What is a Shrimp Roll?
A shrimp roll is essentially a lobster roll substituting shrimp for the lobster. It is a mixture of shrimp and a creamy dressing nestled in a gently toasted soft bun or roll. As a result, it’s a much cheaper option for a delicious sandwich that will transport you to a sunny summer seaside town. It’s light, refreshing and decadent all at the same time, but without the hassle and expense of cooking a lobster tail.
How to Cook Tender Shrimp
As with anything, there are a few different ways to cook shrimp. You could pan sear them or drop them into boiling water for just a few minutes, but I find the most reliable way to ensure tender shrimp that is not over-cooked is to start it in a pot of cold water and bring it to just the right temperature. The key is knowing what that right temperature is. It’s 170˚F – the temperature of shrimp when they are fully cooked. So, yes, you will need an instant read thermometer for this method, but it’s foolproof. Put the shrimp and water in a large stockpot, along with a bay leaf, and turn on the heat. Stir the shrimp every once in a while and watch the temperature climb. When the temperature reaches 170˚F, which is below a simmer, turn off the heat. The shrimp are fully cooked, not over-cooked.
Shocking Shrimp
Once cooked, it’s important to immediately transfer the shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This method, known as shocking, helps preserve the shrimp’s texture and ensures they remain tender and juicy. At that point, remove any shells or tails from the shrimp.
Chopping Shrimp
After shocking, drain the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels. While you could leave the shrimp whole, it does make the shrimp roll more difficult to eat, so chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to incorporate the shrimp into the roll and ensures that every bite is filled with the delicious taste of fresh shrimp. With your shrimp chopped, simply mix it in a bowl with the other ingredients – celery, mayonnaise, lemon zest, parsley, chives, salt and pepper. That’s your filling.
Preparing Shrimp Rolls
Now, let’s talk about another critical ingredient: the rolls themselves. My preference is for split-top hot dog buns. If you can get split-top brioche hot dog buns, even better! Lightly butter and fry or toast the flat sides of the buns to enhance their texture and flavor. Line each toasted bun with some butter lettuce and then add the shrimp filling. The lettuce will protect the roll from getting soggy too quickly.
How to Serve
Shrimp rolls are best served immediately after assembly to preserve their freshness and crunch. Pair them with a side of potato chips, a crisp green salad, or even a chilled glass of white wine for a complete and satisfying meal. Cheaper, easier and just as tasty (in my opinion) as their fancier cousin, the lobster roll.
