Who doesn’t love a lobster roll? They’re a pinnacle of deliciousness: that savory, creamy tender filling encased by a warm, buttery bun. Here in the Midwest though, lobster is a bit of a delicacy. So we wondered…why not make it with shrimp? Introducing…the Shrimp Roll! It takes all the goodness of a lobster roll and makes it with more economical, easy to find shrimp. We served it for a dinner party with corn on the cob and watermelon sorbet, and everyone raved.
Ingredients in a shrimp roll
Researching this recipe, we found that the filling for a shrimp roll is actually a shrimp salad. Not a green salad, mind you: the 1950’s mayo-based salad that’s more familiar with tuna or egg. It’s got crunchy veggies, mayo and just the right amount of savory, creamy sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
ShrimpCeleryGreen onionsChopped chives or dillMayonnaiseLemon juiceDijon mustardOld BaySalt and pepper
The key: a butter-toasted split top bun
What makes a shrimp roll? The warm, buttery toasted bun. Do not skip the step! We were curious and tried it in a plain old bun. Don’t waste your time on it, folks. It doesn’t taste like a shrimp roll. Here’s what you’ll need to pull this off:
Grab split top hot dog buns. Split top buns are loaded from the top down, and are customary in a lobster roll. You’ll need them to make a killer shrimp roll recipe! Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the buns cut-side down into the skillet and cook for 20 to 30 seconds until browned. Flip the buns. Then flip and continue frying about 10 to 15 seconds on the other side. They come out beautifully buttery and toasted. Perfection!
This shrimp roll recipe makes 6 to 8 sandwiches
Most of our recipes here at A Couple Cooks are for 4 servings. But this shrimp roll recipe is so good, we like making it serve 6 to 8 sandwiches. Here’s why you may want to make a big batch:
The shrimp rolls are so good, you may want to eat two. Or you can eat the extra filling without a bun. That’s what we did at our dinner party! Leftovers also save well. Extra filling lasts up to 3 days refrigerated.
Boil the shrimp, or it’s ideal for leftover cooked
You can use fresh shrimp for this shrimp roll recipe, or it’s actually a great use for leftover cooked shrimp! Boiling is the quickest method to get from raw shrimp to cold shrimp, but you can use whatever cooking method you like.
Boil the shrimp for 2 minutes, then remove to an ice bath. The ice bath stops the cooking immediately, and gets the shrimp cooled down and ready for the salad. Or, use leftover cooked shrimp. This is actually a great use for shrimp leftovers, which can be unappetizing on their own. Got leftover shrimp cocktail? Make shrimp rolls!
The secret spice? Old Bay
One last thing about this shrimp roll recipe. It’s nice to use this secret seasoning if you have it. Old Bay! It’s not required, but Old Bay is a seasoning blend that’s traditionally used in New England seafood recipes (like a shrimp boil). We added a hint of it to this recipe, and rounded it out perfectly. Where to find Old Bay? In the US, you can find Old Bay in your grocery store in the spices aisle. Or, you can buy Old Bay online or make homemade Old Bay!
More shrimp recipes
Love shrimp? (Us too.) Here are a few more tasty recipes to add to your repertoire:
Make up a skillet of delicious Cajun Shrimp Pasta or Easy Cajun ShrimpGo for deliciously buttery Shrimp ScampiTry a Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice or Classic Shrimp FajitasMake a Quick Shrimp Stir Fry or Old Bay Steamed ShrimpThrow in Easy Baked Shrimp, Sauteed Shrimp or Broiled ShrimpPut them on a 3 Cheese Shrimp PizzaMake saucy and delicious Honey Garlic Shrimp
This shrimp roll recipe is…
Pescatarian and dairy free. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns. 5 from 6 reviews
