Maine Fried Shrimp Rolls (on homemade butter-toasted Japanese milk bread)

deep fried shrimp rolls recipe

This Maine fried shrimp rolls recipe is a New England classic that can’t be beat. It is a great alternative lobster roll if you are like me and don’t love lobster(I knowww sacrilege as a Mainer).

The key to an amazing fried shrimp roll(besides fresh seafood) is a bun that is buttered and toasted. You can totally go with a regular hot dog bun from the store or you can find something special and up-level this classic seafood sandwich one more time. I found a homemade Japanese milk bread at the Italian bakery downtown and knew it would would make some delicious and special shrimp rolls. Since the Japanese milk bread didn’t come in rolls, I cut the loaf up and made my own rolls out of it(pictures shown below), this is something you can do with any good quality bread that you find!

Lastly, a generous amount of tartar sauce, either homemade or a good quality store bought, is a the best way to go. But any mayo-based sauce will be tasty.

Read on to learn more about how to make this perfect Maine fried shrimp rolls recipe. This is a summer treat in Maine cuisine!

how to make shrimp rolls

Ingredients:

• Shrimp (small pink Canadian shrimp)
• Flour, for coating
• Grapeseed oil 
• Tartar house
• Lettuce
• Butter 
• Rolls
• Maldon salt for finishing
• Garnish with chips and a pickle

Instructions:

1. Prepare frying oil by filling 2 inches high of oil, in a heavy bottomed pan, such as cast iron.  Use grapeseed oil or another neutral vegetable oil.
2. Wash and drain shrimp, then pat some of the moisture off with a paper towel. Toss in flour and fry in small batches until golden brown, 2-4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove.  Place on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil.
3. Butter both sides of the rolls and toast each side until golden brown in a skillet. 
4. Generously slather tartar sauce on the inside of the roll and line with lettuce.  Fill the center with the fried shrimp.
5. Finish with flaky salt, a slice of lemon, pickle and chips.

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Maine fried shrimp rolls (on homemade butter-toasted Japanese milk bread)

Ingredients

• Shrimp (small pink Canadian shrimp)
• Flour, for coating shrimp (I used cassava to make them gf)
• Grapeseed oil 
• Tartar house
• Lettuce
• Butter 
• Rolls
• Maldon salt for finishing
• Garnish with chips and a pickle

Instructions 

• Prepare frying oil by filling 2 inches high on a heavy bottomed pan, such as cast iron.  Use Grapeseed oil or another neutral flavored vegetable oil.
• Wash and drain shrimp, then pat some of the moisture off with a paper towel. Toss in flour and fry in small batches until golden brown(2-4 mins). Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove and place on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil.
• Butter both sides of the rolls and toast each side until golden brown in a skillet. 
• Generously slather tartar sauce on the inside of the roll and line with lettuce.  Fill the center with the fried shrimp.
• Finish with flaky salt, a slice of lemon, pickle and chips.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Deep fried shrimp rolls recipe, Easy shrimp roll recipe, How to make shrimp rolls, New England shrimp roll, Shrimp rolls fried

Maine shrimp, also known as Northern shrimp or Pandalus borealis, are small, cold-water shrimp that were once abundant in the Gulf of Maine and the North Atlantic Ocean. They have a sweet, delicate flavor and a tender texture. Here are some general facts about Maine shrimp:

1. Appearance: Maine shrimp are typically small, averaging around 3 to 4 inches in length. They have a translucent, pale pink to light orange color when raw and turn pink when cooked.
2. Habitat: Maine shrimp are found in cold waters, primarily in the Gulf of Maine and the North Atlantic Ocean. They prefer depths ranging from 100 to 500 feet.
3. Seasonality: Maine shrimp have a short harvesting season, usually occurring from December to April. During this time, the shrimp migrate closer to the shore to spawn.
4. Taste and Texture: Maine shrimp have a delicate, sweet flavor that is often compared to lobster or crab. They have a tender, slightly firm texture.
5. Culinary Uses: Maine shrimp are versatile and can be used in various recipes, such as shrimp rolls, salads, pasta dishes, soups, and stir-fries. They are often enjoyed cooked, either boiled, sautéed, or fried.
6. Sustainable Fishing: Over the years, concerns about declining shrimp populations and ecosystem health have led to strict regulations and the closure of the fishery. The aim is to allow the population to recover and ensure the long-term sustainability of the species.

If you enjoyed this fried shrimp roll recipe, you may also love these other recipes; salmon rice bowl, Crispy roasted Hen of the Woods Mushrooms or homemade chimichurri sauce. 

I’d love to hear about your favorite variations of your favorite fried shrimp rolls, so please leave a comment below. If you try out my recipe and make any changes or additions, feel free to share those as well! You can also find more of my food journey on Pinterest at Molé in the Wall, where I share my favorite recipes.