What Is On A Lobster Roll? A Delicious New England Classic

The lobster roll is a beloved New England classic, consisting of tender lobster meat served on a grilled hot dog bun. This iconic sandwich is a popular summertime treat, especially along the coasts of Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. But what exactly goes into this delicious sandwich? Here’s a breakdown of the key components of a traditional lobster roll.

Lobster Meat

The star ingredient of any lobster roll is of course the lobster meat itself. The meat typically comes from the claw and tail portions of the lobster. The lobster meat is usually diced into bite-size chunks, rather than left whole or shredded. Too small of pieces would make the texture mushy, while whole chunks would be unwieldy to eat in a bun. The meat is ideally fresh and recently cooked for optimal texture and flavor. Many restaurants will steam or boil live lobsters just before assembling each lobster roll to order. Frozen lobster meat can also be used with decent results, though connoisseurs insist on fresh.

On average, a standard lobster roll contains about 4 ounces of lobster meat, which provides a satisfying amount of rich, succulent bites of lobster. More lavish rolls may contain 6 ounces or more. Any less than 4 ounces and you may start to feel a bit ripped off. The key is big, hearty chunks of lobster throughout the bun, not skimpy bits.

Bun

Lobster rolls are typically served on top-loading New England style hot dog buns. These buns are wider and flatter than regular hot dog buns, with flat sides perfect for buttering and grilling on a griddle or panini press. The wider split top allows the bun to be heaping with lobster salad without it all squeezing out the sides. These iconic buns scream summer just as much as the lobster itself.

If New England style buns are unavailable the lobster salad can be served on a regular hot dog bun hoagie roll, or even a buttery grilled brioche bun. But to be authentic, it really needs that flat-sided New England style bun.

Mayonnaise or Butter

Beyond the lobster and bun, traditional lobster rolls also contain some type of creamy ingredient mixed with the lobster to bind it together and add moisture. The most common options are mayonnaise or melted butter.

Mayo-style lobster rolls are more prevalent in Maine, where the cold lobster salad flavors mesh well with the rich mayo. Butter-tossed lobster rolls are popular in Connecticut and Rhode Island, where the hot lobster absorbs and complements the melted butter beautifully. Either way, the creaminess perfectly brings the lobster salad together.

Some other variations use a lighter dressing such as lemon aioli or creamy avocado instead of mayo or butter. But to be a classic, go with rich mayo or melted butter – after all, this is an indulgent summertime treat!

Veggie Add-Ins

Additional vegetables are not necessary for a basic lobster roll, but some chopped celery or scallions can provide a nice fresh, crunchy contrast. Many recipes call for 2-3 tablespoons of finely diced celery in the mix. The subtle veggie flavor balances the rich lobster without overpowering it.

Onions are also sometimes added, either mixed into the lobster salad or thinly sliced on top of the filled bun. Again, just a little goes a long way to add a mild onion bite. Feel free to skip the veggies altogether for pure unadulterated lobster flavor.

Seasonings

To round out the flavors, a bit of lemon juice, salt, and pepper are standard seasonings in lobster rolls. The lemon brightens up the lobster, while the salt enhances the briny sweetness. Freshly ground black pepper adds a little kick. Dijon mustard, tarragon, parsley, chives, and other herbs can also make tasty additions, but keep it simple to let the lobster shine.

Chips and Lemon

What would a lobster roll be without some salty, vinegary chips and a crunchy lemon wedge on the side? Some old bay seasoning or malt vinegar on the chips adds that signature seafood flair. The chips and lemon complete the whole summer dining experience.

The Perfect Bite

A perfect lobster roll delivers a balance of flavors and textures in each bite: the tender sweetness of the lobster, the toastiness of the grilled bun, the richness of the mayo or butter, the bright pop of lemon, and the crunch of the chips. Every component comes together to create a blissful warm weather eating experience that only New England can deliver. It’s the ultimate taste of summer by the sea.