Description
Classic Maine Lobster Rolls featuring tender chunks of cooked lobster meat lightly tossed in mayonnaise and celery, served in buttery, griddled split-top hotdog buns. A quintessential taste of New England’s summer, perfect for an easy yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Lobster Salad
- 1 pound cooked lobster meat (shelled, drained, and cooled)
- 3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise (Hellmann’s, Duke’s, Cains, Stonewall Kitchen, or homemade)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery (optional)
- Freshly-squeezed lemon juice (optional)
- Kosher or sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 4 large lettuce leaves (optional, Bibb recommended)
- 4 split-top, flat-sided hotdog buns (New England style)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Prepare Lobster Meat: Remove and discard any stray bits of shell or cartilage from the lobster meat. Cut the meat into large chunks approximately 3/4-inch in size. Optionally, leave whole claw meat pieces for an attractive presentation atop the rolls.
- Mix Lobster Salad: In a bowl, gently toss the lobster chunks with 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise and chopped celery if using. The lobster should be lightly coated, not drenched. Add more mayonnaise if needed to achieve this balance.
- Season Salad: Taste the lobster salad and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if additional brightness is desired. Season with kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Chill Salad: Cover the lobster salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 6-8 hours if preparing in advance to let flavors meld.
- Toast Buns: Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Butter the flat sides of the split-top buns and grill for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and toasted.
- Assemble Rolls: Layer each toasted bun with a large lettuce leaf if using, then pile with 1/4 of the chilled lobster salad. Serve immediately alongside favorite sides like coleslaw, dill pickles, french fries, or kettle chips.
Notes
- Simple lobster salad combined with buttery griddled buns makes these true Maine-Style Lobster Rolls.
- Using freshly cooked lobster gives the best flavor and texture, but pre-cooked lobster meat works well too.
- Adjust mayonnaise amount to suit your preferred creaminess.
- Griddling the buns adds a delicious crunch and buttery flavor essential to lobster rolls.
- For extra presentation flair, place large whole claw pieces on top of the roll.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lobster roll
- Calories: 328 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 764 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 163 mg
