Maine Lobster Rolls
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
2 hrs
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 20 mins
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Servings
4 lobster rolls
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Calories
328 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch
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Cuisine
American
Maine Lobster Rolls
Description
This classic Maine Lobster Roll recipe uses shelled, drained, and cooled lobster meat, cut into generous chunks. The lobster is gently coated with mayonnaise to enhance moisture and flavor without overwhelming the meat. Finely chopped celery can be added for subtle crunch. Optional fresh lemon juice brightens the taste while salt and pepper season gently. The salad is chilled for at least 30 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
The buns are buttered and toasted on a griddle to golden brown, providing a slightly crisp exterior and soft interior. Crisp Bibb lettuce leaves line the rolls before mounding a quarter of the lobster salad into each bun. The warm toasted buns contrast with the cool salad, emphasizing lobster's tenderness.
Lobster meat selection is an important aspect; claw and knuckle meat are especially sweet and tender, while tail meat tends to be firmer. Planning and purchasing enough lobster to yield one pound of meat is necessary. The recipe lends itself well to preparing lobster in advance or asking seafood markets to steam and shell lobsters. This lobster roll makes a satisfying meal embodying the flavors of the New England coast.
Additional preparation tips include discarding stray shell pieces, adjusting mayonnaise amount based on texture preference, and using fresh lemon juice if the mayo is tangy. The recipe accommodates up to an 8-hour refrigeration if made ahead.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lobster meat shelled, drained, and cooled, cooked
- 3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise (I use Hellmann's, Duke's, Cains, Stonewall Kitchen, or homemade)
- 1/4 cup celery optional, for those who like a little "crunch", finely chopped
- lemon optional, freshly squeezed juice
- kosher salt or sea salt, freshly-ground
- black pepper or sea salt, freshly-ground
- 4 large lettuce optional, I use Bibb, leaves
- 4 hotdog buns "New England" style, split-top, flat-sided
- 2 tablespoons butter softened, unsalted
Instructions
- Remove and discard any stray bits of shell or cartilage from the lobster meat and cut it into large chunks (about 3/4-inch). Sometimes, you'll see the claw meat left whole, placed across the top of the roll for an impressive presentation.
- In a bowl, gently toss lobster with 3 tablespoons mayonnaise and celery (if using). The lobster should be lightly-coated, but not weighed down by the mayonnaise. Add an additional tablespoon of mayonnaise, if needed.
- Taste the lobster salad. Some brands of mayo are a bit tangier than others. If the salad needs more brightness, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Cover the lobster salad and refrigerate for 30 minutes, or up to 6-8 hours if prepping ahead.
- To assemble the lobster rolls, preheat a griddle over medium heat. Butter the flat sides of the hotdog buns and grill for just a couple of minutes per side, until toasted.
- Place lettuce (if using) onto each bun and mound with 1/4 of the lobster salad. Serve with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, dill pickles, french fries, or kettle chips.
Notes
- Use knuckle and claw meat for the sweetest, most tender lobster rolls.
- Plan to cook approximately three 1.5-pound lobsters to yield 1 pound of meat; yields vary seasonally.
- Ask seafood markets to steam and shell lobsters to save time.
- Discard any shell or cartilage fragments from lobster meat before mixing.
- Adjust mayonnaise amount to lightly coat lobster without weighing it down.
- Add fresh lemon juice to brighten flavor if mayonnaise is too tangy.
- Prepare lobster salad up to 6-8 hours ahead and refrigerate for flavor melding.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4lobster rolls
Amount Per Serving
Calories 328 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1lobster roll | |
| Calories | 328kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 21g | 7% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 163mg | 54% |
| Sodium | 764mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 297mg | 6% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 205IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 0.6mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 171mg | 17% |
| Iron | 1.7mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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