Shrimp Roll with Lemon Basil Aioli

Shrimp Roll with Lemon Basil Aioli

Years ago I had a shrimp roll that I will NEVER forget, I’m still not sure if it was the whole day in general that I remember, but 20 some odd years later, it’s still vivid.

It was hot and sunny and just a beautiful day all around.

I strolled into a little pub along the beach and hopped on a stool and tried to decide what to order. One quick look and the shrimp sounded good to me, I asked my server how the “shrimp rolls” are and he said they are what they do best….and he was right.

It was great and I had other food there after that, but that shrimp roll is still all I can remember. I don’t ever think I could duplicate what they made, so I came up with my own version and I just HAD to share it with you.

I have loved seafood all my life. Shrimp, lobster, scallops, fish, you name it, I love it. Baked, broiled, grilled, steamed even raw. I really think I could be a Pescetarian… but on second thought, I think I would miss hamburgers.

Back to the shrimp…

Start by preparing the sauce, juice 1/2  a lemon, this will yield 2 tablespoons of juice.

I added everything into my hand blenders cup.

first I added the oil, then egg yolk, followed by lemon juice, garlic, then the basil and salt and pepper.

I blended it until thick and smooth.

This is so delicious, I can’t wait to slather it onto more items!

Using a shrimp cleaner, slide the tip down the back of the shrimp and pull up gently, this will open the shell and allow you to remove the sand vein easily.

It only took me a couple minutes to clean the shrimp, it was far easier with this tool, then how I used to fiddle with the legs.

I soaked four bamboo skewers in water, then threaded the shrimp onto the skewers so they would stack up nicely and cook evenly. I cut the skewers shorter with scissors so they were able to fit into my pan nicely.

Shrimp doesn’t take long to cook, as soon as the first side turns pink I flip them over with tongs.

Aren’t tongs the greatest invention!

I cooked 1 pound of U15 shrimp which means there are 15 or fewer shrimp per pound these are very large shrimp which is a great size for sandwiches like this one, I may have had to sample the other shrimp….it’s always best to have a few extra to snack when cooking don’t you think?

Before I got ready to assemble my sandwiches, I snipped off some fresh watercress to top the sandwiches with.

There are many reasons why this is such a favorite of mine, this can all be prepared ahead of time, it’s perfect for a picnic or to bring to the beach, and it won’t be long before beach days are upon us!

This is a fun dinner to serve to friends, it gives you more time to spend with them as the prep can all be done hours earlier.

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Shrimp Roll with Lemon Basil Aioli

this is so flavorful and easy to make and enjoy easily

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Main Dish, sandwich

Cuisine: American

Servings: 3 -4 sandwiches

Author: Diane Schmidt - createdbydiane.com

Ingredients

• 4 wood skewers
• 1 lb Shrimp
• 1 loaf of crusty bread
• watercress to place on sandwiches

Lemon Basil Aioli

• juice of 1/2 a lemon 2 tablespoons
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic or one clove
• 2 fresh basil leaves

Instructions

• soak skewers in water for 10 minutes.
• Clean shrimp.
• Place shrimp on to skewers, on a heated cast iron pan or grill cook shrimp about 5 minutes each side until opaque inside, do not overcook or shrimp will became tough.

Lemon Basil Aioli

• Blend lemon juice, egg yolk, oil, garlic and basil with some salt and pepper until thick and smooth in a blender or food processor.
• Cut bread, lay shrimp down, place watercress on top and slather the top of the bread with the Lemon Basil Aioli.

More great sandwiches:

• Grilled Goat Cheese and Avocado Sandwich
• Eggplant Sandwich
• Italian Chicken Cutlet Sandwich
• Peppered Salami Pressed Sandwich
• Grilled Eggplant & Mozzarella Sandwich with Lemon Artichoke Spread
• Shrimp Roll with Lemon Basil Aioli
• Chicken BLT Sandwich
• Cornbread Waffle Turkey Sandwiches with Cranberry Aioli
• and don’t miss this: Breakfast Toast, so many simple ideas