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Shrimp and Avocado Rolls

Updated September 11, 2025

Julia Gartland for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne.
Ready In
25 min
Rating
5(86)
Comments
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Tender poached shrimp and chunks of avocado get tossed with a zesty lemon-mayo dressing in this casual, West Coast spin on traditional — and splurgier — lobster rolls. Warm, buttery brioche buns and crisp lettuce provide a satisfying textural contrast to the rich and creamy filling. The shrimp salad comes together quickly and can be made ahead of time, making these perfect for relaxed entertaining or meal prep.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 to 6 servings
  • 1 pound peeled, deveined large shrimp

  • Salt

  • 2 lemons

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise

  • ¼ teaspoon Sriracha or hot sauce

  • Black pepper

  • 2 ripe avocados

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 4 to 6 split-top brioche hot dog buns

  • 6 leaves of tender lettuce, such as butter or green leaf

  • Small handful of chives, sliced

  • Potato chips (optional), for serving

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 to 6 servings)

32 grams carbs; 379 milligrams cholesterol; 1240 calories; 38 grams monosaturated fat; 11 grams polyunsaturated fat; 63 grams saturated fat; 118 grams fat; 6 grams fiber; 802 milligrams sodium; 22 grams protein; 4 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place shrimp in a medium pot and cover with 2 inches of water and a generous handful of salt. Cut one lemon in half, squeeze the juice from both halves into the pot and throw the peels in as well. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook until shrimp are just cooked through, about 8 minutes. Pour into a colander, rinse with cold water, then drain well. 

  2. Step 2

    Meanwhile, finely grate the zest of the second lemon into a medium bowl. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze in the juice from one half. Cut remaining lemon half into wedges. Whisk in mayonnaise, Sriracha, salt and pepper to taste.

  3. Step 3

    Cut each shrimp into 2 or 3 pieces and add to the bowl. Cut avocado into similarly sized pieces and gently stir together until evenly coated in the dressing. (The shrimp salad can be used right away, or refrigerated for up to 1 day.)

  4. Step 4

    Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. When foaming subsides, add the buns and toast the two outer sides until golden, adding remaining butter halfway through, about 2 minutes per side. 

  5. Step 5

    Transfer the buns to plates and lay a lettuce leaf across the bottoms, then divide the shrimp salad among the buns. Sprinkle with chives and crack more black pepper over each roll. Serve with lemon wedges and, if desired, potato chips.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
86 user ratings
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Comments

Didn’t win the 2 billion Powerball last night. Made this to soften the blow. I may not be rich, but I can eat like I am, at least today. This. Is. So. Good.

Super easy to make and delicious. Worked great for a weeknight meal. Made the salad ahead and let it sit in the refrigerator for a couple hours - then when it was time only had to toast up the buns! Would also serve this on a great big lettuce leaf without the bread for a quick lunch.

Made exactly as written. Amazing, fast, tasty, and possibly better than the last lobster roll I had (a few years ago in ATL, even marginal LRs went for $32 each). One note of caution: watch the poach time. I kept waiting for a simmer that never came, but luckily I took a test taste in the nick of time.

Quick, easy, healthy and delicious. Checks all the boxes. I used pre-cooked thawed shrimp.

I had no lettuce so added a couple of thinly sliced big red radishes for crunch, which looked lovely & tasted good too. I agree that the 8 minute cooking time must refer to the whole process starting from cold water to simmer because that would be far too long to cook shrimp (even big ones like these). Any kind of bun would do if you can't find the traditional lobster roll style. Very good meal!

Delicious and easy. The dressing is light and refreshing. I'm going to use crab next time. I agree with others who commented on the cook time. I used 16/20 per pound shrimp and I simmered them for 3 minutes. They were cooked through and not tough.

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