30-Minute Warm Buttery Shrimp Rolls
Warm, buttery shrimp rolls are a classic summer treat. They're made with plump, juicy shrimp grilled with fresh tarragon and are then chopped and tossed in a butter-based sauce. We add a tiny bit of mayo for a creamy texture, but don't be fooled, these Connecticut-style rolls are all about the melted butter. Serve in toasted split-top brioche buns for a quick lunch or snack that's perfect on hot days!
Prep20 minutes mins
Cook10 minutes mins
Total30 minutes mins
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chef-tested recipe, connecticut style seafood roll, elevated shrimp recipe, restaurant-worthy lunch, shrimp roll recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 491kcal
Skewers (either metal or wooden, see note below)
For the shrimp
- 1 lb extra large shrimp raw, peeled, deveined, tails removed
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp fresh tarragon finely chopped
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the dressing
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter melted and hot
- 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp chives thinly sliced, plus more for serving
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh tarragon
- 1 Tbsp fresh dill finely chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Remaining ingredients
- 4 New England-style top split buns these look like hot dog buns, but are cut along the top instead of on the side – you may need to trim the sides off (see note)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
Prep the shrimp. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. (If you don’t have a grill, you can pan-sear or poach the shrimp in butter.) While the grill is preheating, place shrimp in a large bowl. Drizzle with 2 Tbsp olive oil, then season with 1 Tbsp finely chopped tarragon, 1 tsp Kosher salt, and ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper. Toss well. Place shrimp on skewers, leaving at least 1-2 inches at the bottom of each skewer. It’s okay if they’re close and touching.
Cook the shrimp. When the grill is hot, coat with nonstick cooking spray. Add shrimp skewers in a flat even layer. Cook until the shrimp is opaque and just cooked through, about 2 minutes on the first side and 1-2 minutes on the second side. Remove the skewers and allow to cool slightly.
Toast the bread. While the shrimp are cooling, toast the buns. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add 2 Tbsp unsalted butter. Once melted, toast the buns for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Add more butter, if needed.
Chop the shrimp. Once the shrimp are cool enough to handle, remove them from skewers. Place on a cutting board then chop into bite-size pieces. Transfer to a large clean bowl.
Dress the shrimp. To the shrimp, add 3 Tbsp melted butter, 1 Tbsp mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 Tbsp chives, 1 Tbsp chopped tarragon, and 1 Tbsp chopped dill. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then divide evenly between toasted buns. Garnish each shrimp roll with a slight sprinkle of paprika and more thinly sliced chives. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and chips or coleslaw.
- Make ahead: Shrimp can be grilled and dressed up to 1 day ahead, but best enjoyed fresh.
- Storage & reheating: Store shrimp separate from buns; refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat shrimp gently, toast buns in butter, then assemble. Freezing is not recommended.
- Tips: Trim crusted sides of top-split buns so they toast evenly. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp—they tend to be overcooked.
- Swap: For lobster rolls, use 1 lb lobster meat (fresh-cooked or thawed frozen) and toss with the dressing.
Serving: 1shrimp roll | Calories: 491kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 181mg | Sodium: 1719mg | Potassium: 389mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 939IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 230mg | Iron: 4mg