There’s something magical about summer on the East Coast — the salty breeze, the gentle lapping of waves, and the cozy seaside shacks serving up fresh seafood. Among the regional treasures, East Coast Shrimp Rolls stand out as a beloved classic. I first discovered them during a family trip to Maine, where every bite tasted like pure ocean bliss wrapped in a soft, buttery bun.
This dish carries the essence of coastal living: fresh, simple, and made to be savored outdoors with loved ones. It’s not just food — it’s a tradition, a memory, and a way to bring a little taste of the Atlantic shore to your own table. Whether served at a backyard gathering, a picnic by the beach, or a casual family dinner, East Coast Shrimp Rolls offer a comforting bite of summer any time of year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love seafood, you’ll adore these shrimp rolls. They’re light yet indulgent, combining sweet, tender shrimp with a creamy dressing tucked into a toasted, buttery roll. The balance of textures — soft shrimp, crunchy celery, pillowy bun — is what keeps people coming back. Plus, they’re quick to make and perfect for casual get-togethers or an easy dinner.
You’ll feel like you’re dining seaside without leaving your kitchen.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 New England–style split-top hot dog buns
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make East Coast Shrimp Rolls
Making these East Coast Shrimp Rolls is surprisingly simple, yet every step feels special. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, enjoy the process, and anticipate that first delicious bite.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Prepare the shrimp mixture
Start by combining the chopped shrimp, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, celery, and chives in a medium bowl. Season with salt and black pepper. Give it all a gentle mix — you want the shrimp coated but not drowned in dressing. This filling should feel light and fresh, not heavy.
Step 2: Toast the buns
Next, spread the softened butter on the sides of each hot dog bun. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and toast the buns on both sides until golden and slightly crisp. This little extra step adds warmth and a buttery crunch that elevates the entire dish.
Step 3: Assemble the rolls
Spoon the shrimp mixture generously into each toasted bun. Don’t be shy — let it overflow a little. This is meant to be a messy, joy-filled sandwich. Serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty squeeze just before eating.
Step 4: Enjoy immediately
These East Coast Shrimp Rolls are best eaten right away when the buns are still warm, and the shrimp filling is cool and creamy. Gather around, dig in, and imagine the ocean breeze on your face.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh shrimp whenever possible for the best flavor.
- Chill the shrimp mixture for 10–15 minutes before assembling if you want an extra-refreshing bite.
- Toast the buns lightly — too dark and they’ll overpower the delicate shrimp flavor.
- Add a pinch of Old Bay seasoning if you want a little extra East Coast flair.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 shrimp rolls
Category: Sandwiches
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, East Coast
Diet: Pescatarian
Notes
You can substitute the chives with fresh dill or parsley if you prefer. For a lighter dressing, use Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayonnaise.
Nutritional Information
(Per serving, estimated)
Calories: 380
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 720mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make East Coast Shrimp Rolls ahead of time?
You can prepare the shrimp filling a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Assemble the rolls just before serving for the best texture.
What type of shrimp should I use?
Medium to large shrimp work well here. You can use fresh or frozen (thawed), but fresh offers the best texture.
Can I substitute the bun?
If you can’t find New England–style split-top buns, use any soft, slightly sweet hot dog buns or even brioche rolls.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover shrimp mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble fresh rolls when ready to serve. Avoid freezing, as the texture will suffer.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
- Classic Lobster Thermidor
- Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp
- The Best Grilled Octopus for a Perfectly Tender and Flavorful Dish
- Shrimp Oreganata: A Deliciously Savory Italian-American Classic
Conclusion
East Coast Shrimp Rolls are more than just a sandwich — they’re a memory of beachside days, a bite of the sea, and a joyful way to gather people around good food. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a picnic, or just because you’re craving something fresh and flavorful, this recipe brings a little seaside magic right to your home.
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East Coast Shrimp Rolls
Description
There’s something magical about summer on the East Coast — the salty breeze, the gentle lapping of waves, and the cozy seaside shacks serving up fresh seafood. Among the regional treasures, East Coast Shrimp Rolls stand out as a beloved classic. I first discovered them during a family trip to Maine, where every bite tasted like pure ocean bliss wrapped in a soft, buttery bun.
This dish carries the essence of coastal living: fresh, simple, and made to be savored outdoors with loved ones. It’s not just food — it’s a tradition, a memory, and a way to bring a little taste of the Atlantic shore to your own table. Whether served at a backyard gathering, a picnic by the beach, or a casual family dinner, East Coast Shrimp Rolls offer a comforting bite of summer any time of year.
Ingredients
1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 celery stalks, finely diced
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 New England–style split-top hot dog buns
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the shrimp mixture
Start by combining the chopped shrimp, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, celery, and chives in a medium bowl. Season with salt and black pepper. Give it all a gentle mix — you want the shrimp coated but not drowned in dressing. This filling should feel light and fresh, not heavy.
Step 2: Toast the buns
Next, spread the softened butter on the sides of each hot dog bun. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and toast the buns on both sides until golden and slightly crisp. This little extra step adds warmth and a buttery crunch that elevates the entire dish.
Step 3: Assemble the rolls
Spoon the shrimp mixture generously into each toasted bun. Don’t be shy — let it overflow a little. This is meant to be a messy, joy-filled sandwich. Serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty squeeze just before eating.
Step 4: Enjoy immediately
These East Coast Shrimp Rolls are best eaten right away when the buns are still warm, and the shrimp filling is cool and creamy. Gather around, dig in, and imagine the ocean breeze on your face.
Notes
You can substitute the chives with fresh dill or parsley if you prefer. For a lighter dressing, use Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayonnaise.