Classic New England Lobster Roll – Buttery & Flavorful
A lobster roll is a classic New England seafood dish featuring succulent chunks of lobster meat lightly dressed in buttery or mayo-based sauce, served inside a toasted, buttery split-top bun. This recipe brings out the sweet, delicate flavor of fresh lobster, making it a perfect summer treat for seafood lovers! Serve it with fries, coleslaw, or pickles for an authentic experience.
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling lobster)
- Tongs (for handling lobster)
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Small saucepan (for butter)
- Skillet or griddle (for toasting buns)
- Spoon (for mixing ingredients)
Ingredients
- For the Lobster Filling:
- 1 lb 450g cooked lobster meat (from 2–3 lobsters)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise for a creamy version
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter for a buttered version
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped chives optional
- 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning optional, for extra flavor
- For the Rolls:
- 4 New England-style split-top hot dog buns
- 2 tbsp butter for toasting
- For Garnishing & Serving:
- Extra melted butter for drizzling
- Lemon wedges
- Chopped fresh parsley optional
- Side of fries coleslaw, or pickles
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Cook & Prepare the Lobster Meat
- If using whole lobsters, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add lobsters and cook for 8–10 minutes until bright red.
- Remove lobsters and let them cool. Crack the shells and extract the claw, tail, and knuckle meat.
- Chop the lobster meat into bite-sized chunks and place it in a bowl.
- 2️⃣ Make the Lobster Mixture
- For a Mayo-Based Lobster Roll: Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, chives, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning to the lobster meat. Mix gently to coat.
- For a Butter-Based Lobster Roll: Melt butter in a small saucepan and drizzle it over the lobster meat. Add lemon juice and salt, then toss gently.
- 3️⃣ Toast the Buns
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Spread butter on the sides of the split-top buns and toast until golden brown (about 2 minutes per side).
- 4️⃣ Assemble & Serve
- Fill each toasted bun generously with lobster mixture.
- Drizzle with extra melted butter and garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges, fries, coleslaw, or pickles on the side.
Notes
Fresh vs. Frozen Lobster: Fresh lobster is best, but you can use pre-cooked frozen lobster meat if needed.
Mayo vs. Butter Debate: Some regions prefer mayo-based lobster rolls, while others love butter-dressed versions – try both!
Best Buns to Use: New England-style split-top buns are traditional, but brioche buns also work well.
Storage: Best eaten fresh, but leftover lobster mix can be stored in an airtight container for 1 day in the fridge.
Mayo vs. Butter Debate: Some regions prefer mayo-based lobster rolls, while others love butter-dressed versions – try both!
Best Buns to Use: New England-style split-top buns are traditional, but brioche buns also work well.
Storage: Best eaten fresh, but leftover lobster mix can be stored in an airtight container for 1 day in the fridge.