Introduction: Ready for a Fresh, Coastal-Inspired Treat?
Craving a taste of New England’s classic seafood rolls with a quick, flavorful twist? These Shrimp Rolls with New England–Style Dressing are your perfect solution! Featuring tender shrimp tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing with hints of Old Bay, celery, and fresh dill, these rolls are served in buttery, toasted split-top buns for a delightful crunch. Perfect for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or a light dinner, this recipe brings coastal vibes to your table. Inspired by your love for savory, flavorful dishes like Charcuterie-Board Flatbread and Easy Coconut Curry Shrimp Soup, this dish is easy to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors. Ready to craft a seafood masterpiece? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Overview: Why Shrimp Rolls with New England–Style Dressing are a Must-Try
These Shrimp Rolls combine succulent shrimp with a creamy, zesty dressing that’s spiked with Old Bay for a classic New England flavor. The toasted split-top buns add a buttery crunch, while fresh chives elevate the presentation. What makes it special? It’s quick to make, customizable, and perfect for a light, satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet simple.
- Time Requirement: About 20 minutes total (15 minutes prep, 5 minutes cooking).
- Difficulty Level: Easy! Ideal for beginners or quick meals.
- Why It’s Special: It’s a fresh, seafood-forward dish with creamy, tangy flavors, perfect for summer gatherings or casual meals.
These shrimp rolls are a flavorful, crowd-pleasing treat that’s sure to impress. Let’s get cooking!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make these Shrimp Rolls with New England–Style Dressing. Each ingredient adds to the fresh, creamy, and coastal-inspired magic.
- Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste): Seasons the shrimp and dressing.
- Medium Shrimp (1 lb, peeled, deveined, fresh or frozen): Provides sweet, tender protein.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Creates a creamy, rich dressing base.
- Lemon Juice (1 Tbsp, freshly squeezed): Adds bright, tangy freshness.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tsp): Brings subtle sharpness to the dressing.
- Old Bay Seasoning (½ tsp): Infuses classic New England seafood flavor.
- Celery (2 small stalks, chopped): Adds crunchy texture and earthy flavor.
- Fresh Dill (¼ cup, chopped): Provides vibrant, herbaceous notes.
- Butter (2 Tbsp): Toasts the buns for rich, golden flavor.
- Split-Top Rolls (4): Serves as the buttery, toasted vessel.
- Fresh Chopped Chives (for serving): Adds a fresh, oniony garnish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Shrimp: Swap with cooked lobster, crab, or scallops for a different seafood twist.
- Mayonnaise: Use Greek yogurt or avocado mayo for a lighter or keto-friendly option.
- Lemon Juice: Substitute with lime juice or white wine vinegar for a similar tang.
- Old Bay: Replace with Cajun seasoning or a mix of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper.
- Celery: Swap with chopped cucumber or green onions for a different crunch.
- Dill: Use parsley, tarragon, or cilantro for varied herbaceous flavor.
- Split-Top Rolls: Use lettuce wraps or keto-friendly buns for a low-carb/gluten-free version.
- Add-Ins: Stir in diced avocado, capers, or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor.
- Keto Version: Use lettuce wraps instead of rolls and avocado mayo; reduce celery to lower carbs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these Shrimp Rolls with New England–Style Dressing is quick and simple! Follow these steps for a perfect dish every time.
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare a large bowl of ice water as an ice bath.
- Add 1 lb peeled, deveined shrimp to the boiling water and cook until bright pink and fully opaque, about 3 minutes.
- Immediately transfer shrimp to the ice bath using a slotted spoon to cool.
Tip: Don’t overcook shrimp; they’re done when pink and opaque to stay tender.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a large bowl, whisk together ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Stir in 2 small stalks chopped celery and ¼ cup chopped fresh dill.
Tip: Whisk thoroughly to ensure a smooth dressing; taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp
- Remove shrimp from the ice bath and pat dry with paper towels.
- Chop shrimp into bite-sized pieces and add to the dressing. Stir to combine.
Tip: Chop shrimp evenly for consistent texture in every bite.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
- Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place 4 split-top rolls in the skillet, cut side down, and toast until golden, about 30 seconds.
- Flip and toast the other side for another 30 seconds until golden.
Tip: Watch closely to avoid burning; toast just until golden for a buttery crunch.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Transfer toasted rolls to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Fill each roll with the shrimp salad mixture.
- Top with fresh chopped chives and serve immediately.
Tip: For a polished look, pile the shrimp salad generously and sprinkle chives evenly.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Shrimp Rolls
Making these Shrimp Rolls with New England–Style Dressing is all about creating a fresh, flavorful dish with coastal vibes. Here’s how to make it perfect:
- Cook Shrimp Perfectly: Boil briefly and cool quickly to keep shrimp tender.
- Mix Dressing Thoroughly: Ensure a creamy, well-seasoned base for the salad.
- Toast Buns Evenly: Achieve a golden, buttery crunch for contrast.
- Garnish Vibrantly: Add chives for a fresh, colorful finish.
Presentation Tips:
- Serve on a platter with lemon wedges or extra dill sprigs for a coastal aesthetic.
- Pair with a side salad, coleslaw, or kettle chips for a complete meal.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of Old Bay or a drizzle of lemon juice for extra flair.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These shrimp rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but the shrimp salad can be prepped ahead. Here’s how to manage it:
- Storing Leftovers:
- Store shrimp salad (without rolls) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- Store toasted rolls separately in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
- Assembled rolls are best eaten immediately to avoid soggy buns.
- Reheating:
- Reheating is not recommended for the shrimp salad; serve cold or at room temperature.
- Re-toast buns in a skillet for 15–20 seconds per side if needed.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Make the shrimp salad up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate; stir before assembling.
- Chop celery and dill a few hours ahead and store in the fridge.
- Toast rolls just before serving to maintain crispiness.
Tip: Assemble rolls just before serving to keep buns crisp and shrimp salad fresh.
Recipe Variations
These Shrimp Rolls with New England–Style Dressing are versatile, drawing on your love for savory, flavorful dishes like Charcuterie-Board Flatbread and Easy Coconut Curry Shrimp Soup. Here are some fun ideas:
- Spicy Shrimp Rolls: Add a pinch of cayenne or 1 tsp hot sauce to the dressing for a kick.
- Lobster Rolls: Swap shrimp for cooked lobster meat for a luxurious twist.
- Keto Shrimp Rolls: Use lettuce wraps instead of buns and avocado mayo to keep carbs low.
- Herb-Infused Rolls: Add tarragon or parsley to the dressing for a different herbaceous note.
- Veggie-Packed Rolls: Stir in diced cucumber, radish, or avocado for extra crunch.
Tip: Serve with a sprinkle of paprika or a side of pickled veggies for a New England-inspired touch.
Conclusion: A Fresh, Coastal Treat to Love
Shrimp Rolls with New England–Style Dressing are the perfect way to enjoy the bright, savory flavors of a classic seafood roll in a quick, shareable format. With tender shrimp, creamy dressing, and buttery toasted buns, this dish is as delicious as it is easy to make. Perfect for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or light dinners, these rolls are sure to become a favorite. Play with the variations, garnish with your favorites, and savor every fresh, flavorful bite. What’s your favorite way to enjoy these shrimp rolls? Share your ideas in the comments and let us know how it turned out!
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Shrimp Rolls with New England–Style Dressing
Description
Craving a taste of New England’s classic seafood rolls with a quick, flavorful twist? These Shrimp Rolls with New England–Style Dressing are your perfect solution! Featuring tender shrimp tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing with hints of Old Bay, celery, and fresh dill, these rolls are served in buttery, toasted split-top buns for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make these Shrimp Rolls with New England–Style Dressing. Each ingredient adds to the fresh, creamy, and coastal-inspired magic.
- Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste): Seasons the shrimp and dressing.
- Medium Shrimp (1 lb, peeled, deveined, fresh or frozen): Provides sweet, tender protein.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Creates a creamy, rich dressing base.
- Lemon Juice (1 Tbsp, freshly squeezed): Adds bright, tangy freshness.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tsp): Brings subtle sharpness to the dressing.
- Old Bay Seasoning (½ tsp): Infuses classic New England seafood flavor.
- Celery (2 small stalks, chopped): Adds crunchy texture and earthy flavor.
- Fresh Dill (¼ cup, chopped): Provides vibrant, herbaceous notes.
- Butter (2 Tbsp): Toasts the buns for rich, golden flavor.
- Split-Top Rolls (4): Serves as the buttery, toasted vessel.
- Fresh Chopped Chives (for serving): Adds a fresh, oniony garnish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Shrimp: Swap with cooked lobster, crab, or scallops for a different seafood twist.
- Mayonnaise: Use Greek yogurt or avocado mayo for a lighter or keto-friendly option.
- Lemon Juice: Substitute with lime juice or white wine vinegar for a similar tang.
- Old Bay: Replace with Cajun seasoning or a mix of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper.
- Celery: Swap with chopped cucumber or green onions for a different crunch.
- Dill: Use parsley, tarragon, or cilantro for varied herbaceous flavor.
- Split-Top Rolls: Use lettuce wraps or keto-friendly buns for a low-carb/gluten-free version.
- Add-Ins: Stir in diced avocado, capers, or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor.
- Keto Version: Use lettuce wraps instead of rolls and avocado mayo; reduce celery to lower carbs.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare a large bowl of ice water as an ice bath.
- Add 1 lb peeled, deveined shrimp to the boiling water and cook until bright pink and fully opaque, about 3 minutes.
- Immediately transfer shrimp to the ice bath using a slotted spoon to cool.
Tip: Don’t overcook shrimp; they’re done when pink and opaque to stay tender.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a large bowl, whisk together ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Stir in 2 small stalks chopped celery and ¼ cup chopped fresh dill.
Tip: Whisk thoroughly to ensure a smooth dressing; taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp
- Remove shrimp from the ice bath and pat dry with paper towels.
- Chop shrimp into bite-sized pieces and add to the dressing. Stir to combine.
Tip: Chop shrimp evenly for consistent texture in every bite.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
- Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place 4 split-top rolls in the skillet, cut side down, and toast until golden, about 30 seconds.
- Flip and toast the other side for another 30 seconds until golden.
Tip: Watch closely to avoid burning; toast just until golden for a buttery crunch.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Transfer toasted rolls to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Fill each roll with the shrimp salad mixture.
- Top with fresh chopped chives and serve immediately.
Tip: For a polished look, pile the shrimp salad generously and sprinkle chives evenly.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Use 1 lb frozen, peeled, deveined shrimp; thaw before cooking or boil an extra 1–2 minutes until pink and opaque.
2. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
It can be! Use lettuce wraps instead of buns and avocado mayo to make it low-carb and keto-friendly.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Replace mayonnaise with avocado mayo and use olive oil instead of butter for toasting.
4. Why are my buns soggy?
- Toast buns just before serving to maintain crispiness.
- Pat shrimp dry thoroughly before mixing to avoid excess moisture.
- Assemble rolls immediately before eating.
5. Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Make the shrimp salad up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate; assemble with toasted buns just before serving.
6. How long does it last?
Shrimp salad lasts up to 1 day in the fridge; assembled rolls are best eaten fresh to avoid sogginess.
7. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes! Use 1 lb pre-cooked shrimp; skip boiling, pat dry, chop, and mix into the dressing.
8. What’s the best way to serve it?
Serve with lemon wedges, a side salad, or chips, garnished with chives, Old Bay, or a drizzle of lemon juice for a coastal vibe.