New England Lobster Roll
In short: Sweet chunks of fresh lobster tossed in a light lemony mayonnaise and piled into a butter-toasted, split-top bun with celery and chives. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 460 kcal
A lobster roll is the quintessential New England summer meal: just-cooked lobster meat in a toasted, buttered bun. The cold version tosses the meat in a spoonful of mayonnaise, lemon and chives, with a little celery for crunch. The goal is to let the lobster taste like lobster, so the dressing stays light. Steam your own lobsters for the best texture, or buy cooked meat from a fish counter and use it the same day.
Instructions
- Pour 5 cm (2 in) of water into a very large pot, add the salt and bring to a rolling boil. Set a steamer rack inside.
- Add the lobsters, cover and steam for 15 to 18 minutes, until the shells are bright red and the meat is opaque and firm. Move them to a bowl of ice water for 5 minutes.
- Crack the claws, knuckles and tail and pull out the meat. Cut it into 2 cm (3/4 in) pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
- Stir the mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, chives, salt and pepper together. Fold in the lobster gently and chill for 15 minutes.
- Spread the softened butter on the outside flat sides of the buns. Toast them in a skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until golden.
- Fill the warm buns with the lobster salad and serve with lemon wedges.
Tips
- If you would rather not cook live lobsters, buy cooked lobster meat from a trusted fish counter and use it the same day. Thawed frozen cooked tails and claws also work when patted dry.
- For the warm Connecticut-style roll, skip the mayonnaise and toss the meat with 4 tablespoons of melted butter and a squeeze of lemon.
Questions and answers
Can I make lobster rolls ahead of time?
Make the lobster salad up to 4 hours ahead and keep it chilled. Toast the buns just before serving, or the roll turns soggy.
What is the difference between a Maine and a Connecticut lobster roll?
A Maine-style roll is cold and dressed with mayonnaise. A Connecticut-style roll is served warm, with the lobster tossed in melted butter.
What do you serve with lobster rolls?
Potato chips, coleslaw, corn on the cob or a simple green salad go well, with lemonade or a cold beer to drink.
How long does it take to make New England Lobster Roll?
About 55 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in New England Lobster Roll?
About 460 kcal per serving, with 29 g of protein, 33 g of carbohydrates and 24 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 460 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 29 g |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
