The Best Classic Lobster Roll Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Succulent lobster rolls represent the quintessential summer seafood delight that transports you straight to coastal landscapes.

New England’s culinary heritage shines through this iconic sandwich, blending delicate marine flavors with rustic charm.

Tender chunks of sweet, perfectly cooked crustacean nestle between soft, buttery bread, creating a harmonious marriage of textures.

Each bite promises a luxurious experience that captures maritime traditions and gastronomic elegance.

Fresh ingredients elevate this simple yet sophisticated dish beyond ordinary lunch fare.

The magic lies in carefully selected components and precise preparation techniques that revamp humble ingredients into a sublime meal.

Seafood enthusiasts and casual diners alike will find themselves captivated by this irresistible culinary creation.

Why Classic Lobster Roll Is a Seaside Staple

• Savor Luxurious Seafood Simplicity: Classic lobster rolls transform an elegant seafood ingredient into an approachable, mouthwatering sandwich that feels both gourmet and comforting.
• Celebrate Quick Culinary Elegance: This recipe requires minimal cooking techniques, delivering restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes with straightforward preparation steps anyone can master.
• Enjoy Delightful Flavor Harmony: Butter-kissed lobster meat complemented by fresh herbs creates a perfect balance of rich, oceanic taste with bright, zesty undertones that dance across your palate.
• Experience Textural Pleasure: Tender, succulent lobster chunks nestled inside a warm, slightly crispy toasted bun provide a satisfying contrast between soft seafood and crunchy bread that makes each bite incredibly enjoyable.

What You Need for a Classic Lobster Roll at Home

• Lobster: Sweet, tender meat from the ocean, preferably fresh or high-quality frozen tails for best flavor and texture.
• Chives: Fresh herb that adds mild onion-like brightness and elegant green color to the dish.
• Dill: Delicate herb with a tangy, slightly grassy flavor that complements seafood perfectly.

• Butter: Rich, melted dairy that enhances lobster's natural sweetness and provides smooth, luxurious coating.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus that cuts through richness and adds fresh, zesty undertone to the seafood.
• Salt and Pepper: Classic seasoning duo that brings out the lobster's natural flavors and provides balanced taste.

• Hotdog Buns: Soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian-style buns that offer perfect vessel for holding lobster mixture, with ideal softness and subtle sweetness.

How to Assemble a Creamy and Crisp Lobster Roll

Step 1: Cook Lobster Perfectly

Boil water in a large pot or prepare steamer. Carefully place lobster tails into boiling water or steamer. Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes until meat turns opaque white and shell becomes bright red.

Step 2: Extract Tender Lobster Meat

Allow cooked lobster tails to cool slightly. Use tongs to handle hot tails. Crack shells using kitchen shears or knife. Gently remove meat, ensuring no shell fragments remain.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Lobster Mixture

• Chopped lobster meat
• Melted butter
• Fresh chives
• Fresh dill
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Chop lobster into bite-sized chunks. Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl, gently folding to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 4: Prepare Delicious Buns

• Hot dog buns
• Melted butter

Brush bun interiors with melted butter. Toast in oven at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until edges become golden and crispy.

Step 5: Assemble Mouthwatering Lobster Rolls

Carefully spoon lobster mixture into toasted buns. Ensure even distribution. Garnish with additional fresh chives for visual appeal.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate lobster rolls immediately while warm. Serve with optional side of crisp salad or light coleslaw. Enjoy the luxurious seafood experience!

Tips to Keep Lobster Rolls Fresh and Flavorful

• Select Fresh Seafood: Choose live lobsters or high-quality, fresh lobster meat from a reputable seafood market to guarantee the best flavor and texture.
• Master Meat Preparation: Avoid overcooking lobster by removing it from heat when the shell turns bright red and the meat becomes opaque, which prevents tough, rubbery results.
• Maximize Butter Flavor: Use high-quality unsalted butter and gently warm it to enhance the rich, silky coating on the lobster meat without overwhelming the delicate seafood taste.
• Perfect Bun Technique: Lightly toast the buns to create a crisp exterior while maintaining a soft interior, which provides an ideal textural contrast to the tender lobster filling.
• Herb Balance: Chop herbs finely and add sparingly to complement the lobster's natural sweetness without masking its delicate flavor profile.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Lobster Rolls

• Refrigeration: Store leftover lobster meat in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Keep chilled for up to two days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating: Gently warm lobster rolls in a preheated oven at 300ºF for 5-7 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, which can make the delicate meat tough and rubbery, potentially compromising the exquisite texture.
• Freezing: While possible, freezing is not recommended for lobster rolls as the bread becomes soggy and the meat loses its delicate texture. If you must freeze, separate the lobster meat from the bun and store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month.

What to Serve with Classic Lobster Rolls

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the buttery lobster meat, cutting through its richness while enhancing the delicate seafood flavor.
• Match with Summer Salad: Create a light cucumber and herb salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the decadent lobster roll, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich seafood.
• Serve with Craft Beer Companion: Choose a light, wheat beer or a citrusy IPA that can stand up to the buttery flavor while offering a crisp, clean finish that refreshes the palate between bites.
• Add Crunchy Side Dish: Include classic Cape Cod potato chips or a fresh coleslaw to provide a satisfying textural crunch that complements the tender lobster meat and soft toasted bun.

Tasty Variations on the Classic Lobster Roll Recipe

• Ocean's Zest Lobster Roll: Add diced cucumber and a hint of fresh mint for a crisp, refreshing coastal-inspired variation that elevates the classic seafood experience.
• Spicy Cajun Lobster Roll: Mix in cayenne pepper, paprika, and finely chopped jalapeños to create a bold, southwestern-style roll with a fiery kick that awakens the taste buds.
• Mediterranean Lobster Roll: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and a drizzle of olive oil to transform the traditional recipe into a Mediterranean-inspired delicacy with bright, tangy flavors.
• Smoky Herb Lobster Roll: Blend in smoked paprika, fresh tarragon, and a touch of garlic aioli for a rich, aromatic version that adds depth and complexity to the classic seafood sandwich.

Classic Lobster Roll Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Maine lobster meets buttery toasted bread in this quintessential New England sandwich. Cool, creamy mayo and crisp herbs elevate fresh lobster meat, promising a seaside escape with each delectable bite you savor.

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Ingredients

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Seafood:

• 3 cups (710 ml) chopped cooked lobster (7–8 4-ounce tails)

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives
• ½ tablespoon fresh chopped dill
• ½ lemon, juiced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Finishing Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) melted butter
• 4 soft hot dog-style buns (preferably Hawaiian hot dog buns)

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Instructions

1. Initiate the seafood preparation by methodically cooking lobster tails through boiling, steaming, or grilling techniques, ensuring complete and tender meat doneness.
2. Allow cooked lobster to cool momentarily, then carefully slice meat into uniform, delectable bite-sized morsels.
3. Transfer chopped lobster into a spacious mixing vessel, introducing melted butter, finely minced chives, delicate dill fronds, and a vibrant citrus splash from fresh lemon.
4. Season the maritime mixture with judicious pinches of salt and ground pepper, gently folding ingredients to create harmonious flavor integration.
5. Preheat culinary workspace to 350ºF, preparing golden-hued hotdog buns by generously brushing interior surfaces with luxurious melted butter.
6. Position seasoned buns within heated oven, allowing 4-5 minutes for gentle toasting and warmth absorption.
7. Elegantly layer prepared lobster mixture into toasted buns, distributing contents with precision and visual appeal.
8. Garnish assembled rolls with additional verdant chive fragments, enhancing both aesthetic presentation and herbal essence.
9. Serve immediately, celebrating the maritime delicacy while flavors remain pristine and temperature optimal.

Notes

• Transform standard hotdog buns into a luxurious vessel for succulent, butter-kissed lobster meat.
• Master the art of balancing delicate seafood with bright herbs and rich, melted butter for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 473
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 660mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 19g
• Cholesterol: 116mg