These easy shrimp rolls are the perfect quick summer meal when you want something fresh, creamy, and satisfying without turning on the stove. Packed with tender shrimp, zesty lemon, buttery mayo dressing, and a touch of heat from Sriracha, these sandwiches deliver coastal-inspired flavor in just 15 minutes. Served in soft hot dog buns with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, they’re ideal for lunch, dinner, or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in only 15 minutes with no cooking required
Perfect for hot summer days when you want a cool meal
Uses affordable cooked shrimp instead of lobster
Creamy, buttery, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor combination
Easy to customize with different herbs or sauces
Great for lunches, picnics, or light dinners
Simple ingredients that are easy to find
Beginner-friendly recipe with minimal prep work
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce, or more to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
3/4 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces cooked, peeled, and deveined medium shrimp
4 top-split hot dog buns
Extra chopped cilantro for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving
Extra black pepper for garnish
Directions
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, melted butter, Sriracha sauce, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Taste the dressing and adjust the spice level by adding extra Sriracha if desired.
Pat the cooked shrimp dry with paper towels if needed. This helps prevent the filling from becoming watery.
Add the shrimp to the bowl and gently toss until all the shrimp are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
Open the hot dog buns and lightly separate them to create space for the filling.
Divide the shrimp mixture evenly among the four buns.
Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
Replace cilantro with fresh parsley, chives, or tarragon for a different herb flavor.
Add diced celery for extra crunch and freshness.
Swap Sriracha with sambal oelek or your favorite mild hot sauce.
Mix in diced avocado for a creamier texture.
Serve the shrimp salad in lettuce wraps instead of buns for a lighter option.
Add finely diced cucumber for a refreshing twist.
Use brioche rolls for a richer sandwich experience.
Stir in a small amount of Dijon mustard for extra tanginess.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover shrimp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the freshest texture, keep the shrimp mixture separate from the buns until ready to serve.
Because this recipe is meant to be enjoyed chilled, reheating is not recommended. If the shrimp salad has been refrigerated, simply stir it gently before serving again.
Do not leave the shrimp salad at room temperature for extended periods, especially during warm weather.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cooked shrimp works very well. Simply thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before mixing.
What type of shrimp is best?
Medium cooked shrimp are ideal because they fit easily into the buns and provide a tender bite.
Can I make shrimp rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp salad several hours ahead and refrigerate it until serving time.
Are top-split buns necessary?
No, but they make the rolls easier to fill and eat neatly.
How spicy are these shrimp rolls?
They have mild heat from the Sriracha. You can add more or less depending on your preference.
Can I use another sauce instead of Sriracha?
Absolutely. Any favorite hot sauce can work well in this recipe.
What side dishes go well with shrimp rolls?
Potato chips, fresh salad, coleslaw, or fruit salad pair nicely with these sandwiches.
Can I use small shrimp instead?
Yes, small shrimp can be used, though medium shrimp provide a heartier texture.
How do I keep the filling from becoming watery?
Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly before mixing them into the dressing.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative or simply omit it.
Conclusion
Easy shrimp rolls are a fast, flavorful meal that brings refreshing summer flavors to your table with almost no effort. The creamy shrimp filling, soft buns, fresh herbs, and bright lemon create a satisfying sandwich perfect for busy days or warm evenings. Whether you serve them for lunch, dinner, or a casual gathering, these shrimp rolls are sure to become a favorite quick recipe in your kitchen
