Classic Lobster Rolls
Want to embrace summer to the fullest? Then you must indulge in at least one lobster roll this season! There’s just something about biting into a fresh, buttery, slightly briny roll that takes you to that “by the beach” state of mind…no matter where you’re located! Member’s Mark™ Chopped Chives are an easy way to add a dash of mild onion flavor to summer’s signature sandwich.
What is a Lobster Roll?
A lobster roll is a classic New England sandwich made with tender chunks of lobster meat served in a buttery, toasted split-top hot dog bun. The lobster is the star of the dish, so the seasonings and toppings are usually kept simple.
What goes into a lobster roll?
The basic ingredients are:
- Cooked lobster meat (typically knuckle, claw, and tail meat)
- A split-top hot dog bun, toasted in butter
- Butter or a light mayonnaise dressing
- Optional additions like lemon juice, celery, chives, parsley, or a sprinkle of paprika
The two classic styles
Maine-style (cold)
- Served chilled
- Lobster is lightly dressed with mayonnaise (that’s what this recipe uses)!
- Often mixed with a little celery, lemon juice, and herbs
- Creamy, cool, and refreshing
Connecticut-style (warm)
- Served warm
- Lobster is tossed with melted butter
- No mayonnaise
- Rich, buttery, and lets the lobster’s natural sweetness shine
What does it taste like?
A lobster roll is:
- Sweet: Fresh lobster has a naturally sweet flavor.
- Buttery: The toasted bun and butter add richness.
- Delicate: Lobster has a mild, refined seafood taste.
- Lightly briny: It has a clean hint of the ocean without tasting fishy.
- Comforting: The contrast of tender lobster and a warm, crisp bun makes every bite satisfying.
What to serve with a lobster roll
Classic pairings include:
- French fries or kettle chips
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Corn on the cob
- Pickles
- Cucumber salad
- Macaroni salad
- A cup of clam chowder
Why people love them
The appeal of a lobster roll is its simplicity. Rather than masking the lobster with heavy sauces or seasonings, the sandwich highlights the meat’s natural sweetness and tender texture. The warm, buttery bun adds just enough richness and crunch to make it feel both elegant and comforting—a signature taste of a New England summer.
Tips for Buying Lobster
If you’re buying lobster meat
Fresh lobster meat should be:
- Bright white with red accents from the claws
- Moist and firm, not slimy
- Sweet-smelling with a clean ocean aroma
- Free of any sour, fishy, or ammonia-like odor
For lobster rolls, a mix of claw, knuckle, and tail meat provides the best balance of tenderness and flavor.
If you’re buying frozen lobster tails
Choose tails that:
- Have shells free of cracks or freezer burn
- Are individually quick frozen (IQF) if possible
- Feel solidly frozen
- Have clear labeling showing the species and origin
Avoid packages with excessive ice crystals, which can indicate thawing and refreezing.
Consider cold-water lobster
Cold-water lobster, especially from the North Atlantic, is prized because it tends to have:
- Sweeter flavor
- Firmer texture
- Larger claws
- More tender meat
Warm-water lobster tails are often less expensive but usually have a milder flavor and slightly softer texture.
Classic Lobster Rolls
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise
- 2 stalks celery finely chopped
- 1½ tsp Member's Mark™ Chopped Chives plus more for topping
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ¼ tsp Member's Mark™ Himalayan Pink Salt Grinder
- Member's Mark™ Black Peppercorn Grinder as needed
- 1 lb Fresh or thawed frozen cooked Main lobster meat about 3½ cups
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter room temperature
- 4 Split top hot dog buns
- 4 large Bibb lettuce leaves
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, celery, Member's Mark™ Chopped Chives, lemon juice, Member's Mark™ Himalayan Pink Salt Grinder, and Member's Mark™ Black Peppercorn Grinder. Set aside.
- Using paper towels, pat lobster to dry, then cut into bite-size pieces. Fold the lobster into the mayonnaise mix. Season with additional Member's Mark™ Himalayan Pink Salt Grinder, Member's Mark™ Black Peppercorn Grinder, and lemon juice, as needed. Place in the refrigerator.
- Spread the cut sides of the hot dog buns with butter. Place the buns in a large skillet, with one of the butter sides down. Cook over medium heat until golden brown. Flip to toast the other buttered side, about 3 minutes. Place buns on a cutting board to cool slightly.
- Slightly open the buns and place 1 large leaf of Bibb lettuce inside. Divide the lobster mixture evenly between the buns. Sprinkle with additional chives, salt, pepper, and lemon juice, if desired. Serve with lemon wedges.
