This delicious lobster roll recipe is coated in melted butter, served warm over a toasted bun, and garnished with chives. It’s the ultimate summer dish. Once you try it, you will immediately be obsessed. I’m always amazed at how simple they are to make because once you eat them, you’ll think I spent all day preparing them.
This perfectly balances flavor with the natural salt in the lobster and the warm butter served on a doughy bun. It’s definitely a sandwich I could eat all year long; it’s that good. I don’t often eat lobster because getting it fresh is expensive and difficult to locate. If you’ve got some and want some great recipes, try my Butter-Poached Lobster or Grilled Lobster Tails.
Lobster roll is a North Eastern American specialty of boiled, steamed, or poached fresh lobster shelled, drenched in butter, and served on a toasted split top bun. The two main variations are this one, a Connecticut Lobster roll, and the other, a New England or Maine Lobster Roll, which is cooked and cooled lobster meat tossed with mayonnaise, celery, and lemon juice. While both are delicious, my personal opinion is the Connecticut-style roll is hands down better.
The roll’s creation goes back to the 1920s in New England and Canadian Maritimes. The fishermen in the area were the ones who developed the sandwich using the catch of the day or leftover lobster that was not sold that day. While it is served all over the US, Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut are the three states where this is most popular.
Can You Heat a Lobster Roll? A Detailed Guide For Reheating Leftovers
Lobster rolls are the ultimate summer delicacy in New England and beyond. Their sweet tender lobster meat combined with butter or mayonnaise in a toasted bun is simply irresistible. But what if you have leftovers and want to enjoy your lobster roll again? Can you safely reheat a lobster roll without ruining the flavor and texture?
The good news is, yes you can heat a lobster roll! With the right reheating method, you can enjoy a tasty reheated lobster roll that retains the sweet, delicate lobster meat. In this detailed guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about reheating lobster rolls, from the best methods to tips for keeping the rolls fresh and delicious Let’s dive in!
Overview: Is It Possible to Heat a Lobster Roll?
Lobster rolls feature delicate juicy chunks of lobster meat tossed with dressing and stuffed into a soft roll. It’s understandable to be hesitant about reheating such a light and flaky preparation. However, with a gentle reheating approach, you can successfully heat a lobster roll without drying out the meat or making the bun soggy. The key is to use low, indirect heat to warm the roll through without overcooking the filling.
Methods like the oven, grill, and even the microwave can work well for heating lobster rolls when done carefully. We’ll go over the pros and cons of each so you can determine the best option. The good news is, yes you can enjoy a tasty reheated lobster roll!
The Best Ways to Heat a Lobster Roll
Oven
The oven is the ideal way to gently reheat a lobster roll while keeping the bun crisp and lobster meat moist. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Wrap lobster roll loosely in aluminum foil.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Check temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure lobster reaches 165°F.
The mild oven heat warms the roll without drying it out or making the filling rubbery. Feel free to add a pat of butter to the foil to enhance moisture and flavor.
Grill
Like the oven, the grill imparts gentle ambient heat that warms lobster rolls without overcooking. To use the grill:
- Heat grill to medium-low heat.
- Wrap lobster roll in foil.
- Grill roll for 2-3 minutes per side until heated through.
- Monitor closely and remove as soon as the filling is hot to prevent toughening the meat.
- Add a touch of butter or oil to the foil for extra insurance against drying out.
Microwave
The microwave can work in a pinch, but you’ll need to take extra care. Microwaves apply intense direct heat that can easily overcook seafood. Follow these precautions:
- Wrap lobster roll in damp paper towels.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals until warm, checking frequently.
- Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving.
The paper towels create a steamy environment to gently heat the roll. Take it out as soon as the center is warm to avoid drying out the bun or lobster. Letting it rest afterward allows the heat to evenly distribute.
Mistakes to Avoid When Reheating Lobster Rolls
Now that you know the best reheating methods, keep these common mistakes in mind:
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Microwaving without protection. This intensifies hot spots that overcook the lobster.
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Reheating at full power/temperature. High heat dries out the delicate meat. Low, gradual heat is gentler.
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Not checking internal temperature. Lobster should reach 165°F for food safety.
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Reheating longer than necessary. Heat just until the lobster is warmed through to prevent toughening the meat.
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Not letting it rest before serving. Letting the roll sit allows heat to evenly distribute.
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Adding extra butter/mayo before reheating. The lobster roll already has enough—extra will make it greasy.
Follow the techniques I recommended above to avoid these pitfalls!
Tips for Keeping Lobster Meat Tender When Reheating
Beyond using the right reheating method, you can take a few extra steps to maximize the tender texture of reheated lobster:
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Brush with oil or butter before heating. This insulates the meat from drying out.
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Wrap in foil to gently steam and add moisture.
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Add a splash of stock or lemon juice to boost moisture if the lobster seems dry.
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Combine gentle heat with short cook times to warm through without overcooking.
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Serve immediately after reheating for the freshest, most tender texture.
Storing Leftover Lobster Rolls
To make the most of your precious leftover lobster rolls, proper storage is key. Follow these guidelines:
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Let lobster rolls cool completely before storing.
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Transfer to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
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Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
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If bun seems soggy, store filling and bun separately.
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For longer storage, wrap tightly in freezer bag and freeze up to 2 months.
Proper refrigeration preserves both the flavor and texture of leftover lobster rolls. Freeze for longer storage, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heating Lobster Rolls
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about reheating these delightful sandwiches:
How long do you heat a lobster roll in the oven?
Heat lobster rolls in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. Check the internal temperature to ensure lobster reaches 165°F.
Can you grill a lobster roll?
Yes! The grill imparts great flavor. Grill wrapped lobster rolls over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Monitor closely to prevent drying out.
Is it OK to microwave lobster rolls?
Microwaving can work but requires care to avoid overcooking. Wrap in damp paper towels and microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Let rest before serving.
Should you toast the bun when reheating lobster rolls?
No need to toast the bun again—the reheating methods we suggest will refresh the crispiness of the roll just right without drying it out.
Can I add extra butter or mayo before reheating a lobster roll?
It’s best not to add extra butter or mayonnaise before reheating, as the filling already has enough. Extra fat before reheating can make the roll greasy.
Enjoy Your Reheated Lobster Roll!
Reheating lobster rolls at home is totally possible with the proper techniques. Use gentle oven, grill or microwave methods to warm your leftover lobster roll while keeping the meat moist and tender. Follow our storage tips to enjoy the flavors as long as possible.
How to Make Lobster Rolls
When using live lobsters, add them to a tray and place them in a freezer for 20 to 30 minutes.
In the meantime, bring a large pot of water to a boil. There should be enough water for the lobster to be submerged easily.
Once the water is boiling, add enough salt to taste as salty as the ocean.
Place in the lobsters, cover the pot, and cook for 4 minutes per pound.
If you want to steam them, add 2 inches of water to the bottom of a pot with enough salt to taste as salty as the ocean and bring it to a boil. Add to the steamer basket, place in the lobster, add the lid, and steam for 8 minutes per pound.
Once the lobster is done cooking, immediately submerge it in an ice bath to shock it.
Remove the lobster and extract the meat from the tails, claws, legs, and body. See the video for instructions.
Cut the meat into large bite-size pieces. I personally like to leave the claw intact.
Add the butter to a large sauté pan over low heat and swirl the pan in a circular motion until the butter is completely melted and emulsified.
Place the lobster meat in, squeeze on about 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and salt, and gently fold the meat in the butter using a spatula for 2 to 3 minutes or until the lobster is warm.
Brush the split-top buns on both sides with melted unsalted butter.
Place them butter-side down on a griddle or large cast-iron skillet at medium heat and toast for 1 to 2 minutes per side or until well browned.
Add the meat between the toasted buns and drizzle on any additional butter.
Optionally garnish with sliced chives.
Make-Ahead: This lobster roll is meant to be eaten as soon as it is done cooking.
How to Store: Keeping the lobster separate from the buns so they do not become overly saturated is best. If you do this, cover both and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can thaw the lobster separately from the rolls in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge for one day before reheating.
How to Reheat: Add the desired amount of lobster and 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to a small saucepan. Heat over low heat while constantly stirring until hot.
Chef Notes + Tips
- If the lobster is overcooked, it will get very chewy.
- This is uniquely salty, so taste it first before seasoning it.
- If you use live lobsters as I did, or even lobster tails, reserve the shells in the freezer for lobster bisque.
- A 1 ½ pound lobster will make 2 lobster rolls.
- An ice bath is a pot or container filled with ice water.
- Shocking food immediately stops the cooking process so the food does not overcook.
Making Lobster Rolls 2 Ways w/ @Berner415
FAQ
How do you reheat lobster rolls?
Although microwaving is quick and convenient, we recommend using the oven to reheat lobster if you have time. It takes a little more time to do, but it’s also a bit more reliable and can retain the flavors and texture of your lobster, making it feel like you’re enjoying your original meal all over again.
Can lobster rolls be served hot?
The cold, mayo-based lobster salad variety, that is. For most people, that’s what a lobster roll is and always will be. But there are certain pockets of the population—mostly in Connecticut, as well as satellite colonies all up and down the New England coastline—that prefer their lobster rolls hot and buttered.
Is it better to eat lobster hot or cold?
With cold, you tend to taste less. It may still be delicious, but warm food will tend to be more flavorful. Plus, the benefit with a roll is that more butter soaks in, so each bite is more buttery. I love lobster straight from the shell, but lobster rolls are also phenomenal.
What is the best way to eat a lobster roll?
Many sides go with lobster rolls, the most famous being potato chips and lemon wedges for an authentic English taste. However, you can also serve lobster rolls with coleslaw, salad, steamed vegetables, corn on the cob, potato salad, garlic bread, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with vinaigrette.