This is by far the best Maine style lobster roll recipe I have ever made. They're also great as an appetizer before a seafood feast! One of my favorite ways to enjoy lobster is in a delicious, creamy lobster roll with buttery, toasted buns and plenty of fresh lemon juice.
If you've never made a homemade Maine Lobster Roll Recipe, you're in for a treat. Forget about those overpriced restaurant versions and whip up your own at home instead. Trust me, it'll taste even better than you can imagine. To make authentic rolls, you need to make New England Hot Dog Buns as well!
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Try The Best Maine Style Lobster Roll Recipe
Whenever I want something that is light for summer, these Maine-style lobster rolls are one of the first recipes I make. I love making them for casual lunches, backyard gatherings, and sometimes for a light dinner. The buttery toasted buns and fresh lobster make them the best lobster rolls ever.
Why You'll Love It
- Lobster is the star: The simple ingredients are what make the lobster flavor pop.
- Perfect Texture: You get tender lobster with fresh celery and toasted buns.
- Easy to make: This meal is ready in less than 20 minutes.
- Restaurant-quality at home: This tastes so much better than many expensive seafood restaurants.
Ingredients
- Lobster: Fresh lobster gives you the best flavor, but you can use frozen lobster if need be.
- Mayonnaise: You need just enough mayo to hold everything together, as you do not want to overpower the lobster taste.
- Celery: This adds some green freshness and a little bit of crunch.
- Lemon juice: Gives the entire filling a bit of tang.
- New England buns: Making the traditional buns gives you the best authentic experience.
How to Make The Best Maine Style Lobster Roll Recipe
1. Chop the cooked lobster meat into ½-inch (1.3cm) pieces and place in a large bowl.
2. Finely slice the celery and add it to the bowl. Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and salt and stir to combine. Set aside.
3. Melt the butter in a pan over high heat and toast the split top buns on both sides until golden brown.
4. Fill the toasted buns with the lobster mixture, top with a touch of celery leaves or fresh chives, and serve with lemon wedges and your favorite side dishes.
Cooking Tips
- Use the freshest lobster you can find for the best flavor. If you prefer not to cook lobster and remove the meat from the shell yourself, ask your fishmonger if he can cook and dress (remove the meat from the shell) it for you. You want the meatiest and tastiest Maine or Canadian lobsters. Bigger is always better for this type of seafood that hails from North America's coasts.
- Don't overdress the filling. The lobster should be the main taste of the recipe.
- Toast the buns right in the melted butter before serving so they stay crisp and buttery. To make authentic Maine lobster rolls, you need to use New England-style hot dog buns that are split on top, have straight sides, and are lightly toasted on both sides. However, regular hot dog buns will be just as good.
What Can You Serve With This?
- Potato chips
- French fries
- Coleslaw
- Pickle spears or dill pickle
- Potato salad
FAQs
A classic Maine lobster roll is typically served cold with a light mayonnaise-based dressing, while Connecticut-style lobster rolls are served warm with butter.
Yes. Fresh is best, but frozen lobster meat works well when thawed properly.
Yes. Prepare the filling a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, no more than this.
Recipe
The Best Maine Style Lobster Roll Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ - 1 ¾ lb cooked and dressed* lobster (1 large)
- 3 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ stalk celery
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 New England Hot Dog Rolls
Instructions
- Chop the cooked lobster meat into ½-inch (1.3cm) pieces and place in a large bowl.
- Finely slice the celery and add to the bowl. Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and salt and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Melt the butter in a pan over high heat and toast the split top buns on both sides until golden brown.
- Fill the toasted buns with the lobster salad, top with celery leaves, and serve with lemon wedges and your favorite side dishes.
Notes
Cooking Time and Temperature
Toast the buns in a buttered pan over high heat for about 2 minutes, or until golden brown on both sides. No additional cooking is required since the lobster is already cooked.Taste & Texture
This Lobster Sandwich is rich, buttery, and packed with sweet lobster flavor. The toasted bun adds a slight crunch while the celery brings freshness to every bite.Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Lobster: Fresh Maine lobster is ideal, but Canadian lobster also works well. If you are unable to find lobster, try using shrimp or langoustines instead. You may also use crayfish in addition if desired!
- Mayonnaise: Adjust the amount of mayo to your preference.
- Seafood: Shrimp, crayfish, or langoustines can be substituted if lobster isn't available.
- Seasoning: Add lemon zest, black pepper, or paprika for extra flavor.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store the lobster filling in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended once mixed with mayonnaise.
- Reheating: Serve chilled. If desired, simply re-toast fresh buns before assembling.
Serving Recommendations
I love serving these lobster rolls with crispy potato chips, coleslaw, and plenty of lemon wedges. They're also perfect for picnics, summer lunches, and casual seafood dinners.Proper Storage Tips
- Keep the lobster filling refrigerated until serving.
- Store the filling separately from the buns.
- Assemble just before serving for the best texture.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lobster whenever possible.
- Don't overload the filling with too many ingredients.
- Toast the buns until golden and buttery.
- Serve immediately after assembling for the best experience.
Video
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