Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Two mouthwatering Maine Lobster Rolls overflowing with lobster salad on toasted split-top buns, garnished with paprika.

Best Ever Lobster Rolls: A Taste of Summer in Every Bite


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Craving summer? Make the best ever Lobster Rolls with our easy recipe! Learn tips, variations & secrets for perfect, mouthwatering seafood sandwiches.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds live lobsters (about 2 lobsters, 1 ½ pounds each)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp salt (or more to taste)
  • â…› tsp black pepper (or more to taste)
  • 4 split-top hot dog buns
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
  • Optional: ¼ cup finely diced celery
  • Optional: Paprika for garnish

Instructions

Cook the lobsters:

  1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add lobsters headfirst, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until shells are bright red and meat is cooked through.

Prepare lobster meat:

  1. Remove lobsters from pot and let cool slightly. Extract meat from tails, claws, and knuckles. Chop into ½-inch to 1-inch pieces.

Make lobster salad:

  1. In a bowl, gently combine lobster meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and celery (if using). Mix lightly to combine.

Toast buns:

  1. Melt butter in a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush melted butter on both sides of split-top buns. Toast buns until golden brown and lightly crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Assemble Lobster Rolls:

  1. Divide lobster salad evenly among toasted buns, filling each bun generously. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.
    Serve immediately and enjoy your perfect Lobster Rolls!

Notes

For the most authentic Maine Lobster Roll experience, use split-top hot dog buns. Their flat sides are perfect for toasting and they cradle the lobster salad beautifully.

Fresh, high-quality lobster is key! If possible, buy live lobsters and cook them yourself for the sweetest, most flavorful meat. Avoid overcooking – aim for tender, not rubbery lobster.

Keep it simple! The best Lobster Rolls let the lobster flavor shine. Don’t overdress the salad; a light touch of mayonnaise and lemon is all you need.

Toasting the buns in butter is non-negotiable. It adds warmth, flavor, and crucial textural contrast to the chilled lobster salad.

Chilling the lobster salad for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste. Cold salad in a warm bun is a classic and refreshing combination.

Connecticut-style Lobster Rolls are a delicious alternative! Simply warm the cooked lobster meat in butter and serve it warm in a toasted bun, skipping the mayonnaise.

Spice lovers? Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the mayonnaise for a subtle kick.

For a lower-carb option, serve the lobster salad in crisp lettuce cups instead of buns.

Serving suggestions: Classic potato chips, creamy coleslaw, or tangy pickles are the perfect sidekicks. For drinks, try iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Seafood
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 600