Shrimp Rolls with New England Recipe

If summer on the coast had a taste, it would absolutely be these Shrimp Rolls with New England flair! Imagine buttery toasted buns packed with juicy shrimp tossed in a creamy, lemony dressing — a dish that’s light, fresh, yet deeply satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash, picnicking at the beach, or just craving some seaside comfort, these rolls bring New England tradition right to your kitchen. Best of all, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients to capture that iconic flavor at home.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Shrimp Rolls with New England is both classic and essential. While the list is delightfully short, each item plays a crucial role in the taste, texture, and even the sunny color of this coastal favorite. Let’s break them down:

• Shrimp: Opt for fresh or frozen large shrimp; their sweet, firm bite is the star of the show.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy mayo creates the luscious base for the dressing, binding everything together.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon wakes up all the flavors and adds a bright zing.
• Celery: Finely diced celery gives the roll a subtle crunch and a pop of summery green.
• Chives: These delicate green herbs deliver a gentle onion note and fresh color.
• Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch of each is all you need for perfect seasoning.
• Butter: Unsalted butter for toasting the rolls until golden and fragrant.
• Split-top Hot Dog Buns: Traditional New England–style buns have flat, soft sides that crisp up beautifully in the pan.

How to Make Shrimp Rolls with New England

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add your peeled and deveined shrimp and let them cook just until they turn pink and opaque — usually about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain them quickly, then spread out on a plate to cool. To speed things up and keep that perfect texture, you can even chill them briefly in the fridge.

Step 2: Chop and Mix

Once the shrimp have cooled, give them a rough chop so you have nice, bite-sized pieces in every roll. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, chives, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until everything is coated and harmonious, but take care not to mash the shrimp — you want a luscious salad, not a paste!

Step 3: Toast the Buns

Grab those classic split-top buns and brush the outside with melted butter. Heat a skillet over medium heat and toast each side of the buns until they’re golden and crisp, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. This step crisps the exterior while keeping the inside pillowy — a hallmark of Shrimp Rolls with New England style.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Now for the best part! Gently spoon a generous mound of your shrimp salad into each warm, toasted bun. Pack them nicely but don’t overfill — you want every bite to have a perfect balance of shrimp, bread, and creamy crunch.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your Shrimp Rolls with New England are ready to eat straight away. Plate them up, squeeze a little extra lemon over the top if you like, and dive in while they’re still fresh and cool against the warm, buttery rolls.

How to Serve Shrimp Rolls with New England

Garnishes

The right finishing touches can elevate your Shrimp Rolls with New England to a new level. Consider a scattering of extra chives for a bright, herby note, a light dusting of paprika for gentle warmth, or delicate microgreens for color. Of course, a lemon wedge on the side invites guests to add their own citrus burst just before eating.

Side Dishes

These rolls are heavenly alongside crispy kettle-cooked potato chips or a pile of crunchy coleslaw. A classic New England potato salad, tossed together with mustard and dill, is also right at home here. On especially sunny days, serve with sweet corn on the cob or a light green salad to complete the seaside picnic vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your friends, try serving Shrimp Rolls with New England on a platter nestled into a bed of crushed ice (just like a lobster shack!). Or, make adorable mini versions for a party — simply stuff the shrimp salad into slider rolls for perfect, two-bite snacks. For a modern twist, serve the shrimp mixture in lettuce cups for a lighter, gluten-free take.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover shrimp salad, scoop it into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will keep fresh and tasty for up to two days. The assembled rolls are best served right away to maintain their crisp texture, but the filling itself holds up beautifully.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Shrimp Rolls with New England. Mayonnaise-based salads tend to break and turn watery after thawing, and cooked shrimp can lose their springy bite. For the absolute best flavor and texture, enjoy these rolls freshly made.

Reheating

Shrimp salad should be eaten cold or at room temperature, never hot. If you’ve premade the buns and want to revive their crunch, re-toast the bread in a skillet for a minute or two, but only fill them with shrimp salad once the buns have cooled slightly. This keeps the filling cool and the roll perfectly crispy.

FAQs

What type of shrimp works best for Shrimp Rolls with New England?

Large, peeled, deveined shrimp are best for this recipe. Wild-caught or sustainably farmed varieties have a sweet, briny flavor that shines in the simple dressing. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp for the freshest taste and texture.

Can I make Shrimp Rolls with New England ahead of time?

You can prep the shrimp salad a few hours before serving — just cover and chill in the fridge. Toast and assemble the buns just before eating to keep them perfectly crisp and fresh.

Is there a mayo-free version of Shrimp Rolls with New England?

Absolutely! Swap the mayo for Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and a touch of olive oil for a lighter, tangier take. You can also experiment with a small spoonful of Dijon mustard for extra zip.

What’s the difference between shrimp rolls and lobster rolls?

Both are New England traditions, but lobster rolls feature chunks of lobster and often a simpler dressing. Shrimp Rolls with New England use sweet, tender shrimp dressed in a creamy, herby mayo mix, making them more accessible and just as delicious.

How can I adjust the recipe for a crowd?

This recipe is easily multiplied. Simply scale up your ingredients and prepare the salad in batches. Toast buns in big skillets or on a griddle to serve a group efficiently, and set up a build-your-own Shrimp Rolls with New England bar for extra fun.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about Shrimp Rolls with New England — they capture the breezy magic of summer and all the heart of coastal kitchens. Whether you’re reliving seaside memories or crafting new favorites at home, these rolls are a burst of sunshine at your table. Go ahead: gather your ingredients, toast up those buns, and let this beloved classic brighten your next meal!

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