East Coast Shrimp Rolls Recipe

When the weather gets warm and you’re craving something light yet satisfying, there’s nothing quite like a fresh shrimp roll. With each bite, you get juicy, tender shrimp, a creamy dressing filled with fresh herbs, and a buttery toasted bun that holds it all together. It’s the ultimate comfort food for seafood lovers, and trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it a regular in your kitchen.

As someone who loves seafood, these shrimp rolls are my go-to dish when I want something light, yet satisfying. It’s simple to make, and it feels just a little fancy. Whether you’re hosting a summer dinner or preparing a quick meal for your family, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!

Before diving into the recipe, let me tell you why this dish is so special:

• Fresh and Flavorful: The shrimp are perfectly cooked, not overdone, and paired with a creamy, herb-packed dressing.
• Quick and Easy: From boiling the shrimp to assembling the rolls, this recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a last-minute gathering.
• Perfect Balance of Textures: The combination of crispy buns, creamy dressing, and tender shrimp creates the perfect bite.
• Customizable: If you’re not a fan of a particular herb, or want to add a little heat, it’s easy to tweak this recipe to suit your taste.

Ingredients for East Coast Shrimp Rolls Recipe

These East Coast Shrimp Rolls are simple but packed with flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Shrimp:

• 2 tsp sea salt
• Juice from half a lemon
• Large pot of boiling water
• 2 lbs shrimp, cleaned with tails and veins removed
• Ice bath (to stop the cooking process)

And For the Hot Dog Buns:

• 8 hot dog buns
• 1 tsp butter per bun (for toasting)

For the Dressing Mix:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup diced celery
• ½ cup chopped green onions (bottoms)
• ⅓ cup chopped dill
• ¼ cup chopped chives
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• 2 tsp chopped capers
• 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 4 cloves garlic, grated or pressed
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic salt
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp sea salt
• Fresh cracked pepper to taste

How to Make East Coast Shrimp Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Shrimp

1. Boil a large pot of water over medium-high heat, adding 2 tsp of sea salt and the juice from half a lemon. The lemon adds a lovely fresh flavor to the shrimp.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the shrimp. Boil the shrimp for 2-3 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. You don’t want to overcook them, so keep an eye on them!
3. Immediately transfer the shrimp to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and cool them down.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together mayonnaise, diced celery, chopped green onions, chopped dill, chopped chives, chopped parsley, and capers.
2. Add Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, lemon zest, grated garlic, paprika, garlic salt, onion powder, and sea salt to the dressing. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with fresh cracked pepper.

And Step 3: Toast the Buns

1. Butter the inside and top of each hot dog bun with 1 tsp butter. This will give the buns a rich flavor and help them get crispy.
2. Place the buns under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. You want them golden brown, not burnt! They should be slightly crispy on the outside but soft on the inside.

Step 4: Chop and Mix the Shrimp

1. Once the shrimp have cooled in the ice bath, chop them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Add the chopped shrimp to the dressing mixture and stir gently to coat. You want every piece of shrimp to be covered in that creamy, flavorful dressing.

Step 5: Assemble the Shrimp Rolls

1. Take your toasted buns and stuff them with the shrimp mixture. Don’t be shy—fill those buns generously!
2. Top with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice, and sprinkle with sea salt, fresh cracked pepper, and a bit more parsley for garnish.

Tips for PerfectEast Coast Shrimp Rolls Recipe

1. Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so make sure you don’t leave them in the boiling water too long. They should be opaque and pink, but not tough.
2. Use fresh herbs: The fresh herbs in the dressing are what really bring this dish to life. Don’t skip them, and feel free to adjust the herbs based on what you like.
3. Toast the buns just right: Keep a close eye on the buns while they’re broiling. They only need a couple of minutes to get golden and crispy. Overdo it, and they’ll burn quickly!
4. Customize the dressing: If you prefer a bit more tang, add more Dijon mustard or vinegar. If you want to kick up the heat, a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper would be a nice touch.

FAQs About East Coast Shrimp Rolls Recipe

What makes East Coast Shrimp Rolls different from a regular shrimp sandwich?

The main difference is the dressing. In East Coast shrimp rolls, the shrimp is mixed with a creamy dressing made of mayonnaise, herbs, and seasonings. This gives it a rich and flavorful contrast to the lightness of the shrimp. Plus, the buns are toasted to add that perfect crispy texture.

Can I make East Coast Shrimp Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the shrimp and the dressing ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just assemble the rolls right before serving to keep everything fresh.

Can I use a different type of bread?

While hot dog buns are traditional, you can definitely use brioche buns or small soft rolls. Brioche, in particular, adds a little extra richness to the rolls.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of seafood comfort food, you’ll also love our creamy and oven-baked Shrimp Gratin Recipe—a perfect warm-up to your shrimp roll cravings. For something with a sweet and savory twist, try our flavorful Honey Garlic Shrimp, great for weeknight dinners. And if you’re craving a cozy starter or side, the rich and creamy Crab Shrimp Seafood Bisque brings all the East Coast vibes in a bowl.

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