If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and delightfully easy to whip up, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Prawn Rolls Recipe. This dish is a perfect harmony of tender, juicy prawns dressed in a tangy, creamy mixture and nestled inside a soft bun. Every bite bursts with a refreshing crunch from celery and the herbal lift of fresh parsley, making it an unbeatable choice whether for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or even a fun weekend treat. The beauty of this Prawn Rolls Recipe lies in its simplicity and vibrant flavors that feel both comforting and a little bit fancy, all rolled into one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready for this Prawn Rolls Recipe is straightforward and satisfying. Each element plays a crucial role – from the succulent prawns to the zesty lemon juice, everything comes together to create an irresistible balance.
- 12 oz cooked prawns, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or high-quality frozen prawns for the best texture and flavor.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: This creamy base binds the flavors and adds a luscious texture to the filling.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the mixture with a fresh, citrusy punch.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle sharpness that deepens the dressing’s flavor profile.
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped: Offers a crisp crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender prawns.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a herbaceous freshness and lovely green flecks of color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that highlight and balance all the flavors.
- 4 soft hot dog or sandwich buns: Soft buns are perfect for holding the filling without overpowering it.
- 4 lettuce leaves: Adds extra crunch and a refreshing layer between the prawns and the bun.
How to Make Prawn Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, finely chopped celery, fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. This vibrant mix will coat your prawns and infuse them with a delightful creaminess and a fresh, tangy zing.
Step 2: Toss the Prawns
Gently fold the peeled and deveined cooked prawns into the dressing. Be careful not to mash them—the goal is to coat each prawn evenly while preserving their natural shape and texture for that perfect bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Buns and Lettuce
Lay a crisp lettuce leaf inside each soft bun. The lettuce provides an ideal barrier to prevent the bun from getting soggy and gives a wonderful refreshing crunch that pairs so well with the creamy prawns.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
Generously spoon the dressed prawns onto the lettuce-lined buns, distributing the mixture evenly among the four rolls. Don’t be shy with the filling—this part is the star, and you want each roll to have a satisfying, hearty serving.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Serve these delicious prawn rolls while fresh. Adding lemon wedges on the side is a lovely touch that allows everyone to add an extra splash of brightness just before biting in.
How to Serve Prawn Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh spin, sprinkle some extra chopped parsley or finely sliced chives on top. A light dusting of smoked paprika can add a smoky warmth that complements the seafood beautifully. And don’t forget a wedge of lemon for guests to squeeze over their rolls—this little boost of acidity always lifts the flavors.
Side Dishes
Keep it classic with a crisp coleslaw or a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette for a light contrast. If you’re after something heartier, golden oven-baked fries or sweet potato chips are fantastic companions, balancing the cool creaminess of the rolls with their crunch and warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
Switch things up by serving the prawn mixture in mini brioche buns for a party platter, or scoop it onto endive leaves for a fun, low-carb option. You can also transform the Prawn Rolls Recipe into an open-faced sandwich style on toasted sourdough for a rustic, gourmet vibe that impresses at brunch or casual entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any prawn roll filling left, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors actually meld more after resting, so it can be even tastier the next day. Just keep the buns separate and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for the assembled rolls since the bread texture becomes compromised. However, you can freeze the prawn mixture by itself in a sealed container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, then assemble with fresh buns and lettuce.
Reheating
The prawn filling is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature to preserve freshness, so avoid reheating. If you want warm buns, toast them lightly before adding the chilled prawn mixture for a lovely temperature contrast.
FAQs
Can I use fresh raw prawns instead of cooked ones?
It’s best to use cooked prawns for this recipe to ensure the rolls come together quickly and the seafood is perfectly tender. If you have fresh raw prawns, simply boil or sauté them first until opaque and cooled before mixing them with the dressing.
What kind of buns work best for prawn rolls?
Soft hot dog buns or sandwich buns are ideal because they hold the filling nicely without overshadowing it. Brioche buns are a fantastic upgrade if you want something richer and a little sweeter.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Finely diced cucumber or red bell pepper add wonderful crunch and freshness. Just be sure to chop them small enough to blend well and not overpower the delicate prawn flavors.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
To keep the spirit of the Prawn Rolls Recipe while making it vegan, substitute prawns with marinated hearts of palm or artichoke hearts and use vegan mayonnaise. The texture and flavor won’t be the same, but it’s a lovely plant-based alternative.
How can I make the dressing less rich?
If you prefer a lighter dressing, swap half the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or sour cream. This adds creaminess with fewer calories and a gentle tang that complements the prawns beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Prawn Rolls Recipe enough for anyone looking to impress with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s fresh, easy, and incredibly satisfying—a dish you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it becomes one of your go-to favorites for a quick, delicious meal!
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Prawn Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and delicious prawn roll recipe featuring tender prawns tossed in a tangy mayonnaise dressing with fresh herbs and crunchy celery, served in soft buns lined with crisp lettuce leaves. Perfect for a light lunch or casual dinner, ready in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Prawn Filling
- 12 oz cooked prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly
- 4 soft hot dog or sandwich buns
- 4 lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, finely chopped celery, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine prawns and dressing: Add the cooked prawns to the bowl and gently toss them with the dressing, ensuring each prawn is evenly coated without breaking them up.
- Prepare the buns: Line the inside of each soft bun with a fresh lettuce leaf to add crunch and freshness.
- Assemble the prawn rolls: Spoon the dressed prawns into each bun on top of the lettuce leaves, dividing evenly among the four buns.
- Serve immediately: Serve the prawn rolls fresh for best flavor and texture, optionally accompanied by lemon wedges to squeeze over just before eating.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked or high-quality frozen prawns thawed properly for the best taste.
- For a healthier version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika can give a nice subtle spicy kick.
- Serve with a side of crispy chips or salad for a complete meal.
- Make sure the lettuce leaves are dry to avoid soggy buns.
