If you’re craving the perfect mixture of succulent seafood, creamy dressing, and pillowy-soft bread, look no further than these irresistible Prawn Rolls. This recipe is my absolute go-to for picnics, relaxed lunches, or sunny weekend gatherings with friends. Each bite melds sweet prawns with zesty lemon, crisp celery, and a dreamy, herby mayo, all snuggled into a golden, buttery brioche or hot dog roll. Prawn Rolls strike a magical balance between casual comfort and coastal elegance, making them a standout hit whether you’re hosting or just treating yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every item in this Prawn Rolls recipe plays a vital role, from adding a pop of freshness to bringing a creamy tang. You’ll find the ingredient list refreshingly simple, with each part shining through to create unforgettable flavor and just the right mix of textures.
- Cooked prawns (1 pound, peeled, deveined, and chopped): Sweet, tender prawns are the undeniable star — make sure they’re fresh for peak flavor.
- Mayonnaise (1/3 cup): This creamy base hugs the prawn mixture and ties all the flavors together irresistibly.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A bit of lemon lifts the richness and keeps each bite bright and lively.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle tang and complexity without overpowering the prawns.
- Celery (1 stalk, finely chopped): Crunchy, peppery, and refreshing, it’s a key player in texture and freshness.
- Chopped fresh chives or dill (1 tablespoon): Choose your favorite herb for a burst of garden flavor and beautiful flecks of green.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Just enough to bring everything into perfect balance — don’t be shy with the seasoning!
- Brioche or hot dog rolls (4, soft): Lightly sweet and ultra-soft, these rolls are essential for that signature mouthfeel.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, optional, for toasting): Adds a hint of indulgence if you decide to crisp up your rolls.
- Shredded lettuce or mixed greens (for serving): Tucks beneath the prawns, providing color, crunch, and extra freshness.
How to Make Prawn Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Prawn Filling
Start by taking your chopped cooked prawns and tumbling them into a large mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, finely diced celery, and your herbs of choice (chives or dill). Stir everything gently but thoroughly, making sure every morsel is coated in that creamy, zesty mixture. Last but not least, season with salt and pepper until it tastes just right — this moment is where you give the dish your signature touch.
Step 2: Toast the Rolls (Optional)
If you’re dreaming of a little crunch and buttery aroma, don’t skip this part! Smear a touch of butter across the insides of each brioche or hot dog roll. Warm a skillet over medium heat, then toast the rolls, cut side down, until they reach a gorgeous golden hue. This only takes a couple of minutes but adds a layer of flavor and texture that’ll have everyone swooning.
Step 3: Assemble the Prawn Rolls
Gently open each toasted roll and create a nest with shredded lettuce or mixed greens — this not only adds crunch but helps keep the prawn mixture tucked neatly inside. Spoon the prawn filling generously into each roll, making sure every bite will be loaded with those wonderful flavors. Don’t be afraid to overfill; these rolls are all about abundance!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle a few extra chopped herbs over the top or slide in a lemon wedge for squeezing. These finishing touches make your Prawn Rolls feel restaurant-worthy and extra special for whoever’s lucky enough to dig in.
How to Serve Prawn Rolls
Garnishes
A handful of finely chopped chives, dill, or even microgreens will bring a beautiful pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor to your Prawn Rolls. For a bit of zing, offer lemon wedges on the side so everyone can finish their own roll just the way they like it. If you love a hint of spice, a dash of paprika or a light drizzle of hot sauce works wonders right over the top.
Side Dishes
Prawn Rolls are delightfully versatile when it comes to sidekicks! I love serving them with a classic potato salad, kettle-cooked chips, or even a crunchy coleslaw for extra contrast. For a summer vibe, think grilled corn on the cob or a simple cucumber salad — anything cool and crisp to play off the rich, creamy rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Turn your Prawn Rolls into mini sliders for parties or serve them open-faced on toasted baguette rounds for a fun appetizer. For more of a meal, layer with avocado slices or tuck in pickled onions. If you want to go all out, wrap the rolls tightly and cut into halves or thirds so everyone can sample and share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a few leftover Prawn Rolls, keep the filling and the rolls separate for best results. Store the prawn mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to eat another round, simply spoon the mixture into fresh rolls and enjoy that just-made taste.
Freezing
While fully assembled Prawn Rolls don’t freeze well (the creamy filling and soft rolls just can’t handle it), you can freeze plain cooked prawns. Simply thaw the prawns overnight in the fridge before mixing up your filling. For everything else, fresh is best for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
The filling for Prawn Rolls should always be served cold or at room temperature to keep its creamy consistency and the prawns nice and tender. If you’d like to warm the rolls, quickly toast them in a skillet or oven for a minute or two before assembling—the contrast between cool filling and warm bread is pure bliss.
FAQs
Can I use shrimp instead of prawns?
Absolutely! Shrimp are slightly smaller and a bit firmer, but they work beautifully in this recipe. Just prepare them the same way — cooked, peeled, deveined, and chopped — and follow the instructions as written.
What’s the best bread for Prawn Rolls?
Brioche or classic hot dog rolls are my top picks thanks to their soft, rich crumb and slight sweetness. However, you can also use potato rolls or sturdy sandwich buns if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure your bread is soft enough to contrast with the crunchy filling and sturdy enough to hold everything together.
Can I make the filling in advance?
Yes! The prawn filling can be made up to a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld even more. Just store it, covered, in the fridge and give it a gentle stir before assembling your rolls.
Is there a way to lighten up this recipe?
For a lighter twist, swap out half the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. The result is still creamy, with a slight tang that pairs beautifully with the bright lemon and fresh herbs. You’ll hardly notice the difference!
How do I add extra heat or flavor?
If you like a little kick, stir in a splash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or a dusting of smoked paprika into the filling. You can even add a few diced pickles or capers for extra tang and complexity—it’s all about dialing up the flavors to suit your tastes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something utterly joyful about tucking into a platter of fresh, homemade Prawn Rolls. They’re luxuriously satisfying, easy to whip up, and pretty much guarantee happy faces all round. If you’ve never tried them before, let this be your sign — grab some prawns and give these a go. I can’t wait to hear how much you love your first (and definitely not last!) batch.
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Prawn Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (optional for toasting)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook (optional stovetop for toasting)
- Cuisine: Australian, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Prawn Rolls are a delightful seafood twist on the classic sandwich. Tender prawns mixed with creamy mayo, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs, all nestled in a buttery toasted roll. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound cooked prawns (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 celery stalk (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional:
- 4 soft brioche or hot dog rolls
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for toasting)
- Shredded lettuce or mixed greens for serving
Instructions
- Mix the Prawn Filling: In a bowl, combine prawns, mayo, lemon juice, mustard, celery, and chives. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toast the Rolls: Optionally, butter and toast the rolls in a skillet until golden.
- Assemble: Line each roll with lettuce, fill with prawn mixture, and serve garnished as desired.
Notes
- You can swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Enhance with hot sauce or paprika for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
