New England Lobster Roll

Prepare to savor the epitome of New England cuisine with this authentic New England Lobster Roll recipe! Picture succulent chunks of tender Maine lobster meat, delicately tossed in a luscious dressing and packed into buttery split-top rolls. Pair your lobster roll with a refreshing squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of chives, and a side of coleslaw or crispy fries. 

After giving this easy lobster roll recipe a try, make my Butter poached lobster and Lobster Mac and Cheese next! 

 

When my Husband and I first started dating, he took me to Maine for my birthday. It was the perfect time of the year where it's still hot during the day but perfectly cool at night. We walked along the beach and enjoyed the most delicious lobster rolls ever!

It was a lobster salad stuffed into a buttery bun with a side of chips and a large glass of meade - talk about a New England classic. This sandwich had to have at least a pound of lobster meat. It was glorious.

I just HAD to recreate it this sandwich in my own kitchen. My lobster roll recipe is easy and has so much flavor. Large chunks of lobster meat in a creamy mayo-based dressing stuffed into a toasted New England style roll. The golden crust of the buttery roll offers a slight crunch, creating a perfect contrast to the tender lobster meat within.

New England-style lobster rolls are typically enjoyed during the summer and are a beloved delicacy among seafood lovers. Each mouthwatering bite is a celebration for your taste buds! It's reminiscent of coastal decadence, evoking the essence of summer, ocean breezes, and unforgettable culinary experiences. This the best lobster roll recipe you'll ever make! Let's do it! 

What is a lobster roll?

A New England lobster roll is a classic and iconic dish that originated in the coastal regions of New England, particularly in Maine. It consists of buttery toasted top-split hot dog bun filled with chunks of fresh lobster meat, dressed with a blend of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a touch of butter.

The star of the show is the fresh lobster meat. Typically, the meat comes from the lobster tails, claw, and knuckle sections of the lobster. The meat is boiled, steamed, or even sometimes poached, depending on personal preference and regional variations. However, don't fret - you can use pre-cooked lobster meat (that's what I did). 

Lobster Rolls have become a quintessential part of Maine cuisine and a popular dish for tourists to try when they visit the state.

What part of lobster is best for lobster roll?

The claw and knuckle meat are best for rolls (my preference). These portions are considered the most tender and flavorful meat in the lobster. The claw meat is sweet and succulent, while the knuckle meat is slightly firmer but still very tasty. 

The tail meat can also be used, offering a slightly different texture and flavor compared to the claw and knuckle meat.

You can also get your own whole lobster from a seafood market or counter at the grocery story and prep and cook the meat yourself. I recommend steaming the lobster and breaking it down. Of note, a 1 pound lobster yields about 3-4 ounces of meat, so you'll need about 4-5 lobsters to get one pound of lobster meat. 

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, and some lobster rolls may include a combination of all these parts for a more diverse flavor profile.

Lobster Roll Ingredients

• Lobster Meat - you'll need 1 lb of lobster to meat to this recipe, which makes 4 sandwiches (about ¼ lb of lobster per bun). Most seafood markets and grocery stores carry cooked frozen lobster meat from the claw and knuckle, which is what I used for this recipe. 

• New England-Style Rolls - you'll want to use the split top rolls, or Maine-style roll, for that authentic Maine lobster roll feel. These are the types of hot dog buns that have a split on the top of the bun as opposed to the side. I used the brioche hot dog buns from Whole Foods which was delicious with this recipe. You can use a regular hot dog bun but the you'll really want to look for the split top.

• Lobster salad ingredients - mayo, lemon juice, garlic powder, celery salt, and black pepper. If you don't have celery salt, you can use old bay seasoning instead (just a dash)
• Butter - to toss the lobster in as well as to toast the hot dog rolls

Optional add-ins:

• Finely chopped celery - add to the lobster salad for a little crunch 
• Fresh chives and dill, for garnish

Expert Tips

Here are some tips to help you make the best lobster rolls:

• Use fresh lobster: If you're buying pre-cooked lobster meat, make sure it's as fresh as possible. The quality of the lobster will greatly affect the taste of the lobster roll. If using fresh seafood, live lobsters are best.
• Don't overcook the lobster: If using fresh lobster, to get the most flavor and tenderness out of the meat, it's important not to overcook it. Cook the lobsters in salted boiling water for about 8-10 minutes or until the shells are bright red. Then, immediately transfer the lobsters to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
• Use the right bun: Traditional lobster rolls are served on split-top hot dog buns that are lightly toasted and buttered on the sides. If you can't find split-top buns, you can use other types of rolls, but be sure to toast or grill them before using.
•  Keep it simple: A classic lobster roll is simple and straightforward, allowing the lobster meat to be the star of the show. Don't overpower the dish with too many ingredients or heavy seasonings.
• Don't skimp on the lobster: Use plenty of lobster meat in the roll. You want each bite to be filled with chunks of tender lobster.
• Chill the lobster meat before mixing: Chilling the lobster meat in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before mixing with the other ingredients will help keep the lobster cold and prevent it from becoming overcooked or mushy.
• A little mayo goes a long way! While mayonnaise is a traditional ingredient in lobster rolls, it can overpower the delicate flavor of the lobster. Use just enough to bind the ingredients together without drowning out the lobster flavor.

How to make Maine lobster rolls

• Combine Mayo, lemon juice, garlic powder, ½ tsp celery salt, black pepper, chives, and dill in a bowl. Optional, add a dash of old bay seasoning. Whisk together and set aside. (Image #1)

• Rinse lobster meat in cold water and remove any shells. Pat dry and place in a medium sized mixing bowl. Toss in 1 tbsp of melted butter and ¼ tsp of celery salt. Add a dash of old bay seasoning if you'd like. (Image #2)

• Add the Mayo mixture to the lobster and fold together. Refrigerate lobster mixture for 30 minutes. (Image #3)

• Toast the buns. When you're ready to serve, melt 2 tbsps of butter to a large skillet. Add buns to skillet and brown for 30 seconds to one minute per side until golden brown and crispy. (Image #4)

• Add lettuce to the buns and fill with the lobster mixture. Garnish with additional dived chives, dill, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

What to serve with Lobster Rolls

Whether you're serving these rolls at a picnic, eating during a road trip, or making something delicious to eat for special occasions, there are a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here are some popular options:

• French Fries or Potato Chips: these are my go to! Crispy french fries or potato chips add a nice crunch and make the meal more filling. Opt for homemade fries or gourmet chips for an extra touch of quality.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing and creamy coleslaw pairs well with the richness of the lobster roll. You can choose a traditional cabbage-based coleslaw or experiment with different variations like apple slaw or citrus slaw for added freshness.
• Salad: A light and vibrant salad can balance out the richness of the lobster roll. Consider serving a mixed green salad, a cucumber and tomato salad.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: your picnic table is not complete without some corn on the cob! 
• Pickles: Pickles, whether dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, or pickled vegetables, can add a tangy and crunchy element to the meal. They provide a nice contrast to the rich lobster roll flavors.