Lobster Rolls Recipe

Name: Lobster Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter, softened; 4 hot dog buns or kaiser rolls, split; 4 lettuce leaves; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice; 1 dash hot pepper sauce (e.g. Tabasco™); salt and pepper to taste; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 stalk celery, finely chopped; 1.5 pounds cooked and cubed lobster meat; 1 pinch dried basil, parsley or tarragon

No matter where you live, these lobster rolls will make you feel like youre on a coastal vacation! Enjoy these lobster-laden sandwiches at home with this highly-rated lobster roll recipe.

How to Make Lobster Rolls

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

What Is a Lobster Roll?

A lobster roll is a popular dish from New England. It consists of lobster meat tossed in a savory sauce and served on a buttered, hot dog-style bun or roll.

Lobster Roll Ingredients

Buttered rolls: Lightly butter hot dog buns or kaiser rolls.
Vegetables: Youll need lettuce leaves, green onions, and celery.
Mayonnaise: The creamy, savory sauce starts with mayonnaise.
Lime juice: Lime juice lends brightness to the mayo-based sauce. You can substitute lemon juice if you prefer.
Seasonings: The sauce is flavored with hot sauce, salt, and pepper. The lobster is topped with dried basil, tarragon, or parsley.
Lobster: Youll need 1 pounds of cooked and cured lobster meat to make four lobster rolls.

How to Make Homemade Lobster Rolls

Heres a brief overview of what you can expect when you make lobster rolls at home:

Butter the roll and line with lettuce.
Make the sauce and fold in the lobster.
Stuff the lobster mixture into buns and top with dried herbs.

What to Serve With Lobster Rolls

If you need serving inspiration, weve got you covered. Complete your meal with one or more of these top-rated side dishes for lobster rolls:

Cajun Baked French Fries
Sweet Restaurant Slaw
Marinated Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad
Best Homemade Chow Chow
Potato Chips
Refrigerator Dill Pickles

How to Store Lobster Rolls

You can store leftover lobster in an airtight in the refrigerator for up to two days. Assemble the lobster rolls right before serving so the bread doesnt get soggy.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

This is a classic New England sandwich best served on a regular ol' hot dog bun which I prefer grilled, says one Allrecipes community member. (Pepperidge Farm is my favorite) I use big, meaty chunks of fresh lobster, no onion or herbs, and just a bit of lemon juice.

The really nice thing about this recipe is that its not loaded down with mayonnaise, so youre able to really enjoy the flavor of the lobster, according to Allrecipes Allstar lutzflcat. Served on a croissant, and it was delicious.

This recipe was fantastic, raves wfrancesco. Very easy and so delicious. My only changes were to make it spicier. This is a keeper. By far the best lobster roll I ever had.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter, softened
4 hot dog buns or kaiser rolls, split
4 lettuce leaves
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
1 dash hot pepper sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 green onions, chopped
1 rib celery, finely chopped
1 pounds cooked and cubed lobster meat
1 pinch dried basil, parsley, or tarragon

Directions

Gather all ingredients.
Lightly butter the insides of buns and line with lettuce leaves. Set aside.
Stir mayonnaise, lime juice, hot pepper sauce, salt, and pepper together in a medium bowl until well blended. Mix in green onions and celery.
Gently fold in lobster until just coated.
Stuff lobster mixture into buns. Sprinkle with basil, parsley, or tarragon.
Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 369
Total Fat: 11g (14% DV)
Saturated Fat: 3g (17% DV)
Cholesterol: 133mg (44% DV)
Sodium: 964mg (42% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 25g (9% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (5% DV)
Total Sugars: 3g
Protein: 40g (79% DV)
Vitamin C: 3mg (3% DV)
Calcium: 183mg (14% DV)
Iron: 2mg (13% DV)
Potassium: 720mg (15% DV)

Lobster Rolls Recipe

Origin and History

The Lobster Roll is a beloved dish originating from the coastal regions of New England, particularly Maine. It dates back to the early 20th century, with some claiming it was first served in the 1920s by a restaurant in Connecticut. The dish quickly became popular in seaside towns, where lobster was abundant, and it soon became a symbol of New England cuisine. Traditionally, lobster rolls were made with fresh lobster meat, often simply dressed in butter or mayonnaise, and served in a soft, buttered roll. Over time, variations began to emerge, but the essence of the dish has remained the same.

Regional Variations

While the lobster roll is a staple of New England, particularly Maine, its preparation can vary across regions. In Maine, the classic lobster roll is served warm, with the lobster meat bathed in butter and piled into a toasted roll. In contrast, in Connecticut, the lobster roll is typically served cold with a mayonnaise dressing, and some people may even include celery or other ingredients for added crunch. In other parts of New England, lobster rolls can also include a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like tarragon or parsley to elevate the flavor.

Distinguishing Features

The lobster roll stands out from similar seafood sandwiches due to its focus on high-quality lobster meat, which is the star of the dish. Unlike shrimp or crab rolls, which may be mixed with more filler ingredients, the lobster roll tends to feature larger chunks of lobster. This is in part because lobster is considered a premium ingredient, and the dish is meant to highlight the natural sweetness and texture of the shellfish. Additionally, while lobster rolls can be served in various types of bread, the traditional choice is a soft, buttery roll or bun that complements the delicate lobster meat.

Where It's Typically Served

Lobster rolls are commonly served at seafood shacks, casual restaurants, and coastal eateries throughout New England. They're often enjoyed as a quick meal for lunch or dinner while sitting near the ocean, embodying the relaxed, seaside lifestyle of the region. Many seafood restaurants that specialize in lobster, especially in Maine, offer variations of the lobster roll on their menus. Outside of New England, lobster rolls can be found in high-end seafood restaurants or in regions where fresh lobster is readily available, like the Pacific Northwest or even parts of the South, though the dish's roots are undeniably tied to New England.

Fun Facts

The world's most expensive lobster roll was served at a restaurant in New York City and cost a whopping $200! It was made with lobster from Maine, truffle oil, and a special brioche bun.
In Maine, it's common to serve lobster rolls in a "top-split" hot dog bun, which allows the filling to be heaped high without falling out.
The lobster roll has inspired entire festivals, particularly in Maine, where the Maine Lobster Festival celebrates this dish with events, contests, and lobster-related activities every summer.
Lobster rolls are often served with a side of potato chips, which provide a satisfying crunch that complements the soft bread and tender lobster meat.

Conclusion

The lobster roll is a quintessential New England dish that has captivated food lovers far and wide. Whether you prefer it with butter or mayo, cold or warm, the lobster roll showcases the flavors of the ocean in a simple yet indulgent way. Its popularity continues to grow, not just along the coastlines of New England, but throughout the United States and beyond. So, if you ever find yourself near the coast, make sure to try this iconic sandwichits a taste of summer, the sea, and New England's rich culinary heritage.

FAQ about Lobster Rolls Recipe

It is best to store the lobster meat separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Assemble the lobster rolls just before serving to avoid the bread becoming soggy.

Yes, you can prepare the lobster filling ahead of time. Just combine the lobster with the mayonnaise mixture and store it in the fridge. However, it's best to assemble the rolls right before serving to keep the bread fresh.

The classic choice is a soft, split-top hot dog bun or kaiser roll. The buns should be lightly buttered and toasted for the best texture.

Yes, you can use frozen lobster meat. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before using it in the recipe.

You can increase the amount of hot pepper sauce, add cayenne pepper, or incorporate fresh chopped chili peppers to make the lobster rolls spicier.

Yes, you can use other herbs like dill or chives if you prefer. Just be sure to use a light touch as the flavor of lobster should still be the star.

Yes, many people opt to use melted butter instead of mayonnaise for a more traditional New England-style lobster roll. The butter enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster.

Popular side dishes for lobster rolls include potato chips, coleslaw, marinated cucumber salad, and dill pickles. You can also serve them with a light soup, like clam chowder.

Lobster rolls are best enjoyed immediately after assembly. If stored, the lobster meat can last for up to 2 days in the fridge, but the rolls themselves should be eaten fresh to avoid soggy bread.

Comments

Samantha Edwards

05/27/2023 11:35:19 AM

I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by how much we adored this recipe! As self-proclaimed food enthusiasts who have a soft spot for seafood, I was initially skeptical due to the minimal ingredients. However, it was precisely this simplicity that made it so outstanding! Since we only had a limited amount of Langostino Tails, I adjusted the recipe to a quarter of the original. I opted for fresh lemon juice and decided to switch things up by grilling the buttered rolls instead of topping them with lettuce. Without a doubt, I will be making these again in the future!

Joseph Phillips

04/28/2025 12:27:33 AM

Absolutely wonderful recipe! Even though I opted for large shrimp instead of lobster meat to save some money, it still turned out fantastic. I seasoned a pot of water with salt, peppercorns, bay leaf, and two halved lemons. After simmering the water, I added the shrimp and then immediately turned off the heat. I covered the pot and let it sit for ten minutes, resulting in perfectly cooked shrimp every time. I then shocked them in an ice bath, peeled them, and followed the recipe as instructed. (I also cut the shrimp to my desired chunkiness.) Enjoy!

Rachel Rivera

07/02/2023 05:39:13 AM

Absolutely scrumptious! After cooking, I marinated the lobster meat in a delectable blend of butter, lemon juice, and garlic powder. I then topped it off with a mayo, onion, and celery dressing before serving it open-faced on toasted French baguette slices with crisp lettuce. The dish was a big hit with everyone - so delicious!

Steven Hill

12/05/2022 09:50:09 AM

Absolutely not! The true essence of a classic New England Lobster roll is pure Maine lobster meat, mixed with mayo or melted butter, and topped with lettuce or sometimes celery, all served on a toasted or grilled roll. To experience an authentic New England Lobster roll, skip all the extras that only overpower the delicate taste of the Maine lobster.

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Lobster Rolls Recipe