Lobster Rolls

Lobster Rolls

Classic New England-style lobster rolls loaded with sweet, tender chunks of lobster lightly dressed in lemon-herb mayo and piled into buttery toasted split-top buns. Simple, coastal, and utterly satisfying — perfect for a summer lunch or a special weeknight dinner.

4 servings · Prep 20 min · Cook 15 min · Total 35 min

American · Bread · Lunch

Main

  • 2 lb cooked lobster meat from about 4 whole lobsters or 4 lobster tails, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 4 lobster tails
  • 4 whole split-top hot dog buns New England-style preferred
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter softened, for toasting buns
  • 4 piece lemon wedges for serving

Lobster Salad

  • 0.33 cup mayonnaise good quality, such as Hellmann's
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice plus zest of half a lemon
  • 2 stalks celery finely diced
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 0.25 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 pinch paprika for color, optional

Equipment

  • Stovetop
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Pot
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Kettle
  • Tongs
  • Cutting Board
  • Mixing Bowl (4 Quarts)

Instructions

  1. If starting with live @[Lobster Meat], bring a large #[Pot] of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add @[Lobster Meat] and cook for ~[8–10 minutes] until shells are bright red. Transfer to a cutting board, let cool for ~[10 minutes], then crack and remove all the meat from the claws, knuckles, and tails. Cut into generous 1-inch chunks. If using pre-cooked @[Lobster Meat], simply pat dry and cut into chunks.
  2. In a large #[Mixing Bowl], whisk together the @[Mayonnaise], fresh @[Lemon Juice], @[Lemon] zest, @[Dijon Mustard] (if using), @[Salt], and freshly ground @[Black Pepper]. Fold in the diced @[Celery] and @[Chives]. Add the @[Lobster Meat] chunks and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning. Cover and refrigerate for at least ~[10 minutes] to let the flavors meld.
  3. Heat a #[Skillet] over ^[medium heat]. Spread softened @[Butter] generously on both flat sides of each #[Split-Top Hot Dog Bun]. Place the buns cut-side down in the #[Skillet] and toast for ~[1–2 minutes] per side until golden brown and crisp. Work in batches if needed.
  4. Spoon the chilled @[Lobster Meat] mixture generously into each toasted #[Split-Top Hot Dog Bun], mounding it high. Dust lightly with @[Paprika] if desired. Serve immediately with @[Lemon] wedges on the side and your choice of kettle chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.