Buttered Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn on the cob, especially in season, is a perfect complement.
- Garden Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a fresh and healthy balance.
- Soup: For a heartier meal, serve with a cup of tomato soup or a light clam chowder.
- Beverage Pairings:
- Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing non-alcoholic options.
- Crisp White Wine: A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with seafood.
- Light Beer: A chilled lager or pilsner is a classic pairing for seafood rolls.
More Irresistible Seafood Recipes to Explore
If you loved this shrimp roll, you’re sure to enjoy these other seafood delights:
- Shrimp Boil
- Lobster Roll
- Shrimp Po Boy
- Shrimp Kabobs
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Shrimp Roll
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp peeled, deveined, tails removed
- Old Bay seasoning to taste
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon horseradish sauce
- ¼ cup celery chopped. 1.75 ounces
- 1 ½ Tablespoons fresh chives chopped
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 hot dog buns
Things You’ll Need
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Mixing bowls
Before You Begin
- You can use cooked shrimp instead of cooking it yourself. This is a great time-saver!
- Regular hot dog buns or classic New England style top-split buns will work well for this roll.
- To prevent the bun from getting soggy, tuck a lettuce leaf into the bun before adding the shrimp mixture. Alternatively, toast your buns with butter or mayo in a skillet or toaster oven for a golden, crunchy exterior.
Instructions
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Season the shrimp with Old Bay seasoning. Cook shrimp using any method you like, steaming or sautéing is easiest. We steamed ours. Place cooked shrimp in the refrigerator to chill.
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In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, onion powder, horseradish sauce, celery, fresh chives, and lemon juice. Stir well.
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Stir in cold cooked shrimp.
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Pile mixture into buns.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.