Shrimp Sandwich

If you are in search of light yet satisfying meals, our delightful Taste of Home Test Kitchen-approved shrimp sandwich recipe should be added to your list. Ideal for warm summer days when you don’t want to heat up the oven, or as a quick weeknight dinner, these sandwiches feature tender, juicy shrimp tossed in a creamy dill-infused mayonnaise dressing.

What sets this sandwich apart is the clever use of hollowed-out hoagie buns, allowing you to get more shrimp filling into the sandwich without it all becoming a dripping mess when you go to eat it. Feel free to customize these sandwiches with your favorite shrimp-friendly toppings—we love adding slices of fresh creamy avocado.

Shrimp Sandwich Ingredients

• Hoagie buns: Four hollowed-out hoagie buns provide the perfect pocket for the creamy shrimp filling.
• Butter: One tablespoon of butter is used to saute the shrimp, adding a rich flavor.
• Shrimp: The shrimp is the star of this shrimp sandwich recipe, offering a sweet and tender texture.
• Mayonnaise: Half a cup of mayonnaise creates a creamy base for the dressing, binding the other ingredients together.
• Lemon juice: Just 2 tablespoons of lemon juice add a bright and tangy flavor to the dressing. If you’re not sure, here’s how to juice a lemon.
• Dill: Fresh or dried dill contributes a distinctive herbal flavor that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
• Optional toppings: Lettuce leaves and sliced tomato can be added to this shrimp salad sandwich for extra freshness and crunch.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the buns

Hollow out the bottoms of the hoagie buns, leaving a 1/2-inch shell.

Editor’s Tip: Set aside the bread you removed for another use, like making bread crumbs.

Step 2: Cook the shrimp

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, for three to four minutes or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Remove the pan from the heat.

Editor’s Tip: For extra flavor, add a minced garlic clove to the melted butter before adding the shrimp.

Step 3: Make the dressing

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, salt and pepper, mixing until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Combine the shrimp and dressing

Add the cooked shrimp to the dressing and gently toss until the shrimp are evenly coated.

Step 5: Assemble the sandwiches

Spoon the shrimp mixture into the hoagie bun bottoms. If desired, top the shrimp with lettuce and sliced tomato, then replace the buns tops and serve.

Shrimp Sandwich Variations

• Give it a spicy kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of sriracha to the mayonnaise dressing for a spicy twist to this shrimp sandwich recipe.
• Top with avocado: Add slices of fresh avocado for a creamy and nutritious addition to the sandwich.
• Make it Greek-inspired: Mix in crumbled feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives to give this recipe a Mediterranean twist.
• Give it a New-England twist: Add finely diced celery and a splash of Old Bay seasoning to give your shrimp sandwich a taste reminiscent of that classic East Coast comfort food, the lobster roll.
• Make it herbed shrimp: Mix a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives into the dressing.

How to Store Shrimp Sandwiches

Store any leftover shrimp mixture, separate from the buns, in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the shrimp sandwiches just before eating to prevent the buns from becoming soggy.

Can you make this sandwich with shrimp ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shrimp filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and assemble the sandwiches just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

Shrimp Sandwich Tips

What’s the best type of bread for a shrimp sandwich?

While this recipe calls for hoagie buns, you can use various types of hearty bread for shrimp sandwiches. Crusty baguettes or brioche rolls will both work well.

How do you prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

The key to tender shrimp in this shrimp sandwich is to avoid overcooking them. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes about four minutes.

Can you use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use precooked shrimp to save time. Simply thaw the frozen shrimp and toss it directly into the dressing. However, if you want added flavor, you may want to quickly saute the shrimp in butter.

What sides go well with a shrimp sandwich?

Serve your shrimp sandwiches with a side of potato chips, a fresh green salad or a bowl of tangy coleslaw.