How to make mouthwatering shrimp rolls at home
How to make mouthwatering shrimp rolls at home is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by All Wings Everything on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 7 min | Total: 47 min
Cost: $12.94 total, $3.23 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 pieces Hot Dog Buns (soft bakery buns or any roll of similar size)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened for spreading)
- 1 pound Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, deveined)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (full‑fat for best flavor)
- 2 stalks Celery (finely diced)
- 2 tablespoons Capers (rinsed and drained)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Green Onions (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest (zested from a fresh lemon)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon White Wine Vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard (smooth)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (for boiling water and seasoning)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/4 teaspoon Paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder (optional)
- 2 pieces Garlic Cloves (crushed or minced)
Instructions
Prepare the Mayo Dressing
In a large mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, finely diced celery, capers, chopped parsley, chopped green onions, lemon zest, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic salt, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and crushed garlic. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Time: PT5M
Butter the Buns
Slice each hot dog bun lengthwise (if not pre‑sliced). Spread softened butter on both the inside and outside surfaces of each bun using a basting brush or the back of a spoon.
Time: PT5M
Boil the Shrimp
Fill a saucepan with water, add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and bring to a rolling boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, until pink and just opaque.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: boiling
Ice Bath Stop Cooking
Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to a bowl of ice water (ice bath) and let sit for 1 minute to halt cooking. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: cold
Toast the Buns
Place the buttered buns on a baking sheet, buttered side up, and broil on high for about 2 minutes until the interior is golden and the exterior is lightly crisp. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: 350°F broiler
Chop the Shrimp
Remove shrimp from the ice bath, pat dry, and coarsely chop into bite‑size pieces (about 1‑inch chunks).
Time: PT5M
Combine Shrimp with Dressing
Add the chopped shrimp to the prepared mayo dressing and gently fold until evenly coated.
Time: PT3M
Assemble the Rolls
Spoon a generous amount of the shrimp‑mayo mixture into each toasted bun, filling them to the top. Serve immediately or keep chilled until serving.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Shellfish, Eggs (mayonnaise), Dairy (butter), Gluten (buns)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Hot Dog Buns: soft brioche rolls, kaiser rolls
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine
- Instead of Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined: peeled crab meat, cooked lobster tail
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, aioli
- Instead of Celery: finely diced fennel
- Instead of Capers: green olives, chopped
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: fresh cilantro
- Instead of Green Onions: chives
- Instead of Lemon Zest: lime zest
- Instead of Lemon Juice: white wine vinegar
- Instead of White Wine Vinegar: apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Dijon Mustard: yellow mustard
- Instead of Garlic Salt: regular salt + garlic powder
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: garlic paste
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Saucepan
- Ice Bath Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Basting Brush (optional)
- Baking Sheet
- Broiler Setting on Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking shrimp for exactly 2‑3 minutes and shocking in an ice bath to prevent overcooking
- Toasting buns on both sides with butter for optimal texture
- Evenly coating shrimp with the seasoned mayo dressing
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh, sweet shrimp for the best flavor; frozen shrimp can be used if thawed completely
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note
- For extra richness, fold in a teaspoon of melted butter into the mayo dressing
Troubleshooting
Shrimp turned rubbery
Reduce boiling time to 2 minutes and ensure immediate ice bath shock.
Buns are soggy
Toast buns on both sides and serve immediately; avoid over‑filling with mayo.
Mayo dressing is too thick
Thin with a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of water until desired consistency.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store assembled rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days; keep the shrimp mixture separate if storing longer
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of buns and mayo will degrade
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour after assembly
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the mayo dressing up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate
- Boil and chill the shrimp a day before; keep them in a sealed container
- Butter the buns and store them wrapped; toast just before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of shrimp rolls in American New England cuisine?
Shrimp rolls are a budget‑friendly cousin of the iconic lobster roll, which originated in coastal New England towns where lobster was abundant. Shrimp, being more affordable, became a popular alternative for families seeking the same buttery, creamy sandwich experience without the high cost of lobster.
How does the shrimp roll differ from a traditional lobster roll in terms of ingredients and flavor?
The shrimp roll substitutes sweet, quick‑cooking shrimp for lobster, resulting in a slightly lighter texture. The flavor profile remains similar because both use a rich mayo‑based dressing with lemon, herbs, and a touch of vinegar, but shrimp adds a milder, briny note compared to the buttery richness of lobster.
What traditional regional variations of shrimp rolls exist within the United States?
While New England favors a simple mayo dressing, some Mid‑Atlantic versions incorporate a hint of Old Bay seasoning or a splash of hot sauce. In the Pacific Northwest, chefs may add dill and use sourdough rolls instead of hot dog buns, reflecting local tastes and bread preferences.
What occasions or celebrations is the shrimp roll traditionally associated with in American coastal culture?
Shrimp rolls are popular at summer beach picnics, backyard barbecues, and casual seafood festivals. They’re also a staple at family gatherings in coastal towns where fresh shrimp is readily available during the warmer months.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for an authentic American shrimp roll, and what are acceptable substitutes?
Key ingredients include fresh shrimp, a soft buttery roll (hot dog bun or New England roll), mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, and fresh herbs like parsley and chives. Substitutes can include crab meat for shrimp, brioche rolls for buns, or Greek yogurt in place of some mayo for a lighter version.
What other New England dishes pair well with shrimp rolls?
Serve shrimp rolls alongside classic New England sides such as clam chowder, corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette. A cold glass of local craft beer or a crisp white wine also complements the sandwich nicely.
What makes the shrimp roll special or unique in American seafood sandwich tradition?
Its uniqueness lies in delivering the indulgent, buttery mouthfeel of a lobster roll while using more affordable shrimp, making the dish accessible to a wider audience without sacrificing the signature creamy, citrus‑bright flavor.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making shrimp rolls at home?
Common errors include overcooking the shrimp, skipping the ice bath (which leads to tough shrimp), under‑toasting the buns (resulting in soggy rolls), and over‑mixing the mayo dressing, which can separate. Follow the timing steps closely for best results.
Why does this shrimp roll recipe use a brief ice bath instead of simply draining the shrimp?
The ice bath instantly stops the cooking process, preserving the shrimp’s tender, juicy texture. If you only drain the shrimp, residual heat continues cooking them, leading to a rubbery bite.
Can I make the shrimp roll ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the mayo dressing and boiled shrimp up to 24 hours ahead, keeping them separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the rolls just before serving to keep the buns crisp.
What does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything specialize in?
The YouTube channel All Wings Everything specializes in approachable, high‑energy cooking videos that focus on wing‑style recipes, seafood twists, and budget‑friendly comfort foods, often featuring bold flavors and step‑by‑step demonstrations.
How does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything's approach to American seafood cooking differ from other cooking channels?
All Wings Everything emphasizes quick, no‑fuss techniques, using everyday ingredients like hot dog buns and pantry staples, while many other channels may rely on specialty seafood or elaborate plating. The channel’s style is lively, informal, and geared toward home cooks seeking fast, tasty results.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
