Golden Shrimp Wraps

Experience the ultimate in speedy summer dining with these vibrant Shrimp Rolls. Requiring just a few minutes of cooking, this refreshingly delicious meal can be ready and on your table in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or laid-back gatherings!

Craving more exciting and effortless sandwich creations? You’re in luck! After savoring the fresh flavors of these delightful Shrimp Rolls, be sure to explore other crowd-pleasing options. Add these indulgent Monte Cristo Sandwiches, savory Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwiches, or the comforting Mini Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches to your culinary rotation for diverse and delicious meals.

We all know the familiar rhythm of summer: long, sun-drenched days filled with activities, outdoor adventures, and the irresistible urge to enjoy every moment away from the confines of a hot kitchen. Trying to get a wholesome dinner on the table can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. The last thing anyone wants after a day of fun in the sun is to spend an hour or more slaving over a stove.

And then, as the leaves hint at a change, school resumes, but the warm temperatures often linger, and evenings remain packed with extracurriculars and family commitments. The need for quick, satisfying, and flavorful meals doesn’t diminish; in fact, it often intensifies. This is precisely where our recipe for delicious Shrimp Rolls shines, offering a brilliant solution to your weeknight dinner dilemmas.

Quick and Easy Summer Shrimp Rolls: Your 20-Minute Dinner Solution

Imagine a meal that brings together the fresh tastes of summer in a handheld, incredibly satisfying format, all while demanding minimal effort and time. These aren’t your grandmother’s traditional shrimp rolls, and for good reason! While culinary purists might initially raise an eyebrow at the innovative inclusion of crisp bell peppers, sweet corn, and aromatic pesto, we urge you to embrace the delicious deviation. This contemporary twist elevates the classic concept, infusing it with layers of flavor and vibrant texture that are simply irresistible.

Our Summer Shrimp Rolls are a celebration of seasonal abundance, offering a fantastic way to incorporate a medley of fresh vegetables into your diet. The blend of succulent shrimp, sweet corn, crunchy peppers, and the herbaceous richness of pesto creates a harmony of flavors that perfectly captures the essence of a summer meal. Plus, the sheer speed at which this dish comes together means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying those precious moments with family and friends. Who could possibly complain when dinner is this fast, fresh, and utterly delicious?

Mastering the Art of Shrimp Rolls: Essential Ingredients

Crafting these delectable shrimp rolls requires a thoughtful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors and appealing textures that make this dish a standout. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each element is crucial:

• Oil: A good quality oil, such as extra virgin olive oil, is essential for sautéing the shrimp and corn. It provides a delicate base for cooking and helps infuse a subtle richness without overpowering the natural flavors of the seafood and vegetables.
• Shrimp: The star of our rolls! For convenience, frozen shrimp are an excellent choice. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water for a quicker option. Opt for large shrimp (around 21-25 count) for a satisfying bite. Remember to peel and devein them, removing the tails, before roughly chopping. Chopping ensures the shrimp integrates beautifully into the mixture and is easier to eat in a roll.
• Corn: Fresh corn kernels are truly unparalleled here, bursting with sweet, juicy flavor that epitomizes summer. If fresh corn isn’t readily available, high-quality frozen corn, thawed completely, makes a perfectly acceptable substitute. Just be sure to pat it dry before adding it to the skillet to prevent excess moisture.
• Mayonnaise: A classic binding agent for any roll or salad, mayonnaise contributes a creamy texture and a touch of tangy richness. It’s the foundation of our dressing, holding all the ingredients together in a luscious embrace.
• Pesto: This is where our shrimp rolls get their unique and incredibly flavorful twist! By partially substituting mayonnaise with pesto, we introduce a vibrant, herbaceous depth that sets this recipe apart. Whether you opt for a bright, homemade basil pesto (recipe here) or a high-quality store-bought version, ensure it’s fresh for the best flavor.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable. It provides a crucial zing of acidity that brightens all the other flavors, cutting through the richness of the mayonnaise and pesto and enhancing the natural sweetness of the shrimp and corn. Always use fresh lemon juice for the best results; bottled juice often lacks the vibrant flavor.
• Bell Pepper: Finely chopped red bell pepper adds a delightful crunch, a pop of color, and a subtle sweetness. While any color bell pepper will work, red bell peppers offer the sweetest flavor and the most visually appealing contrast against the shrimp. If you prefer a softer texture, you can lightly sauté the bell pepper with the corn.
• Green Onions: These provide a mild, fresh onion flavor without the sharpness of raw red or white onions. Thinly sliced green onions contribute a delicate aromatic note and another layer of vibrant color, enhancing the overall appeal of the filling.
• Salt and Pepper: The essential seasonings! Always taste your mixture before serving and adjust the salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. These simple additions are crucial for bringing out and balancing all the other flavors.
• Hot Dog Buns: The perfect vessel for our shrimp roll mixture! While standard hot dog buns work wonderfully, if you can find top-split buns (often called New England-style hot dog buns), they are ideal. Their flat sides make them easy to butter and toast, creating a crisp exterior that holds the filling beautifully.

How to Assemble Your Delectable Shrimp Rolls

Creating these sensational shrimp rolls is a straightforward process, broken down into just a few simple steps. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can bring this gourmet-style meal to life!

1. Cook the Shrimp and Corn: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the roughly chopped shrimp and cook for just one minute. The goal is to start the cooking process without overdoing it. Next, introduce the fresh corn kernels to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turns opaque and pink throughout, which typically takes only about two more minutes. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so keep a close eye on it. Once cooked, remove the shrimp and corn mixture from the heat and allow it to cool completely. This cooling step is important to ensure the mayonnaise-pesto dressing doesn’t separate when mixed.
2. Prepare the Flavorful Dressing: While the shrimp and corn are cooling, prepare the creamy and tangy dressing. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, pesto, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk these ingredients together until they are smooth and well-incorporated. This forms the luscious base for your filling.
3. Combine and Season: To the dressing mixture, stir in the finely chopped red bell pepper and thinly sliced green onions. These add freshness, crunch, and a mild aromatic quality. Once the cooked shrimp and corn mixture has cooled, gently fold it into the dressing and vegetable blend. Ensure everything is evenly coated. Finally, and crucially, taste the mixture. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking, adjusting until the flavors are perfectly balanced.
4. Serve in Buns: The final step is to spoon the delightful shrimp and corn mixture generously into your hot dog buns. For an extra touch of indulgence and texture, consider buttering and lightly toasting your buns before filling them. This adds a warm, crisp contrast to the cool, creamy filling, taking your shrimp rolls to the next level of deliciousness.

Pro Tips and Creative Variations for Your Shrimp Rolls

Elevate your shrimp roll experience with these expert tips and exciting variations, ensuring every bite is as perfect as the last:

• Toasted Buns for Texture: Don’t skip this simple step if you have a few extra minutes! Lightly buttering and toasting your hot dog buns (especially top-split ones) in a pan or on a griddle before adding the shrimp mixture creates a wonderfully crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. It adds depth of flavor and prevents the bun from becoming soggy.
• Cooked Bell Pepper Option: If you’re not a fan of raw bell pepper or prefer a softer texture, you can easily adapt this. Add the chopped bell pepper to the skillet along with the corn during the cooking process. Sauté it for a couple of minutes until it softens slightly but still retains a bit of its bite.
• Fresh Herb Enhancements: Boost the freshness and complexity of your shrimp rolls by incorporating additional fresh herbs. Finely chopped parsley, dill, or chives would all be fantastic additions. They complement the shrimp and pesto wonderfully, adding a burst of garden-fresh flavor. Experiment with your favorites!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These shrimp rolls are incredibly meal-prep friendly. The shrimp mixture can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes for an even quicker assembly when dinner time rolls around. Just fill the buns right before serving for optimal freshness.
• Perfect Summer Side Pairings: For a classic, easy summer dinner, serve these shrimp rolls with a generous side of crispy potato chips. The saltiness and crunch of the chips are a perfect foil to the rich, creamy rolls. Other fantastic side dish ideas include a light green salad, a refreshing coleslaw, or a bowl of fresh fruit. Consider adding a squeeze of lime to your water or a light iced tea for a complete summer meal experience.
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can be stirred into the shrimp mixture. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
• Avocado Addition: Diced avocado can be gently folded into the cooled shrimp mixture just before serving for an extra layer of creaminess and healthy fats.

Explore More Irresistible Shrimp Recipes for Summer

If you’re a fan of shrimp, there’s a world of delicious possibilities to discover, especially during the warmer months. Expand your culinary repertoire with these other fantastic shrimp recipes, perfect for summer entertaining or a simple weeknight meal:

• Cajun Shrimp: A bold and flavorful dish with a kick.
• Shrimp Caesar Salad with Spicy Croutons: A refreshing and satisfying meal with a zesty twist.
• Grilled Shrimp and Sausage Kabobs: Perfect for the grill, offering a smoky and savory combination.
• Grilled Lemon Shrimp: Bright, citrusy, and wonderfully simple for a healthy grilled option.
• Chili Honey Garlic Shrimp Kabobs: A sweet and spicy sensation that’s sure to impress.

LOOKING FOR MORE FREE RECIPES?
Stay connected with our kitchen and never miss a delicious meal idea! Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to receive new, family-friendly recipes delivered straight to your inbox each week. You can also find me sharing more culinary inspiration and daily cooking adventures on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. Join our community and let’s cook something amazing together!

Shrimp Rolls

Author: Deborah Harroun

A fresh and fast take on classic rolls, these vibrant shrimp rolls are packed with corn, peppers, and pesto for an unforgettable summer meal. Dinner is ready in less than 20 minutes!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Servings: 8 rolls

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed, roughly chopped
• 3/4 cup fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup prepared pesto
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 hot dog buns

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 minute. Add the corn and continue to cook, stirring, until the shrimp is opaque and pink, about 2 more minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
2. In a bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, pesto, and lemon juice until well combined. Stir in the chopped bell pepper, green onions, and the cooled shrimp and corn mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Serve the shrimp mixture generously in the hot dog buns. For best results, lightly butter and toast the buns before filling.