A lobster roll is the quintessential New England summer food. Nothing beats biting into a toasted top-sliced hot dog bun packed with delectable chunks of sweet, tender lobster meat.
So, how do New Englanders get it right? The best lobster rolls keep it simple and focus on the lobster. In this post, well share dos and donts so you can see what we mean. As youll soon discover, you can prepare a traditional mouthwatering lobster roll no matter where you live.
The lobster roll – a beloved delicacy of the New England region consisting of tender lobster meat served warm or cold in a grilled buttered hot dog bun. This iconic sandwich is enjoyed by seafood lovers far and wide but there’s an art to eating a lobster roll properly. In this ultimate guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to eat lobster rolls like a true pro.
Selecting the Best Lobster Roll
The first step is choosing a high-quality lobster roll made with fresh ingredients, Here are a few tips
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Go to a reputable seafood restaurant or food truck known for excellent fresh seafood. Maine eateries are a great bet.
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Look for lobster meat that is tender and sweet, not chewy. It should be dressed lightly in mayo or butter and nestled in a soft, buttered, top-split hot dog bun.
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If you’re near the coast get a roll made with freshly caught local lobster. Maine lobsters from cold waters have the sweetest meat.
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Avoid rolls with limp buns or scant lobster meat drowned in dressing. Quality over quantity!
Prepping Like a Pro
Once you’ve procured the perfect lobster roll, prep yourself for maximum enjoyment:
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Find a nice spot to sit and relish each bite without distractions. Outdoor seating near the ocean provides ideal ambiance.
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Carefully unwrap the lobster roll and appreciate the sight, smell and texture before diving in.
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Have plenty of napkins on hand – things may get messy! But that’s all part of the fun.
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Grab a cold beer or lemonade to wash it down and refresh your palate between bites.
Eating Technique
When you’re ready to indulge, here are some pro tips for savoring every morsel:
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First, take a small bite to appreciate the combination of flavors and textures. Let the sweet lobster and rich, buttered bun tantalize your tastebuds.
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Next, take your time with the rest of the roll, being sure to get some lobster and bun in each bite. Balance is key.
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Feel free to add a squeeze of lemon or dash of hot sauce for extra zing if available. Lobster rolls are great platforms for customization.
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As you reach the end, relish those final bites and use your napkin to wipe any stray butter or mayo from your fingers.
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Reflect on the delightful experience afterward and start planning your next lobster roll escapade!
Lobster Roll Etiquette Dos & Don’ts
To ensure lobster roll excellence, keep these dos and don’ts in mind:
DO:
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Use high quality, fresh ingredients – especially the lobster meat and bun.
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Toast the bun lightly on both sides to bring out sweetness.
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Cook lobster properly to optimize tenderness – boiled or steamed works best.
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Travel to Maine for an authentic experience if possible!
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Add creative twists like avocado, bacon or lime to put your personal spin on it.
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Keep it simple – let the flavors of quality ingredients shine through.
DON’T:
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Overdo it on the mayo or butter – just enough to moisten the lobster meat.
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Serve lobster rolls at room temperature – enjoy them hot or cold.
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Add strong flavors like kale, tomatoes or blue cheese that will overpower the delicate lobster.
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Overcomplicate it! Simplicity is key for lobster roll greatness.
How to Make a Lobster Roll at Home
Want to channel your inner New Englander and make lobster rolls at home? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Ingredients
- 1-1.5 lbs cooked lobster meat, cut into bite-size chunks
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp minced celery
- 1 tbsp minced chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hot dog buns, split-top preferred
- 2-4 tbsp butter, softened
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine lobster meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, chives, salt and pepper. Mix gently until coated.
- Chill lobster mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Lightly butter the inside of the hot dog buns.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the buns in the skillet, buttered-side down. Toast until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
- Divide lobster mixture among the toasted buns.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges, potato chips, coleslaw or french fries.
The Maine vs. Connecticut Lobster Roll Debate
There’s an ongoing debate amongst lobster roll aficionados about which style reigns supreme:
Maine-Style: Chilled lobster meat lightly dressed with mayo or lemon juice in a toasted, buttered bun. Focus is on highlighting the natural flavor of the fresh lobster.
Connecticut-Style: Warm lobster meat sautéed in butter and served in a toasted bun. The melted butter enhances the lobster’s sweetness.
Both styles have devoted fans. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Maine-Style Pros:
- Allows lobster flavor to shine through
- Light, refreshing for hot weather
- Preferred by lobster traditionalists
Maine-Style Cons:
- Some find chilled lobster meat to be chewy
- Lacks the indulgence of warm, butter-soaked lobster
Connecticut-Style Pros:
- Warm, melted butter enhances natural sweetness
- Satisfyingly rich and indulgent
- Bun absorbs delicious butter
Connecticut-Style Cons:
- Can mask delicate seafood flavors
- Not as light and refreshing
- Strays from traditional preparations
The Best Drink Pairings for Lobster Rolls
A well-paired drink really takes a lobster roll to the next level. Here are some tasty beverage options:
Beer: Opt for light, crisp brews like lagers, pilsners or summer ales that won’t overpower the seafood.
White Wine: Dry, unoaked whites like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio or Chablis complement without competing.
Sparkling Wine: Bubbles and lobster roll are a match made in heaven. Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava cut through the richness perfectly.
Iced Tea: For an alcohol-free option, unsweetened iced tea with lemon provides thirst-quenching refreshment.
Lemonade: Sweet, tangy lemonade highlights the citrus notes in the lobster and cools you down.
Arnold Palmer: Half lemonade, half iced tea gives you the best of both worlds – sweetness and acidity.
Toppings & Add-Ins for Lobster Rolls
While lobster rolls are delicious in their classic form, creative add-ins can really take them to the next level. Here are some tasty topping and mix-in ideas:
- Strips of bacon
- Sliced avocado
- Shredded lettuce or watercress
- Chopped scallions
- Fresh dill or parsley
- Lemon or lime zest
-Crumbled blue cheese - Roasted red peppers
- Cucumber slices
- Pickled vegetables
- Chili flakes or siracha for spice
Go wild and invent your own signature lobster roll combinations! Just don’t overpower the star of the show – the sweet lobster meat.
How to Get the Most Lobster Meat
Lobster can be pricey, so you want to maximize every ounce of precious meat. Here are pro tips for getting the most out of your lobsters:
- Choose hard-shell lobsters, which yield more meat.
- Opt for larger lobsters, which have a higher meat-to-shell ratio.
- Use whole lobsters instead of just tails. The knuckle and claw meat is the sweetest!
- Extract every bit of meat from legs, joints, and crevices using lobster picks.
- Reserve shells and bodies to make stock for seafood risottos or chowders.
- Mix any stray pieces of lobster meat into salads, pastas, omelets, etc.
With some finesse, you can get nearly 4 oz of meat per pound of lobster. Now go forth and enjoy the delightful meaty pleasures of lobster rolls!
How to Eat a Lobster Roll Perfectly
So you’ve got a deliciously stuffed lobster roll in front of you. Now it’s time for the fun part – eating it! Follow these tips for lobster roll perfection:
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Don’t dive right in. Take a moment to appreciate how beautiful it looks and smells first.
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Pick it up with both hands to maintain structural integrity. These rolls can get messy fast!
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Take your first small bite from the side to get the ideal bun-to-filling ratio. Savor the harmony of flavors and textures.
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Continue taking modest bites, working your way around. Don’t overwhelm your tastebuds all at once.
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Let any excess lobster filling fall back into the basket or plate. No need to smush it back into the bun.
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Alternate bites of lobster roll with sips of your drink to cleanse your palate.
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Napkins are key! Have plenty on hand to dab your mouth frequently.
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Don’t stress about toppings falling off or mayo dripping. Just enjoy the delicious imperfection of this handheld feast!
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Down to the last few bites? Slow down and relish each one knowing the experience is nearly over.
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Finish feeling immensely satisfied, already dreaming of your next lobster roll!
Key Takeaways for Lobster Roll Greatness
To recap, here are the key tips for executing lobster roll perfection:
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Seek out the freshest, high-quality ingredients, especially the lobster and bun.
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Cook lobster properly to optimize sweetness and tenderness. Steaming or boiling is best.
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Toast split-top hot dog buns lightly on both sides to achieve that ideal crunch.
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Dress lobster meat judiciously. Let flavor shine through – don’t drown it.
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Chill lobster mixture well before assembling for Maine-style rolls. Or gently warm it for Connecticut-style.
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Add creative touches cautiously. Simplicity is usually best.
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Find an idyllic outdoor spot to slow down and savor every delicious bite.
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Pair with something crisp, cold and refreshing – beer, bubbly, lemonade, iced tea.
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Employ proper lobster roll eating technique for ideal enjoyment from start to finish.
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Most importantly, have fun and make some memorable summertime memories!
Now get out there and enjoy the very best lobster rolls using this comprehensive eating guide. From selecting ingredients to prepping to eating, you’ve got all the insider tips and tricks to indulge like a true lobster roll pro. Get ready for the most scrumptious, satisfying hands-on eating experience of your life!
Overdo the Mayo
Although mayonnaise is the tried-and-true lobster roll dressing, you shouldnt douse the lobster meat with mayo because you dont want to mask the sweet flavor of the meat. Use only enough mayo to hold the pieces of meat together, starting with a little at a time and increasing as needed.
Serious Eats recommends tossing warm lobster with a few teaspoons of mayo per pound of lobster meat. Then, place the mayo-coated meat in a colander over a bowl and set it in the refrigerator. Excess mayo will drip from the meat, leaving flavorful, lightly coated chunks behind.
Instead of adding too much mayo, you can also toss lobster meat with a little bit of melted butter before mixing it with a simple mayonnaise-based dressing. If you choose not to use mayo at all and use butter as a dressing instead, follow the same rule — dont overpower the meat with the butter.
Lastly, you dont necessarily have to mix butter or mayo with the meat. Some chefs prefer to spread a thin layer of butter or mayo on the bun and then stack the lobster chunks on top.
Cook the Lobster Perfectly
The lobster meat is always the main event when it comes to lobster rolls. To fully enjoy plump, tender chunks of lobster, you must properly cook the lobster. Otherwise, your lobster may not live up to its flavor potential.
If youre concerned about your lobster-cooking abilities, have no fear. Even if youve never seen a live lobster up close before, you can still learn to cook lobster perfectly and make outstanding lobster rolls. The first step is to choose live lobsters from Maine. Fresh, live lobsters will produce the best meat for your lobster rolls.
Next, youll need to choose a cooking method. Although there are several ways to cook a lobster, we highly recommend boiling your lobster. Boiling is the easiest way to cook a live lobster for beginners, and it allows you to infuse the lobster with saltwater flavor. Boiling the lobster for the right amount of time also wont dry out the meat. Here are our instructions for perfectly boiled lobsters:
- Fill a large pot with water — lobsters should be totally submerged.
- Add 1/4 cup of Maine Sea Salt for each gallon of water.
- Bring the salted water to a boil.
- Using gloves or tongs, put the live lobsters in one at a time.
- Stir the lobsters halfway through the cooking time.
- The lobsters are done when theyre bright red.
- Place the cooked lobsters in cool water and let them sit for three to five minutes.
Cooking times vary depending on the size of the lobster. For example, a one-pound lobster takes eight minutes to cook, while a two-pound lobster takes 15. Also, make sure to use the largest pot you have, because you do not want any crowding.
You can test the lobster and make sure its cooked through with a simple trick. Wait 10 minutes after you remove the lobster from the water, and then set it on its back. Bend and release the tail. If the tail springs back on the counter, the lobster is done. If the tail moves slowly, the lobster needs a little more cooking time. Its better to check your lobster and have to cook it longer than to overcook it the first time.
After you cook the lobster, you need to remove the meat carefully. You want to keep the meat intact as much as possible so you can pack your rolls with bite-sized pieces. You can use tools like a lobster cracker and seafood picks to crack open shells and extract the meat. For example, to remove the claw meat, first, twist off the claws. Next, use a lobster cracker to crack open each claw and knuckle. Use a seafood pick to push or pull the meat out.
How to Shell and Eat A Whole Lobster | Serious Eats
FAQ
What is the best way to eat a lobster roll?
The Perfect Grip: Keep It Together
Hold the roll gently from both ends, supporting the sides with your fingers to prevent any unraveling mishaps. This ensures that each bite contains the perfect balance of succulent lobster meat and buttery roll.
How is lobster roll traditionally served?
The lobster meat is usually served cold, rather than warm or hot, and mayonnaise is typically spread inside the bun or tossed with the meat.
Do you eat lobster rolls dressed or butter?
Dressing. Some people like warm lobster rolls dressed with butter. I occasionally pine for the magnificent examples served at Neptune Oyster Bar in Boston. But most of the time, cold lobster meat dressed with plain old Hellmann’s mayo is the way to go, perhaps with a little extra squeeze of lemon.
Do you eat lobster rolls hot or cold?
- Cold: The lobster meat is dressed in mayonnaise and served cold.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is the primary dressing, and sometimes celery or other greens are added.
Can you cook live lobster in a roll?
Live Lobster: Typically, if you’re going to cook a live lobster, you want to dip it in butter, not put it in a roll. But if that’s the only way for you to have fresh meat for your roll, and you have the time (and money), then go for it. Check out our post on How to Boil and Eat Lobster.
Is lobster high in low-density lipoprotein (LDL)?
Lobster is low in saturated fatty acids and rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are good for the heart and help lower cholesterol.
How do you make a lobster roll taste good?
Combine the flaked lobster meat with a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. Add a touch of lemon juice, fresh herbs, and spices to taste. For a richer flavor, consider incorporating roasted red peppers, diced celery, or a pinch of Old Bay seasoning. Lobster Rolls: Hot or Cold? The Ultimate Taste Test Revelation 4. Assembling the Lobster Roll
What makes a lobster roll a classic?
A classic lobster roll is all about quality over quantity. You only need a few ingredients to construct a glorious lobster roll, but remember that each one counts — a lot. Here are the fundamental lobster roll ingredients, and what you need to consider before you start your shopping list.
What to put on a lobster roll?
Or, you could top a lobster roll with butter lettuce, pea shoots, pickled carrots or cucumber slices. Seasonings: You can safely choose from a variety of herbs and spices to lightly season your lobster rolls. For example, you might add a pinch or two of freshly ground black pepper, oregano, chives, tarragon, dill, cilantro or celery salt.
Should you toast a lobster roll?
Toasting the bun is a critical step in the lobster-roll-making process. A toasted bun is slightly sweet, which helps bring out the sweetness of the lobster meat, and adds a satisfying crunchy, but not overdone, contrast to the tender lobster. With split-top rolls, you can easily toast both sides to perfection.