New England Style Shrimp Rolls

These New England-Style Shrimp Rolls are easier and less expensive than traditional lobster rolls but every bit as delicious. Made with tender shrimp, a light lemony mayo dressing, and buttery toasted buns, they're perfect for summer lunches, casual dinners, and warm-weather entertaining.

Serve them with my easy corn salad recipe for a simple summer meal that feels classic, coastal, and effortless.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This easy summer meal can be made ahead, and is perfect for summer entertaining, holidays, or when it's too warm to cook.

Why You'll Love These Shrimp Rolls

• Easy summer meal: Once the shrimp is cooked and chilled, there's very little left to do but stir together the filling and toast the buns.
• Make ahead: Steam the shrimp ahead and refrigerate until cold. Then, just before serving, make the dressing, fold in the shrimp, and toast the split-top buns.
• Less expensive than lobster rolls: Shrimp rolls give you that classic New England seafood-roll flavor in a simpler, more budget-friendly way.

Another easy seafood dinner, my shrimp tacos, which are equally delicious in summer. Maryland Crabcakes are another warm-weather favorite, and these Summer Crockpot Recipes are always helpful when you want to keep the kitchen cool.

Recipe Pairing Ideas:

• For classic pairings, serve with crunchy dill pickles, Homemade Coleslaw, and Kettle-style chips.
• For a refreshing and easy drink idea, try my Southern Sweet Tea
• A cup of chowder is always delicious along with seafood rolls. Try JFK's favorite New England chowder.
• For dessert, you can't go wrong with my no-bake cheesecake or this 3-ingredient no bake chocolate pie. 

Ingredients

This recipe uses just a few simple ingredients, so the shrimp's sweet, delicate flavor can shine. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well, and split-top buns give the rolls that classic New England feel when you can find them.

• Large shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well. I often use frozen shrimp that has already been peeled, deveined, and had the tails removed, which makes this recipe especially quick and easy.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and lightly binds the shrimp filling.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a little tang and depth without overpowering the shrimp.
• Green onion and celery: Add fresh flavor and a bit of crunch.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the filling and pairs beautifully with seafood.
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Season to taste.
• Hot dog buns or split-top buns: Split-top buns are traditional, but regular hot dog buns work too.
• Melted butter: For brushing the buns before toasting.
• Old Bay seasoning, paprika, or cayenne: Optional, for sprinkling over the top before serving.

The Secret to Delicious Shrimp Rolls

Let the delicate flavor of the shrimp shine. While it's tempting to add lots of extras, a classic New England-style roll is all about the seafood. Some are served warm with drawn butter, while others are chilled with a simple mayo dressing. For this version, I'm using mayo, lemon, celery, and just a tiny bit of seasoning-enough to add flavor without overwhelming the shrimp.

How to Thaw Frozen Shrimp

If, like me, you're using frozen shrimp, here are two ways to thaw it:

• Colander Method: Place the frozen shrimp in a colander and run cool water over the top until thawed. This usually takes just a few minutes.
• Cold Water Method: Place the frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 5 to 10 minutes. If preferred, place the shrimp in a zip-top bag before immersing it in water.

How to Make Easy Shrimp Rolls

1. Step 1: Steam the fresh or thawed shrimp for 3 to 6 minutes, or until they turn bright pink, become opaque, and curl slightly into a "C" shape. Jumbo shrimp may take 5 to 7 minutes, while smaller shrimp may take 3 to 4 minutes. Immediately transfer the shrimp to an ice bath to stop the cooking.

2. Step 2: Once chilled, chop the shrimp into larger pieces. For medium shrimp, I like to halve them; for larger shrimp, cut them into a large dice. Chill the shrimp until completely cold, about 30 minutes, before mixing with the dressing. This is a perfect make-ahead step.

3. Step 3: Combine the dressing ingredients in a bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. Fold in the chilled shrimp and refrigerate until ready to serve. Chilling the filling gives the flavors time to blend.

4. Step 4: Before serving, brush the buns with melted butter and grill or toast until golden. Split-top buns are traditional, but regular hot dog buns work well too. Generously fill each bun with the shrimp salad, sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning or paprika, and serve.

Assemble & Serve

Shrimp rolls are best served cold in warm, buttery toasted buns. Fill the buns just before serving so they stay crisp around the edges and soft in the center. Serve with chips, pickles, coleslaw, corn salad, or your favorite summer sides.

For an easy summer dessert idea to go along with the shrimp rolls, try my s'more cookie cups or skillet strawberry cobbler. 

How Long Will Shrimp Roll Filling Last in the Fridge?

When stored in an airtight container, shrimp roll filling will keep in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Because it's made with seafood and mayonnaise, keep it chilled until ready to serve, and don't let it sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours or for 1 hour outdoors in very warm weather.

More Summer Recipes to Try

These easy summer recipes are always a favorite: