How to Make the Perfect Lobster Rolls
American · Medium · 35 min · 4 servings
These classic New England lobster rolls are filled with chunks of sweet buttery lobster meat lightly dressed in a creamy lemony mayonnaise and served in a toasted split top bun. Simple and elegant they are the ultimate summer seafood sandwich that lets the lobster be the true star.
Why this recipe works
This Lobster Rolls recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 lb cooked lobster meat chopped into chunks
- 0.33 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 stalks celery finely diced
- 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped
- 0.5 tsp sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 each split top hot dog buns
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter softened
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the lobster filling
If cooking whole lobsters boil them in salted water for 8 to 10 minutes then cool completely before removing the meat. Chop the lobster into generous bite sized chunks and place in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the dressing
In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before adding to the lobster.
Step 3: Combine and chill
Fold the diced celery and dressing gently into the lobster chunks being careful not to break up the meat too much. Add the chives and stir once more then refrigerate the mixture for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 4: Toast the buns
Spread softened butter generously on the flat sides of each split top bun. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and toast the buns cut side down for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Fill and serve
Spoon a generous and heaping portion of the chilled lobster salad into each toasted bun. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges, kettle chips or a simple coleslaw on the side for a complete New England experience.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- mayonnaise → drawn butter instead of mayo for a Connecticut style warm buttered lobster roll
- split top hot dog buns → brioche buns for a richer sweeter base that pairs beautifully with the lobster
- fresh chives → fresh tarragon for a slightly more herbaceous and French inspired flavor profile
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overdressing the lobster with too much mayonnaise which overwhelms the delicate sweet flavor of the lobster
- Using warm lobster straight from cooking without chilling which makes the dressing break down and become greasy
- Skipping the toasting step on the buns which results in a soft soggy roll that cannot hold the filling properly
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 28g protein, 32g carbs, 20g fat, 2g fiber.
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