Buzz
Lobster rolls may be the quintessential summer sandwich, but with prices soaring over $30 each, they’re not the most budget-friendly choice. While treating yourself occasionally is fine, consider a more affordable yet equally delicious option that won’t break the bank, allowing you to keep the air conditioning running a bit longer. Instead of opting for a lobster roll, why not try the shrimp roll this summer?
What I love about shrimp rolls is how quickly they come together. I whipped up two sandwiches (recipe below) in less than 10 minutes, thanks to having pre-thawed shrimp. Not only are they simple to make (especially if you go for pre-cooked, frozen shrimp), but you can make about a dozen sandwiches for just around 10 bucks. That’s an entire spread of fancy rolls for the lowest-cost summer gathering you’ll ever host.
How to prepare a shrimp roll
Just like with lobster rolls, the secret to a great shrimp roll is keeping the dressing simple and understated. Lobster roll lovers are divided into two groups—the butter-only crew or the mayo enthusiasts—and if we’re sticking to the rules, I prefer a light mayo dressing for shrimp rolls. However, if melted butter is more your style, feel free to switch it up.
As I mentioned earlier, pre-cooked, frozen shrimp is a game-changer. It’s already cleaned, cooked, and the tails are removed. If you have this on hand, just defrost a portion according to the package instructions. I grabbed a bag of medium-sized shrimp from Trader Joe’s, added about a cup of shrimp to a container, and let it defrost in the fridge overnight. The next day, I rinsed them off and patted them dry with paper towels. If you’re using raw shrimp, blanch them in boiling water until cooked, or pan-fry them with seasonings for a different twist.
Mix the shrimp in a bowl with dry seasonings, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a small dollop of mayo. I also added thinly sliced celery and chopped chives before stuffing it all into a couple of hot dog buns. It turned out perfectly—well-seasoned without being too salty, fresh, light, and satisfying.
You can customize your shrimp roll however you like. I used Old Bay for the seasoning, but feel free to use whatever spices you prefer. Try adding Mrs. Dash, Lawry’s, or even garam masala. Hot sauce or your own spice blend would also work well. Shrimp is versatile and pairs with a variety of seasonings, so don’t stress. Unlike summer vacations, this dish lets you indulge without breaking the bank.
Easy Shrimp Roll Recipe
Ingredients for the Shrimp Roll:
1 cup medium-sized shrimp, pre-cooked
½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
2 teaspoons mayonnaise
1 squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Celery slices to your preference
Chopped chives to taste
2 split-top hot dog buns
2 fresh butterhead lettuce leaves
1. In a small bowl, combine the shrimp, Old Bay seasoning, mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, and chives until well mixed.
2. Place the lettuce leaves into the hot dog rolls, then fill the buns with the shrimp mixture. Serve immediately and enjoy!
