When I first made these East Coast Shrimp Rolls Recipe, I felt like I was right on the shores of New England! The buttery toasted buns, tender shrimp, and a creamy herb dressing came together to create pure magic. It’s such a simple yet flavorful recipe that instantly reminds me of coastal vacation dreams.

The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make it happen! Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, whipping up a quick lunch, or simply craving something indulgent, these shrimp rolls are a surefire win. I can’t wait for you to taste that perfect mix of juicy shrimp, herbs, and a tangy creamy kick in every bite.

Ingredients for Irresistible Shrimp Rolls

Here’s a simple yet delicious list of ingredients you’ll need for these mouthwatering shrimp rolls.

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp work best for tender bites.
1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of your shrimp.
Juice of half a lemon: Adds a bright, zesty note to the shrimp.
2 cups ice water: Stops the shrimp from overcooking by immediately cooling them.
½ cup mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy base for the herby dressing.
1 celery stalk, finely chopped: Adds a crunch to the creamy mix.
2 green onions, thinly sliced: Brings gentle onion-like sharpness to the dressing.
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped: Its herbaceous, citrusy notes lift the overall flavor.
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped: Fresh and vibrant, it pairs beautifully with seafood.
1 tablespoon chives, chopped: A subtle garlicky hint complements the shrimp.
1 teaspoon capers, drained and chopped: Adds a salty, tangy edge.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a mild, tangy sharpness to the dressing.
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar: Balances out the richness of the mayo.
Zest of 1 lemon: Gives bursts of citrusy freshness in every bite.
1 garlic clove, minced: A bold punch of flavor for the dressing.
½ teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and mild spice to the mix.
¼ teaspoon garlic salt: Seasons both the dressing and shrimp lightly.
¼ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory depth of the dressing.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: A little heat rounds out the flavors.
4 hot dog buns: Soft buns with a split top hold the filling perfectly.
2 tablespoons butter, melted: Creates a golden, crispy finish on the buns.

Note: This recipe makes 4 shrimp rolls. Adjust portions as needed for more servings!

Fun Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with these shrimp rolls by trying one or more of these ideas.

Lighter Version: Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lower-calorie option.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free rolls or crunchy lettuce leaves instead of buns.
Spicy Kick: Add cayenne or drizzle hot sauce into the dressing for some heat.
Herb Swap: Replace the dill or parsley with basil or cilantro for a unique twist!

Cooking Time

With simple steps and minimal effort, these rolls come together in no time at all!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Tools You’ll Need

Make sure you have these kitchen tools ready for a seamless cooking experience.

Large pot: For boiling shrimp evenly and quickly.
Mixing bowl: Essential for tossing the dressing together.
Tongs or slotted spoon: Transfers shrimp from boiling water to the ice bath with ease.
Knife and cutting board: For chopping shrimp and prepping herbs.

How to Make East Coast Shrimp Rolls?

Follow these easy steps to create a taste sensation that feels straight from the coast.

Boil the Shrimp

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon to enhance the shrimp’s flavor. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they’re pink and firm. Watch closely to avoid overcooking, which can make shrimp rubbery.

Chill in an Ice Bath

While the shrimp cook, prepare a large bowl of ice water. Once the shrimp are done, transfer them to the ice water immediately. This halts the cooking process and locks in their tenderness. Leave them in the ice water for about 2-3 minutes.

Toast the Buns

Butter the inside and outer tops of your hot dog buns generously. Place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp. The buttery toasting boosts both the flavor and texture of each bite.

Mix the Dressing

While the shrimp cool, prepare the creamy herb dressing. Combine mayonnaise, celery, green onions, dill, parsley, chives, capers, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, lemon zest, paprika, garlic salt, onion powder, black pepper, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth, flavorful mixture.

Assemble the Rolls

Remove the shrimp from the ice bath, pat them dry, and chop into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the dressing and toss until evenly coated. Fill your toasted buns with the shrimp mixture. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving.

Tips to Make Your Shrimp Rolls Even Better

Here are a few extra tricks I’ve learned to ensure these shrimp rolls turn out amazing every single time!

Use Fresh Herbs: The flavors in fresh dill, parsley, and chives can’t be beaten, so avoid dried herbs if you can.
Avoid Overcooking Shrimp: Keep a close eye on your shrimp while boiling; it can go from perfect to overcooked fast!
Chill the Dressing: Make the herb mayo a few hours ahead to allow the flavors to mingle and deepen.
Toast Perfectly: Keep an eye on your buns under the broiler, as they can burn quickly.

How to Serve East Coast Shrimp Rolls?

Make these shrimp rolls the ultimate meal with some fun serving ideas!

Pair with Sides: Serve alongside kettle chips, coleslaw, or even a zesty cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Garnish Tips: Add lemon wedges, a sprinkle of paprika, or extra dill for a decorative and flavorful touch.
Host-Friendly: Serve the rolls on a platter with chilled lemonade or iced tea nearby for a relaxed, crowd-friendly vibe.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of these delightful shrimp rolls contains approximately:

Calories: 300
Protein: 19g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 15g

Make Ahead and Storage

Here’s how to plan ahead and store any leftovers effectively.

Make Ahead: Prep the herb mayo up to a day in advance, and refrigerate it. This will save you time and enhance the dressing’s flavor!
Storing Leftovers: Keep the shrimp mixture separate from the buns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Only assemble when ready to serve for the freshest taste.

East Coast Shrimp Rolls are the ultimate fusion of coastal flavors and comfort food simplicity. No matter the occasion, they’re an easy, impressive dish that you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Try them soon and enjoy your own little slice of the shore!