East Coast Shrimp Rolls recipe

Get ready for a taste of summer no matter the season, because this East Coast Shrimp Rolls recipe is sheer coastal bliss in sandwich form! Imagine perfectly poached, juicy shrimp, tossed with a tangy, herby mayo dressing and nestled in buttery, toasted rolls. Every bite sings with brightness from lemon, a hint of brine from capers, and that perfect crunch of celery. It’s a picnic classic and a seaside favorite, all in one—quick, fresh, and outrageously satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every bite of the East Coast Shrimp Rolls recipe relies on simple, quality ingredients that really shine. From plump shrimp to a luscious dressing and perfectly toasted buns, each component adds magic—taste, texture, and vibrant color—to the final dish.

• 2 lbs shrimp, cleaned with tails and veins removed: Use the freshest shrimp you can find; they’re the superstar here and make every roll juicy and flavorful.
• 2 tsp sea salt: Essential for seasoning both the boiling water and the finished filling, enhancing natural flavors.
• Juice from half a lemon: This brings a pop of brightness and helps the shrimp really sing.
• Large pot of boiling water: Hot water cooks the shrimp gently, so they’re tender, never rubbery.
• Ice bath: Stops the cooking instantly—don’t skip this step for perfect shrimp texture!
• 8 hot dog buns: Go classic and squishy for the ultimate comfort; New England-style are a bonus if you can find them.
• 1 tsp butter per bun: A buttered, toasted bun gives that golden edge and irresistible aroma.
• 1 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for your shrimp salad, binding everything together.
• 1 cup diced celery: Adds a fresh, juicy crunch that’s essential in every bite.
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions (bottoms): Mild oniony bite with a lovely green color boost.
• 1/3 cup chopped dill: This classic herb delivers signature East Coast flavor and freshness.
• 1/4 cup chopped chives: More gentle onion notes and gorgeous flecks of green.
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley: Earthy, clean, and herbaceous for extra vibrance.
• 2 tsp chopped capers: These little pickly briny bits add a zingy punch to the dressing.
• 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard: For depth and a little heat in the creamy mix.
• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar: A touch of acidity balances the creaminess.
• Zest of 1 lemon: Adds extra citrusy lift and delicate aroma.
• 4 cloves garlic, grated or pressed: For bold flavor that melds seamlessly into the dressing.
• 1 tsp paprika: Just enough to bring a smokey-sweet layer to the mix.
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt: Extra oomph to complement the shrimp and other flavors.
• 1/4 tsp onion powder: Rounds out and deepens the overall taste.
• 1/2 tsp sea salt: A final fine-tuning of seasoning for your salad.
• Fresh cracked pepper: As much as you like, for a peppery finish—don’t skip!

How to Make East Coast Shrimp Rolls recipe

Step 1: Poach the Shrimp

Start by filling a large pot with water and adding the 2 teaspoons of sea salt and juice from half a lemon. Bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. As soon as you have big bubbles, gently drop in the cleaned shrimp. Let them simmer for just 2 to 3 minutes—keep a close eye, as shrimp cook fast. As soon as they’re pink and opaque, scoop them out and plunge them straight into an ice bath to cool them off instantly and lock in that sweet, tender bite.

Step 2: Make the Mayo Dressing

While your shrimp are cooling, whip up the mayonnaise dressing in a medium bowl. Toss in the mayo, celery, green onions, dill, chives, parsley, capers, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, lemon zest, grated garlic, paprika, garlic salt, onion powder, sea salt, and a generous few cracks of black pepper. Give it a good stir so everything is perfectly combined and flecked with green and gold.

Step 3: Toast the Buns

Preheat your broiler to medium-high and butter both the inside and tops of your hot dog buns with 1 teaspoon each. Place the buns open-side up on a baking sheet and broil for 1 to 2 minutes—stay close! They can go from beautiful golden to burnt in no time. You want a crisp, buttery outside and a soft, pillowy inside.

Step 4: Chop and Mix the Shrimp

Once the shrimp have completely cooled, remove them from the ice bath and pat dry. Chop the shrimp into bite-size chunks (or leave half whole for a more luxurious look!). Add the shrimp to your dressing and gently fold until every piece is coated in all that herby, briny, creamy goodness.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Pile the shrimp mixture generously into the toasted rolls. For the ultimate finish to your East Coast Shrimp Rolls recipe, top with an additional squeeze of lemon juice, a crack of black pepper, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a few more leaves of fresh parsley. Get ready for rave reviews!

How to Serve East Coast Shrimp Rolls recipe

Garnishes

A classic sprinkle of chopped parsley or fresh dill, an extra squeeze of lemon, and maybe an extra caper or two on top make your East Coast Shrimp Rolls recipe as pretty as they are delicious. For a little extra flair, try a dusting of smoked paprika or spoon over a little melted butter just before serving.

Side Dishes

These rolls are the star, but they love good company! Think old-school: kettle chips, crispy fries, or a classic coleslaw all work beautifully. If you want to keep it fresh and light, serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or even pickled vegetables for a tangy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party twist, serve the East Coast Shrimp Rolls recipe in mini brioche rolls as sliders or tuck the shrimp salad into lettuce cups for a fork-free, gluten-free option. On a platter, they look fantastic lined up with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of microgreens. For a picnic vibe, wrap each roll snugly in parchment paper and tie with twine—totally transportable and Instagram-worthy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover shrimp salad, keep it covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to two days. It’s best to store the salad separately from the buns to keep the bread from getting soggy. Give it a gentle stir before serving again for best texture and flavor.

Freezing

Freezing the shrimp salad isn’t recommended as the creamy dressing and fresh herbs can separate and lose their beautiful texture. If you must freeze, freeze only the cooked, chopped shrimp in a well-sealed bag for up to two months, then re-toss with fresh dressing once thawed and drained.

Reheating

Shrimp salad is meant to be served chilled or at cool room temperature, keeping all those bright, crisp flavors intact. If you want to refresh the buns, you can quickly re-toast them in the broiler for a minute or so before assembling your next round of rolls.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for the East Coast Shrimp Rolls recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely, drain well, and then dry before cooking. Quality frozen shrimp can taste just as sweet and tender as fresh when prepared this way.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?

If you’re not a mayonnaise fan, try swapping in half Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier, lighter version. Just note it’ll change the overall flavor and texture, so taste and adjust seasonings as you go.

Can I make the shrimp salad in advance?

Definitely. You can prep the shrimp salad a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. In fact, letting the flavors meld overnight makes it even tastier! Toast the buns just before serving for that fresh, crispy contrast.

What’s the best way to keep the buns from getting soggy?

Serve immediately after assembling, or pack the salad and buns separately if taking to a picnic. You can also line buns with a leaf of butter lettuce for a protective barrier that looks and tastes great.

Can I make the East Coast Shrimp Rolls recipe with other seafood?

Absolutely—try swapping all or part of the shrimp for lobster or crab for an extra decadent twist, or mix in some chopped cooked scallops for a medley that tastes just as joyful.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about sharing the East Coast Shrimp Rolls recipe with people you love—crisp, bright, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a coastal treat, this recipe will transport you straight to a sun-drenched boardwalk. Give it a try and savor every bite!

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