Shrimp Rolls with New England–Style Dressing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shrimp rolls with New England-style dressing are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly. The sweet, succulent shrimp is complemented by the tangy and creamy dressing, while the toasted buns add a satisfying crunch. With fresh dill and a hint of Old Bay seasoning, this recipe offers a light yet flavorful bite, making it a great choice for seafood lovers. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time, saving you time without compromising taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 pound peeled, deveined medium shrimp (fresh or frozen)

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

• 2 small stalks celery, chopped

• ¼ cup fresh chopped dill

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 4 split-top rolls

• Fresh chopped chives, for serving

Directions

1. Cook the Shrimp: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl and set aside. Once the water is boiling, add the shrimp and cook until bright pink and fully opaque, about 3 minutes. Immediately transfer the shrimp to the ice bath to cool.

2. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped celery and fresh dill.

3. Prepare the Shrimp: Once the shrimp have cooled, remove them from the ice bath with a slotted spoon and pat dry. Chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces and add them to the dressing. Stir well to combine.

4. Toast the Rolls: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Place the rolls in the skillet cut side down and toast until golden, about 30 seconds. Flip the rolls and toast the other side until golden, about 30 seconds more.

5. Assemble the Shrimp Rolls: Transfer the toasted rolls to a serving platter or individual plates. Fill each roll with the shrimp salad and garnish with freshly chopped chives.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 5 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add avocado: For extra creaminess, add sliced avocado to the rolls along with the shrimp salad.

• Use different seafood: If you prefer lobster or crab, these can be substituted for shrimp for a variation of the classic New England roll.

• Spicy twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing to give it a spicy kick.

• Gluten-free option: Swap the split-top rolls for gluten-free buns to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: The shrimp salad can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The rolls are best served fresh, but you can store toasted rolls in a dry place if needed.

• Reheating: If the rolls are stored, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few seconds to restore their golden crispness. Do not reheat the shrimp salad, as it is best served chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly fine. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before using.

2. Can I make the shrimp salad ahead of time?

Yes, the shrimp salad can be made up to one day ahead and kept in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

3. What kind of rolls should I use?

Split-top rolls are traditional for shrimp rolls, but you can use any soft, buttery rolls you prefer. Brioche rolls are a great option for a richer taste.

4. Can I substitute the mayonnaise in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo for a lighter or dairy-free version.

5. How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked?

Shrimp turns bright pink and opaque when fully cooked. It should be firm but not rubbery. Overcooking can make shrimp tough, so monitor them closely.

6. What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?

Old Bay is iconic in seafood dishes, but you can substitute it with a combination of celery salt, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you don’t have it.

7. Can I use a different herb instead of dill?

If you’re not a fan of dill, fresh parsley or tarragon can be used as a substitute for a different flavor profile.

8. Can I add other vegetables to the shrimp salad?

You can add ingredients like finely chopped red onion, cucumber, or bell peppers for additional crunch and flavor.

9. How long do leftovers last?

If you have leftover shrimp salad, it will stay fresh for up to 1 day in the refrigerator. However, the rolls are best eaten immediately after toasting.

10. Can I toast the buns in the oven instead of the skillet?

Yes, you can toast the rolls in the oven at 375°F for about 5 minutes or until golden, flipping them halfway through.

Conclusion

Shrimp rolls with New England-style dressing are a perfect combination of fresh shrimp, creamy dressing, and toasted buns. With a little bit of prep and a quick cook time, you can create a delightful and satisfying meal that’s sure to please. Whether you’re enjoying them as a summer lunch or a weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.