SHRIMP ROLLS | a play on lobster rolls

Love lobster rolls but not the price tag? These Shrimp Rolls deliver all the creamy, buttery, coastal flavors you crave using tender shrimp instead. Crisp celery, fresh herbs, a hint of fennel, and bright lemon create a light yet satisfying filling that's perfect tucked into a soft toasted roll.

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Whether you're serving these for a summer cookout, weekend lunch, or an easy seafood dinner, they're quick to prepare and feel like something you'd order at a seaside restaurant. Pair them with crunchy Old Bay potato chips and you've got an instant vacation on a plate.

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🦐 Shrimp

Shrimp is sweet, tender, and cooks in just a couple of minutes, making it ideal for quick meals. Chopping the shrimp into bite-sized pieces gives every bite the perfect balance of seafood and creamy dressing.

🌿 Fennel

Fennel adds a subtle crunch and a light anise flavor that elevates the filling without overpowering it. Combined with celery and shallot, it gives these rolls a fresh, restaurant-quality taste.

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These shrimp rolls are inspired by the iconic lobster rolls found throughout New England. While lobster is traditionally the star, shrimp makes an affordable and widely available substitute that still delivers plenty of sweet seafood flavor.

Rather than copying the classic exactly, this version layers in fennel, fresh herbs, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of Tabasco for a little extra depth while keeping the bright, creamy character that makes lobster rolls so beloved.

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Tips

• Don't overcook the shrimp—2 minutes is usually all they need.

• Immediately transfer the shrimp to an ice bath to keep them tender.

• Chill the vegetable mixture before mixing so the mayonnaise stays cool and creamy.

• Lightly toast the buns with butter for even more flavor.

• Butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce provides the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Old Bay potato chips

• Coleslaw

• Pasta salad

• Corn on the cob

• Pickle spears

• Fresh fruit salad

Storage

The shrimp salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep the buns from becoming soggy.

Freezing is not recommended due to the mayonnaise.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 25 minutes

• Much more affordable than lobster rolls

• Light, fresh, and perfect for summer

• Great for lunches or entertaining

• Restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients

• Easy to prepare ahead of time

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🎉 Exciting News for Wine Cheese Scallops! 🎉 We’re now officially Amazon Affiliates! If you’re planning any Amazon shopping, you can support our blog just by using our link – no extra cost to you, no matter what you’re buying! 🛒💖

🔗 AMAZON.COM 🔗

So whether it’s kitchen gadgets, books, holiday gifts, or anything else you need, every purchase through our link helps us keep sharing delicious recipes, foodie tips, and restaurant finds! 🌟 Thank you for being part of our journey!

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Shrimp Rolls

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 2 quarts water

• 1 bay leaf

• ½ lemon, sliced

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

For the Filling

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• 3 tablespoons finely diced celery

• 2 tablespoons finely diced fennel

• 1 tablespoon finely diced shallot

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ cup mayonnaise (Duke's Light works great)

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• ¼ teaspoon Tabasco sauce

• ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest

• ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon celery seed

• 1 teaspoon minced fresh chives

• 1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley

For Serving

• 6 soft split-top rolls or English-style hot dog buns

• 6 butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce leaves

• Old Bay potato chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the bay leaf, lemon slices, and 2 tablespoons of kosher salt.

2. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes, or until they turn pink and are cooked through.

3. Transfer the shrimp immediately to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well and chop into bite-sized pieces.

4. Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the celery, fennel, and shallot. Cook for about 2 minutes until just softened. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until completely chilled.

5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, remaining ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, chilled vegetable mixture, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, lemon zest, lemon juice, celery seed, chives, and parsley. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.

6. Line each roll with a lettuce leaf and fill with about ½ cup of the shrimp mixture.

7. Serve immediately with Old Bay potato chips for the perfect seaside-inspired meal.

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MUST-HAVE TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE

We’re so excited for you to try this recipe! To make it even easier, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen tools that are super helpful for this recipe. By using our affiliate links below, you’ll not only be getting top-notch products but also supporting our blog, Wine Cheese Scallops. Thank you so much for your support—happy cooking!

1. Glass Mixing Bowls

2. Stainless Steel Bench Scraper & Chopper

3. Microplane Zester

4. Lemon Juicer

5. Quality Knife

   1. Top Shelf Knives by ZWilling

6. Stainless Steel Strainer Set

7. Measuring Cups and Spoons Set

8. Large Cutting Board

9. 3Qt Sauce Pan

   1. Our Hestan Culinary pan

10. Spider Strainer

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the shrimp salad up to one day in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely. Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

What kind of rolls work best?

Split-top New England-style hot dog buns are the traditional choice, but any soft hot dog bun or brioche roll works well.

Can I substitute the fennel?

Yes. If you're not a fennel fan, you can replace it with extra celery for added crunch.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not really. The small amount of Tabasco adds flavor more than heat. Feel free to add more if you like extra spice.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Yes. Replacing part or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt creates a lighter version with a slight tang.

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For the freshest ingredients to recreate dishes like these at home, we always visit our local gem, General Steak and Seafood.

Their high-quality selection never disappoints!

https://www.facebook.com/generalsteakandseafood

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