Buttery Shrimp Rolls: The Ultimate Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Buttery Shrimp Rolls: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-kissed shores of New England! Imagine sinking your teeth into a toasted, golden-brown roll, overflowing with succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp, all bathed in a luscious, buttery sauce. Are you drooling yet? I know I am just thinking about it!

While the exact origins of the shrimp roll are debated, its close cousin, the lobster roll, has deep roots in the Northeastern United States, particularly Maine. Over time, resourceful cooks adapted the concept, swapping lobster for the equally delicious and more readily available shrimp. This adaptation gave rise to the delightful buttery shrimp rolls we know and love today.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and flavors. The tender, sweet shrimp contrasts beautifully with the crisp, toasted roll. The rich, buttery sauce elevates the entire experience, creating a symphony of deliciousness in every bite. Plus, these rolls are incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or even a sophisticated appetizer. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you can easily whip up a batch of these delectable treats and impress your friends and family. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with a touch of coastal charm!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 brioche rolls, split
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt to taste
• Optional: Lettuce leaves for lining the rolls

Preparing the Shrimp Salad:

1. Cook the Shrimp: First, we need to cook the shrimp. There are a few ways to do this, but I prefer poaching them for the best texture. Bring a pot of salted water to a simmer. Gently add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become rubbery.
2. Chill the Shrimp: Once the shrimp are cooked, immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This will also help them cool down quickly. Let them sit in the ice bath for about 5 minutes.
3. Chop the Shrimp: Drain the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels. Roughly chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces. You don’t want them too small, but also not too large to fit comfortably in the rolls.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix gently until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the shrimp salad mushy.
5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the shrimp salad and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more lemon juice for brightness, Old Bay for a bit more spice, or salt to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
6. Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the shrimp salad for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill thoroughly, which is important for the best taste and texture. You can even make this a day ahead of time.

Preparing the Brioche Rolls:

1. Preheat Skillet: Place a large skillet (cast iron is great if you have one) over medium heat. We want the skillet to be nice and hot before we add the rolls.
2. Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or in a small saucepan over low heat. Make sure the butter is completely melted and smooth.
3. Brush the Rolls: Open the brioche rolls and brush the inside of each half with the melted butter. Be generous with the butter – this is what gives the rolls their delicious buttery flavor and golden-brown color.
4. Toast the Rolls: Place the buttered rolls, cut-side down, in the preheated skillet. Toast them for 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
5. Remove from Skillet: Once the rolls are toasted to your liking, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

Assembling the Buttery Shrimp Rolls:

1. Prepare the Rolls (Optional): If you like, you can line the bottom half of each roll with a lettuce leaf. This will add a bit of freshness and prevent the roll from getting soggy.
2. Fill the Rolls: Spoon the chilled shrimp salad evenly into each toasted brioche roll. Be generous with the filling – you want each roll to be packed with delicious shrimp salad.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp salad in each roll. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve the buttery shrimp rolls immediately. They are best enjoyed while the rolls are still warm and crispy and the shrimp salad is cold and refreshing.

Tips and Variations:

• Type of Shrimp: I prefer using large shrimp for this recipe, but you can use any size you like. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Mayonnaise: Use your favorite mayonnaise for the shrimp salad. I like using a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. You can also use a light mayonnaise to reduce the fat content.
• Celery and Red Onion: These add a nice crunch and flavor to the shrimp salad. You can adjust the amount to your liking. If you don’t like red onion, you can use green onion instead.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is always best, but you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch.
• Old Bay Seasoning: This is a classic seafood seasoning that adds a lot of flavor to the shrimp salad. If you don’t have Old Bay seasoning, you can use a combination of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper.
• Cayenne Pepper: This adds a touch of heat to the shrimp salad. If you don’t like spicy food, you can omit it.
• Brioche Rolls: Brioche rolls are my favorite for this recipe because they are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet. However, you can use any type of roll you like. Hot dog buns, hoagie rolls, or even croissants would work well.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for toasting the rolls. This will allow you to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
• Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients to the shrimp salad, such as chopped avocado, diced cucumber, or a sprinkle of dill.
• Make it a Melt: For a warm and gooey twist, top the shrimp salad with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese before toasting the rolls.
• Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp salad for an extra kick.
• Serve with Sides: These shrimp rolls are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with sides such as potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Make Ahead Instructions:

The shrimp salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The brioche rolls are best toasted just before serving, but you can brush them with butter ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover shrimp rolls should be stored in the refrigerator. They are best eaten within 1-2 days. The rolls may become a bit soggy, but the shrimp salad will still be delicious.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: 450-550 per roll
• Fat: 25-35g
• Saturated Fat: 10-15g
• Cholesterol: 200-250mg
• Sodium: 500-700mg
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugar: 5-8g
• Protein: 20-25g

Enjoy your delicious Buttery Shrimp Rolls!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Buttery Shrimp Rolls are so much more than just a sandwich; they’re a little taste of summer, a quick and easy weeknight dinner, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. The combination of succulent shrimp, that luscious buttery sauce, and the perfectly toasted roll is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite.

But don’t just take my word for it! The real magic happens when you try it yourself. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s:

• Incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
• Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile and adaptable to your own preferences.
• A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for parties and gatherings.

Looking for serving suggestions or variations? These Buttery Shrimp Rolls are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a refreshing choice. For something a bit heartier, consider serving them alongside some crispy sweet potato fries or a creamy coleslaw.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Shrimp Rolls: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a little kick.
• Garlic Herb Shrimp Rolls: Incorporate some minced garlic and fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives into the sauce.
• Avocado Shrimp Rolls: Top the shrimp with slices of ripe avocado for added creaminess and healthy fats.
• Lemon Pepper Shrimp Rolls: Use lemon pepper seasoning instead of regular pepper for a zesty twist.
• Make it a Salad: Skip the roll altogether and serve the buttery shrimp over a bed of lettuce with your favorite toppings.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own! That’s the beauty of cooking – it’s all about creativity and finding what you love. I encourage you to play around with different flavors and ingredients until you create your perfect Buttery Shrimp Roll.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you do, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think?

Please, please, please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Plus, it’s always fun to see how others are enjoying my creations!

So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make some seriously amazing Buttery Shrimp Rolls. I promise you won’t regret it! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear from you! Let me know what you think of this buttery shrimp rolls recipe.

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