Shrimp Rolls

/ Sandwiches, Seafood / By

Shrimp Rolls

The origin of shrimp rolls, particularly easy shrimp rolls, is tied to the broader tradition of seafood rolls in New England, USA, especially along the coasts of Maine and Massachusetts.

Origins Summary:

  • Lobster rollscame first, originating in Connecticutin the 1920s and popularized in Maine.
  • As lobster was (and is) expensive, shrimp rollslikely developed as a simpler, more affordable variation, using plentiful local shrimp, especially in Southern coastal states.
  • Shrimp rolls became common in seafood shacksalong the Eastern Seaboard, particularly where shrimp fishing was more common (like the Carolinasand Gulf Coast).
  • “Easy shrimp rolls”as a modern recipe style is an evolution from that, emphasizing minimal ingredients and fast preparation — often shared widely through American home cooking, food magazines, and online recipe blogs starting in the 1980s and 1990s.

So, easy shrimp rolls are essentially a simplified spin-off of New England lobster rolls, adapted for home cooks nationwide. They reflect American seafood traditions mixed with the trend toward quick, fresh summer recipes.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce, or to taste
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
  • 3/4 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus lemon wedges for serving
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for garnish
  • 12 ounces cooked, peeled, and deveined medium shrimp, thawed if frozen (about 48 shrimp)
  • 4 top-split hot dog buns

Instructions

  1. Make the shrimp salad:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, melted butter, Sriracha, cilantro, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and add more Sriracha, if desired. Add the cooked shrimp and toss to coat.

  1. Build the sandwiches:

Divide the mixture evenly among the hot dog buns. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and black pepper.

  • Thank you for trying this recipe. Please let me know how you liked it. If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a look at other recipes on my fast, simple and good sandwich and seafood pages.

Shrimp Rolls