If you love lobster rolls but not the price tag, these crab and prawn rolls are the answer. Ready in just 15 minutes, our Test Kitchen recipe makes an easy lunch or laid-back dinner that looks far more impressive than the effort involved.
The lobster roll has become synonymous with summers on the New England coast, with the iconic seafood sandwich now enjoyed far beyond the US. Once a regional speciality, it has become a restaurant favourite around the world, appearing everywhere from Michelin menus to high street cafes like Pret.
Our budget-friendly twist makes it easy to recreate this trending dish at home. Swapping lobster for crab and prawns keeps costs down without losing the indulgent appeal – these rolls work out at around £3 per serving based on average UK supermarket prices, compared with £8-£10 per serving if made with lobster. Plus, crab and prawns are much easier to find in supermarkets, making this a simple way to enjoy a restaurant-style seafood sandwich at home.
These are ideal for summer entertaining or as a seafood option at a BBQ. Simply set everything out for guests to assemble their own, and serve sriracha or Tabasco on the side so everyone can add as much spice as they like.
- Makes 4
- Ready in 15 minutes
- Per serving : 360 calories, 20g fat, 4g saturated fat, 26g carbohydrates
Ingredients
- 200g large cooked prawns
- 100g white crab meat
- 1tbsp salted butter, melted
- 10g each of chives and tarragon, finely chopped
- 1tbsp lemon juice
- 5tbsp mayonnaise
- 1tsp tomato ketchup
- 4 brioche buns
- 2 little gem lettuce
- 5 radishes, thinly sliced
- 1tsp paprika
- Sriracha and dill crisps to serve (optional)
Method
- Mix together the melted butter, herbs, lemon juice, mayonnaise and ketchup, in a small bowl. Mix through the prawns and crab. Season with plenty of black pepper to taste.
- Heat a griddle pan over a high heat and toast the brioche buns on all sides. Fill the buns generously with the crab and prawn mix, a couple of lettuce leaves and radish slices.
- Finish with a sprinkling of paprika and a grind of black pepper. Serve with crisps and a drizzle of sriracha if liked.
Stylish serving ideas
Inspired by the colours of summer, this oval serving platter has a 3D lobster motif, painted by hand for a textured finish. The playful 'Frutti di mare' text enhances the seafood theme making it the perfect platter for presenting your crab and prawn rolls on.
Bring a touch of coastal charm to your dining table with these beautifully embroidered lobster napkins. Perfect for seafood feasts and summer gatherings, these 100% cotton napkins are soft, durable, and easy to care for.
Give your table a seaside feel with this stoneware platter, featuring delicate raised shell detailing and a textured edge for a distinctive finish. Dishwasher-safe, it’s easy to clean once the meal is over.
Tips and variations
- Make it ahead : Mix the crab and prawn filling a few hours in advance and keep chilled until ready to serve. Toast the buns just before assembling so they stay crisp.
- Switch up the seafood : Replace the crab with extra prawns or hot smoked salmon for a different take on this summer sandwich.
- Go lighter : Swap half the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a fresher filling with a little extra tang.
- Add some crunch : Finely chopped celery or cucumber makes a refreshing addition to the creamy seafood mixture.
- Make it gluten-free : Serve the filling in lettuce cups or gluten-free rolls instead of brioche buns.
If you are looking for other delicious prawn recipes try out our prawn and chorizo jambalaya, brioche with lemon mayo prawns or Riesling prawn pasta.
