East Coast Shrimp Rolls
This East Coast Shrimp Rolls recipe brings the classic flavours of the Atlantic coast straight to your kitchen, combining tender, buttery shrimp with crisp celery, sweet green apple, and a hint of lemon for a perfectly balanced bite. Inspired by the traditional lobster roll, this shrimp variation offers a lighter, approachable seafood sandwich that’s ideal for brunch, lunch, or a casual dinner. Featured on Everyday Excellent, it showcases how leftover shrimp can be transformed into a comforting yet elevated meal in just a few simple steps.
The Inspiration
The East Coast is famous for its seafood, from Maine lobster to fresh shrimp harvested along the Atlantic shoreline. Shrimp rolls take inspiration from the New England lobster roll, emphasizing fresh, simple ingredients and a buttery toasted bun that cradles the seafood without overpowering it. This recipe celebrates accessibility and flavor, using everyday ingredients like mayonnaise, crisp celery, and sweet apples to enhance the shrimp’s natural sweetness. Viewers love how it captures the essence of coastal cuisine without requiring a trip to the ocean. It’s a perfect reflection of Vanessa Gianfrancesco’s style on Everyday Excellent: practical, flavorful, and celebratory of real food.
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp (88.7ml) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 ½ lbs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 top-split cluster hot dog buns
- 1 celery rib, chopped fine, leaves reserved for garnish
- 1 scallion, chopped
- 1 green apple, chopped fine
- 1/3 cup (80ml) mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp (14.8ml) seafood seasoning
- Hot sauce, to taste, optional
- 2 lemons, 1 cut into wedges
- 1 tbsp (14.8ml) chopped chives, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Methods
- Butter both sides of the hot dog buns. Place in a skillet over medium heat with one of the buttered sides facing down and toast for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip the buns and toast for another 2-3 minutes. Set the buns aside.
- Melt remaining butter in the same skillet. Season the shrimp generously with salt and pepper and add to the melted butter. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until just cooked through, flipping halfway. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the skillet. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a large bowl and let chill for 4-5 minutes, then rough chop the shrimp.
- Add the scallion, celery, apple, zest of 1 lemon, mayonnaise, seafood seasoning, and hot sauce if desired to the shrimp and mix. Divide between the 4 hot dog buns and garnish with chopped chives and celery leaves. Serve with lemon wedges.
Serving Suggestions
These East Coast Shrimp Rolls Recipe are perfect for casual dinners, weekend brunches, or seaside-inspired gatherings at home. Pair them with crispy French fries, a fresh garden salad, or a bowl of chilled corn chowder for a full coastal-inspired meal. For a refreshing beverage pairing, try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a light lager, or even sparkling water with lemon slices to complement the shrimp’s natural sweetness. These sandwiches are also ideal for picnics or summer cookouts, as they are easy to transport and serve warm or at room temperature. Garnishing with fresh herbs like chives and celery leaves not only enhances presentation but adds a subtle, aromatic layer to each bite.
Final Thoughts
This East Coast Shrimp Rolls recipe is a celebration of simple, bold flavors that come together in just a few minutes. The buttery toasted buns, tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and sweet apple make each bite an experience that is both comforting and sophisticated. It’s a recipe that showcases the beauty of coastal cuisine while remaining accessible for home cooks. Whether you’re recreating a taste of the Atlantic coast or looking for a quick seafood sandwich to impress guests, these shrimp rolls deliver every time. Try experimenting with different seasonings, adding a touch of Old Bay, or swapping the apple for a crunchy pear to customize the flavor.
Learn how to make East Coast Shrimp Rolls at home with this easy recipe. Tender buttery shrimp, crisp celery, sweet apples, and toasted buns come together for the ultimate seafood sandwich. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a casual dinner.
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