The Ultimate Lobster Roll Recipe: Coastal Delight Made Simple

Summers along the New England coast sparkle with the promise of fresh lobster roll magic waiting to happen.

Generations of seafood lovers have celebrated this iconic sandwich that perfectly balances delicate seafood with crisp, buttery bread.

A classic lobster roll recipe brings coastal charm right to your kitchen, blending sweet ocean flavors with simple, elegant preparation.

Each bite transports you to seaside restaurants where salt-kissed breezes mingle with culinary tradition.

The secret lies in selecting premium, tender lobster meat and treating it with respect.

Gentle seasoning and a light touch allow the seafood’s natural richness to shine through.

You’ll fall in love with this straightforward yet luxurious summer staple that turns an ordinary meal into a memorable coastal experience.

Tools That Help Craft the Ultimate Lobster Roll Recipe

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining lobster meat with butter and herbs.
• Cutting Board: Essential for chopping lobster meat and herbs with precision.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for cleanly cutting lobster meat into bite-sized chunks.
• Baking Sheet: Helps toast and warm the buns evenly in the oven.
• Pastry Brush: Great for spreading melted butter onto bun interiors.
• Measuring Tablespoon: Needed for accurate butter and herb measurements.
• Cooking Pot or Steamer: Required for cooking lobster tails before preparation.

How to Assemble a Delicious Lobster Roll Recipe

• Seafood Selection

Fresh, succulent lobster meat is the star of this classic coastal dish. Choose high-quality lobster tails from a trusted seafood market for the best flavor and texture.

• Lobster Preparation

Carefully extract the tender meat from lobster shells, cutting into delicate bite-sized pieces that will nestle perfectly inside soft, buttery buns.

• Flavor Infusion

Create a luxurious coating by blending lobster chunks with rich melted butter, zesty herbs, and a bright splash of citrus. The combination transforms simple seafood into a gourmet experience.

• Bun Transformation

Gently warm soft hotdog buns until they develop a golden, crispy exterior. A light brush of melted butter adds an irresistible richness that complements the delicate lobster.

• Final Assembly

Generously pile the herbed lobster mixture into the toasted buns. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top adds a vibrant finishing touch that makes these rolls look as amazing as they taste.

• Serving Suggestion

Present these mouthwatering rolls immediately while they’re warm. Pair with a crisp summer salad or crunchy chips for a complete seaside-inspired meal that transports you to the coast.

Variations for a Flavorful Lobster Roll Recipe

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Freshness First: Always choose the freshest lobster possible. Look for live lobsters or recently caught tails to ensure the best flavor and texture in your rolls.
• Herb Swap Magic: Experiment with different herbs like tarragon, parsley, or basil to give your lobster rolls a unique twist. Each herb brings its own special personality to the dish.
• Mayo Method Option: For a classic New England-style twist, mix in 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise with the lobster meat instead of or alongside the melted butter for a creamier filling.
• Bread Brilliance: Try different bread options like brioche, potato rolls, or even a crusty baguette for an unexpected spin on the traditional hotdog bun. Lightly toasting adds extra crunch and flavor.
• Cold Serve Hack: If you prefer a chilled version, cool the lobster mixture completely and serve as a refreshing summer sandwich. Add a splash of lemon zest for extra brightness.

Serving the Lobster Roll Recipe at Picnics or Parties

• Coastal Picnic Delight: Pack these lobster rolls in a cooler with ice packs for a beach or lakeside lunch adventure. The buttery buns and fresh seafood create the perfect outdoor meal.
• Elegant Appetizer Twist: Slice the rolls into smaller bite-sized portions for a sophisticated party appetizer. Guests will love these miniature seafood treats that scream summer sophistication.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the rich lobster with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled Chardonnay. The light, refreshing wine balances the buttery, decadent lobster perfectly.
• Summer Brunch Showstopper: Transform your weekend brunch by serving these lobster rolls alongside mimosas or a light cucumber salad. The dish brings a touch of coastal elegance to your morning spread.

Store Your Lobster Roll Recipe to Keep It Fresh

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover lobster meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Quick Prep Trick: Make lobster filling ahead of time and store separately from buns to maintain crisp bread texture and prevent soggy results.
• Freezing Strategy: Freeze cooked lobster meat without mayonnaise or herbs in sealed freezer bags for up to 3 months, allowing flexible meal planning for future enjoyment.
• Bun Preservation Tip: Store hotdog buns in their original packaging at room temperature, sealed tightly to prevent staleness, and use within 5-7 days for optimal taste and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients to Make the Perfect Lobster Roll Recipe

• Lobster: Fresh, sweet meat that brings oceanic luxury to the dish, choose tails with bright color and firm texture.
• Chives: Adds a mild oniony kick and vibrant green color, select bright green stalks without wilting.

• Butter: Creates rich, silky coating that complements lobster's delicate taste, opt for high-quality unsalted butter.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, zesty acidity that cuts through richness and elevates seafood's natural sweetness.
• Dill: Introduces subtle herbal notes that pair beautifully with seafood, choose fresh sprigs with deep green color.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the overall flavor profile.

• Hawaiian Hotdog Buns: Soft, slightly sweet bread that cradles lobster mixture perfectly, look for fresh, pillowy texture with golden-brown edges.

Ultimate Lobster Roll Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic New England Lobster Roll brings coastal Maine flavors to your kitchen with fresh seafood and buttery toasted bread. Simple ingredients combine for an authentic summer sandwich that delivers coastal charm and delicious maritime tradition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (710 ml) chopped cooked lobster (from 7–8 4-oz tails)
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) melted butter, plus more for buns
• 4 soft hotdog-style buns (Hawaiian hotdog buns recommended)
• 1 tbsp fresh chopped chives, plus extra for garnish
• ½ tbsp fresh chopped dill
• Juice from ½ a lemon
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Extract succulent lobster meat from shells, ensuring delicate pieces are uniformly cut for optimal texture and presentation.
2. Flavor Infusion: Combine lobster chunks with melted butter, gently folding in finely chopped chives, dill, and zesty lemon juice to create a harmonious maritime seasoning.
3. Seasoning Enhancement: Sprinkle salt and freshly cracked pepper throughout the mixture, ensuring each lobster morsel is evenly coated with herbed butter essence.
4. Bun Preparation: Brush hotdog buns’ interior with melted butter, then toast in a preheated oven at 350°F until edges turn golden and crisp, creating a warm, inviting vessel.
5. Assembly and Serving: Generously fill toasted buns with herbed lobster mixture, garnishing with additional chopped chives for visual appeal and subtle onion undertones.
6. Presentation: Serve immediately alongside complementary sides like crisp coleslaw or light green salad, ensuring the lobster rolls are enjoyed at peak temperature and flavor.

Notes

• Lobster Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality lobster tails for the most succulent and sweet meat, ensuring peak flavor and texture.
• Herb Infusion Technique: Finely chop herbs just before mixing to release maximum essential oils and aromatic compounds into the butter.
• Bun Preparation Tip: Lightly toast buns to create a crispy exterior that prevents sogginess and provides a delightful textural contrast.
• Serving Recommendation: Enjoy immediately after assembly to preserve the delicate warmth and freshness of the lobster meat.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg