Best Ever Lobster Rolls: A Taste of Summer in Every Bite
Craving summer? Make the best ever Lobster Rolls with our easy recipe! Learn tips, variations & secrets for perfect, mouthwatering seafood sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds live lobsters about 2 lobsters, 1 ½ pounds each
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt or more to taste
- ⅛ tsp black pepper or more to taste
- 4 split-top hot dog buns
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- Optional: ¼ cup finely diced celery
- Optional: Paprika for garnish
Instructions
Cook the lobsters:
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add lobsters headfirst, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until shells are bright red and meat is cooked through.
Prepare lobster meat:
- Remove lobsters from pot and let cool slightly. Extract meat from tails, claws, and knuckles. Chop into ½-inch to 1-inch pieces.
Make lobster salad:
- In a bowl, gently combine lobster meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and celery (if using). Mix lightly to combine.
Toast buns:
- Melt butter in a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush melted butter on both sides of split-top buns. Toast buns until golden brown and lightly crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Assemble Lobster Rolls:
- Divide lobster salad evenly among toasted buns, filling each bun generously. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfect Lobster Rolls!
Notes
- For the most authentic Maine Lobster Roll experience, use split-top hot dog buns. Their flat sides are perfect for toasting and they cradle the lobster salad beautifully.
- Fresh, high-quality lobster is key! If possible, buy live lobsters and cook them yourself for the sweetest, most flavorful meat. Avoid overcooking – aim for tender, not rubbery lobster.
- Keep it simple! The best Lobster Rolls let the lobster flavor shine. Don't overdress the salad; a light touch of mayonnaise and lemon is all you need.
- Toasting the buns in butter is non-negotiable. It adds warmth, flavor, and crucial textural contrast to the chilled lobster salad.
- Chilling the lobster salad for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste. Cold salad in a warm bun is a classic and refreshing combination.
- Connecticut-style Lobster Rolls are a delicious alternative! Simply warm the cooked lobster meat in butter and serve it warm in a toasted bun, skipping the mayonnaise.
- Spice lovers? Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the mayonnaise for a subtle kick.
- For a lower-carb option, serve the lobster salad in crisp lettuce cups instead of buns.
- Serving suggestions: Classic potato chips, creamy coleslaw, or tangy pickles are the perfect sidekicks. For drinks, try iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine.