When the sun is high and the summer air is warm, nothing quite beats the feeling of a seafood feast. Picture this: tender, juicy jumbo shrimp, perfectly seasoned and nestled in a soft bun, all coming together in a delightful shrimp roll that can be whipped up in just about 10 minutes. Inspired by classic lobster rolls but with a unique twist, this recipe is perfect for those sunny days when you crave something fresh and satisfying.
It all started the other day when I found a bag of shrimp in my freezer, an unexpected treasure just waiting for culinary exploration. As I glanced around my kitchen, I decided to transform those shrimp into a quick, creamy concoction, combining flavors that sing of summer picnics and beach outings. With a handful of ingredients and a five-minute prep time, this shrimp roll promises to be your go-to meal for laid-back lunches or dinners. Plus, it’s a wonderful alternative to fast food, ensuring you enjoy a gourmet experience right at home. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s make this deliciously simple dish together!
Why is this Shrimp Roll a Must-Try?
Quick and Easy: This shrimp roll requires minimal preparation and can be ready in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Savory Delight: The creamy combination of shrimp, Old Bay seasoning, and zesty horseradish sauce creates a mouthwatering explosion of flavors that your taste buds will adore.
Refreshing Twist: Unlike traditional rolls, this recipe uses crispy celery and fresh chives adding delightful texture and taste to every bite.
Versatile Serving: Enjoy it as a casual lunch or dress it up for dinner; pair with chips or a light soup for a complete meal.
Perfect for Summer: With its light and fresh ingredients, this shrimp roll is ideal for warm sunny days, satisfying your seafood cravings without the fuss of heavy cooking.
Shrimp Roll Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need to create your delightful shrimp roll!
For the Shrimp Mixture
- Jumbo Shrimp – A delicious protein base; opt for peeled and deveined for ease.
- Old Bay Seasoning – A key flavor enhancer; adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
- Mayonnaise – The creamy foundation; Greek yogurt makes a lighter alternative without sacrificing taste.
- Onion Powder – Provides depth; you can also use finely chopped fresh onion for added texture.
- Horseradish Sauce – Infuses a delightful zing; swap it with prepared mustard for a different kick.
- Celery – Adds crunch and freshness; cucumber can be a crisp substitute if desired.
- Fresh Chives – They lend a subtle onion flavor; use green onions if chives are missing.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens the mixture; bottled juice works in a pinch if fresh is unavailable.
For Serving
- Hot Dog Buns – Holds the mixture perfectly; New England-style buns are ideal, but regular hot dog buns will do just fine.
This shrimp roll recipe is just the ticket for a quick and satisfying meal!
How to Make Shrimp Roll
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Season and Cook: Start by seasoning your peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp with Old Bay seasoning. Cook the shrimp using your preferred method—steaming is recommended for tender results—then chill in the refrigerator until ready.
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Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, onion powder, horseradish sauce, chopped celery, fresh chives, and lemon juice. Stir gently until everything is well incorporated and creamy.
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Combine the Shrimp: Once chilled, add the shrimp to your mayonnaise mixture. Stir carefully to maintain the shrimp’s integrity and ensure each piece is coated in that delicious sauce.
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Assemble the Rolls: Generously pile the shrimp mixture into soft hot dog buns, filling them up to your liking.
Optional: For extra crunch, tuck a lettuce leaf in the bun before adding the shrimp mixture.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These shrimp rolls are a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the shrimp mixture up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and delicious. To prevent the buns from getting soggy, store them separately and assemble just before serving. Simply layer a lettuce leaf in each bun for added crunch before piling in your shrimp mixture and enjoy! Not only does this save you time on busy weeknights, but it also ensures that your shrimp rolls are just as satisfying and flavorful when you’re ready to enjoy them.
How to Store and Freeze Shrimp Roll
Fridge: Store leftover shrimp mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, but assemble rolls just before serving to maintain bun freshness.
Freezer: While it’s best to consume shrimp rolls fresh, you can freeze the shrimp mixture for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Reheating: Gently reheat shrimp if desired before mixing with other ingredients, but avoid microwaving buns, as they can become soggy.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the shrimp mixture in advance for busy days. Just remember to keep it covered to ensure your shrimp roll stays delicious!
Expert Tips for Shrimp Roll
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Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Ensure your shrimp are cooked just until pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and chewy, ruining your shrimp roll experience.
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Season Mindfully: Old Bay seasoning is powerful; start with a smaller amount and gradually add more to avoid overwhelming the dish with saltiness.
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Chill Before Mixing: Letting the shrimp cool completely before mixing prevents the mayonnaise from breaking down and keeps the texture of your shrimp roll creamy and luscious.
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Bun Choice Matters: For the best shrimp roll experience, choose soft New England-style buns. They hold the filling without getting soggy, enhancing each delightful bite.
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Make-Ahead Convenience: Preparing the shrimp mixture a day in advance makes this recipe even easier. Just store it in an airtight container, but remember to assemble the rolls right before serving!
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Fresh Ingredients Count: Using fresh chives and crispy celery brightens your shrimp roll. Dried or wilted ingredients can diminish the deliciousness of this quick dish.
Shrimp Roll Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with these simple twists that add your own flair to the beloved shrimp roll!
- Crab Roll: Swap shrimp for lump crab meat for a luxurious alternative that’s equally delightful.
- Avocado Boost: Mix in diced avocado for a creamy, healthy addition that brings freshness to each bite.
- Spicy Kick: Add a splash of sriracha or diced jalapeños to the mixture for a zesty heat that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Herbaceous Twist: Replace chives with dill or parsley for a different herbal boost that brightens the whole dish.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan mayonnaise instead of regular mayo for a lighter, dairy-free version that still delivers on flavor.
- Crunchy Add-In: Incorporate diced bell peppers or crunchy carrots to the mix for added texture and a burst of color.
- Citrusy Flavor: Infuse the shrimp mixture with a splash of lime juice instead of lemon for a vibrant twist that lifts the dish.
- Bread Swap: Try serving the shrimp mixture in crispy lettuce leaves for a low-carb rendition that’s just as satisfying.
What to Serve with Creamy Shrimp Roll?
When crafting a perfect meal, it’s all about those delightful pairings that enhance each bite and create a feast for the senses.
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Crispy Potato Chips: The salty crunch of potato chips adds a satisfying texture that perfectly complements the creamy shrimp mixture.
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Garden Salad: A fresh salad, tossed with crisp greens and a zesty vinaigrette, brings a lightness that balances the savory shrimp roll beautifully.
A simple mix of colors and flavors, a garden salad can elevate your meal and add a touch of elegance to your dining experience.
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French Fries: Who can resist the classic combo? Golden-brown fries are the perfect finger food—a comforting companion to your shrimp roll.
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Buttered Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn is a summer staple that brings a cheerful sweetness alongside the savory seafood flavors of the roll.
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Light Gazpacho: This chilled soup packs a refreshing punch, making it a delightful starter that preps your palate for the shrimp roll.
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Sparkling Lemonade: A glass of chilled sparkling lemonade adds a bubbly brightness and citrusy zing to enhance the dining experience.
Each of these options brings its charm, creating a complete and satisfying meal alongside your creamy shrimp roll!
Shrimp Roll Recipe FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use for the shrimp roll?
Absolutely! For the best results, use peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp. They provide a tender and juicy bite that’s perfect for this recipe. If you can find it, wild-caught shrimp is often more flavorful compared to farm-raised varieties.
How can I store leftovers of the shrimp mixture?
Very! Store any leftover shrimp mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend waiting to assemble the rolls until just before serving to ensure that the buns stay fresh and don’t get soggy.
Can I freeze the shrimp roll mixture?
Yes, you can! To freeze the shrimp mixture, place it in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the mixture overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat the shrimp if desired before mixing with the other ingredients.
What should I do if my shrimp turns out tough?
No worries! If your shrimp ends up tough, it’s likely that it was overcooked. For future shrimp rolls, make sure you’re cooking them just until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes only a few minutes depending on the cooking method. Timing is crucial; keep an eye on them to maintain that tender texture.
Can I make this shrimp roll recipe gluten-free?
Of course! To make this shrimp roll gluten-free, simply opt for gluten-free buns or use lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free as long as you check the labels of the sauces used for potential wheat ingredients.
Are there any allergies I should be aware of with this recipe?
Very important! This recipe contains seafood (shrimp), mayonnaise, and horseradish sauce, which can trigger allergies in some individuals. Always double-check with guests if they have any dietary restrictions, and consider substituting these ingredients as needed, such as using yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a lighter and different sauce.
Savory Shrimp Roll Recipe Ready in Just 10 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by seasoning your peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp with Old Bay seasoning. Cook the shrimp using your preferred method—steaming is recommended for tender results—then chill in the refrigerator until ready.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, onion powder, horseradish sauce, chopped celery, fresh chives, and lemon juice. Stir gently until everything is well incorporated and creamy.
- Once chilled, add the shrimp to your mayonnaise mixture. Stir carefully to maintain the shrimp’s integrity and ensure each piece is coated in that delicious sauce.
- Generously pile the shrimp mixture into soft hot dog buns, filling them up to your liking.
