If you love seafood, you’ve got to try this lobster roll recipe! It blends buttery and savory flavors with a bit of crunch from celery, making it a delicious treat that’s also super easy to prepare for any occasion.
This recipe fixes dry lobster meat, soggy buns, and messy prep by delivering quick steps, simple ingredients, and a reliable buttery lobster taste.
I often find myself craving something fresh and light, but with all the options out there, it can be tricky to decide. This recipe solves that by using fresh or frozen lobster, making it simple for anyone to whip up a tasty meal. Plus, it only takes about 19 minutes from start to finish!
What really works about this lobster roll is the combination of mayonnaise and butter. It creates a creamy dressing that holds everything together without being too heavy. With just a quick warm-up of the lobster, you can avoid overcooking it while still keeping those buttery buns nice and soft.
If you want to add something green to your plate, consider making a refreshing cucumber salad to go alongside your lobster rolls. It’s a simple way to boost the meal!
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor : The blend of butter and mayonnaise creates a rich and creamy taste that pairs beautifully with the fresh lobster. It’s a real treat for your taste buds.
- Unique Texture : Adding celery gives every bite a delightful crunch, which contrasts perfectly with the tender lobster and soft bun. It keeps things interesting.
- Convenient Preparation : This recipe comes together quickly, making it a great option for a fast yet satisfying meal. You can whip it up in under 20 minutes.
- Easy Storage : While best enjoyed fresh, you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days. That means you can savor those lobster flavors a little longer.
Delicious Lobster Rolls with Butter
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: main dish
- Method: pan fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: gluten free
Description
Delicious lobster rolls with both butter and mayonnaise for a flavorful twist.
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen lobster meat, thawed, or cooked meat from two 1 1/2 – 2 pound live lobsters
- 1/4 cup minced celery
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon minced chives
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 11/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/41/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 split-top brioche, New England-style hot dog buns, with sides trimmed off
- 1/41/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
Instructions
- Warm the Lobster: Gently warm your lobster in a pan with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Heat for just a couple of minutes, until it is heated through, fragrant, and slightly sizzling. Be careful not to overcook the lobster as it can become tough and rubbery.
- Toast the Buns: In the same pan, add another 2 tablespoons of butter and toast the brioche buns until golden brown. You will know they are ready when they look crispy and smell buttery; do not overdo it, as you want to maintain some softness inside.
- Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the warm lobster with 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Mix until the lobster is fully coated and the mixture appears creamy and fresh. Avoid adding too much mayonnaise to keep the filling light.
- Assemble the Rolls: Generously fill each toasted bun with the lobster mixture, packing it slightly to ensure each bite includes that delightful warmth. Take care not to overstuff the buns or the filling might squeeze out when you take a bite!
- Serve Immediately: Serve the rolls right away while they are warm and the buns are still toasty. Look for steam rising, making it hard to resist a bite. Waiting too long could leave the buns soggy, so enjoy them fresh!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Airtight container: Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Store in the refrigerator and consume within two days for best quality.
- Expert Tips: Use a slotted spoon to drain excess butter to avoid a runny dressing. If the dressing feels too runny, ensure you thoroughly drain the lobster before mixing it with the mayonnaise. Warm the lobster in butter for only 2-3 minutes to prevent overcooking and maintain tenderness. For softer buns, choose fresh brioche rolls and toast them lightly just before serving, about 1-2 minutes, to keep them warm.
- Reheating Instructions: Microwave or gently warm in a skillet until heated through, 2-3 minutes.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with salt and vinegar kettle chips, a crisp light beer, or a simple side salad for freshness.
- Recipe Variations: Try adding diced pickles for tanginess or use tarragon instead of chives for a different herb flavor. Substitute lobster with crab for a different seafood experience.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose fresh, crisp celery stalks for crunch. Use a high-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor; Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter option. Opt for fresh lemon juice and zest for the best fresh flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 404
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1032mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: unknown
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Ingredient Notes
- Lobster meat: This is the star of your rolls! Whether using frozen or fresh, make sure it’s cooked through and cut into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
- Celery: Adds a nice crunch and freshness that balances the richness of the lobster and mayo. Look for fresh, crisp stalks that snap easily when bent.
- Mayonnaise: Contributes creaminess to the mix. I like to use a good quality mayo for flavor; you can swap it for Greek yogurt if you’re after a lighter option.
- Chives: They give a subtle onion flavor without overwhelming the dish. Opt for fresh chives; they’re easy to chop and elevate the look too!
- Lemon juice: Brings a bright zesty note that cuts through the richness. Freshly squeezed is best; the bottled stuff can’t match that fresh zing.
- Lemon zest: This packs in an extra punch of citrus flavor. Always zest a fresh lemon, as dried zest just doesn’t have the same kick.
- Brioche buns: These are the ideal choice for a lobster roll! Their soft texture and slightly sweet flavor complement the savory filling perfectly. Look for fresh ones at your bakery!
- Black pepper: Just a pinch adds depth to the dish. Use freshly ground for the fullest flavor, it’s such a simple step that makes a big difference.
- Butter: There’s a good bit of melted butter in this recipe! It keeps the lobster moist and adds richness. Make sure it’s unsalted to control the seasoning!
Recipe Tips
- If dressing feels too runny, be sure to thoroughly drain the lobster. This helps create a better consistency that coats rather than drips.
- When using fresh lobsters, cook them carefully until the meat is opaque, which typically takes about 10-12 minutes. Less overcooking helps maintain tenderness.
- For softer buns, choose fresh brioche rolls. Toast lightly in butter just before serving, about 1-2 minutes, to keep them warm and flavorful.
- If using frozen lobster, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture. Quick thawing in water can negatively affect taste.
- For a lighter filling, use only half the amount of mayonnaise, about 2 tablespoons, and enjoy a delicious taste without overwhelming richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve lobster rolls with salt and vinegar kettle chips for a crunchy complement. A simple side salad adds a fresh contrast to the meal.
Lobster rolls can feature in other recipes like seafood salad or a creamy pasta dish. These rolls also work well for beach parties and summer picnics.
Add melted butter on top for an extra layer of flavor. A drizzle of zesty lemon juice can brighten the dish significantly.
Recipe variations
- You can use crab meat instead of lobster for a seafood twist. This option still delivers a satisfying taste in your roll.
- Add ¼ cup diced pickles for tanginess, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the lobster. It delivers an extra crunch in each bite.
- Either use tarragon instead of chives for a fresh herb flavor, or add a pinch of dill for a unique taste experience.
- If cooking for a larger group, simply double the recipe using 2 pounds of lobster meat and 8 split-top brioche buns to serve 8 people.
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How to Store?
To keep your lobster rolls fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store the lobster rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep them chilled.
Freezing: Wrap each lobster roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving lobster rolls at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Heat spoils quickly, so keep them cool.
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