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This lobster roll kicks off summer vibes with style and zero stress. The lobster’s sweet and mellow taste with a bit of lemon zing totally delivers that restaurant feel but you’re home and in chill mode.
I stumbled across this dish during a Maine vacation a few years ago. Since then, we always put it on the table for my husband's birthday. He’d rather have this laid-back sandwich than a fancy night out.
Tasty Ingredients
- 906g fresh-boiled lobster: live ones give you the best taste
- 2 tablespoons mayo: homemade if you can, for extra creaminess
- Juice from a quarter lemon: organic lemons taste stronger and better
- 1/2 celery stalk chopped up: gives everything a crunchy, fresh bite
- 6 steamed hot dog buns: brioche ones work great, too
- Salt and pepper: sea salt plus freshly ground black pepper make everything pop
Easy Step-by-Step
- Putting It All Together:
- Steam your hot dog buns for about 2 minutes so they’re soft and warm. Pry them open and pile the lobster filling inside. Dig in while everything’s still warm.
- Seasoning:
- Taste one last time then sprinkle just a bit of salt and pepper. Lobster’s naturally kind of sweet, so you don’t need much salt. You could also shake on some dill or paprika if you’re feeling extra snazzy.
- Mixing Up the Filling:
- Roughly chop your lobster meat, making the pieces kind of chunky for bite. Toss the pieces in a bowl with chopped celery, fresh lemon juice, and mayo. Mix everything gently so the lobster doesn’t fall apart.
- Cooking the Lobster:
- Drop your lobster in a big pot of salted water and cook about 12 minutes for a 1kg lobster. The shell turns bright red when it’s ready. Let it cool, then crack open the shell and pull out all the good meat.
The first time I made these for a family get-together, my father-in-law asked for seconds and he usually avoids seafood. Turns out, when you mix fancy and easy, you can win over even the doubters.
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Storing Leftovers
Keep your lobster filling nice and fresh by making it just a few hours before you’re ready to eat. Have to prep ahead? Store it sealed in the fridge. Add a bit more lemon juice before serving for a flavor boost. Whatever you do, don’t freeze it—the lobster texture just won’t survive.
Fun Twists
Want to bump up the luxury? Splash in a tablespoon of brandy or cognac with your lobster mix. Try some chopped shallots for a gentle, fancy flavor. If you’re into a little fire, mix in some hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne. For extra freshness, a handful of chopped dill or chives works wonders with lobster.
Top Pairings
Nibble your lobster rolls alongside homemade potato chips with just a pinch of salt, or go classic with crunchy coleslaw. Pour a glass of chilled white like Sancerre or Chablis—those flavors play so well with lobster. If you’re in a party mood, pop open some champagne. Suddenly, this simple meal feels like a total treat.
Pro Tips
- Break down your lobster on a cutting board with a groove to save all those good juices for your mix
- Let the mayo warm up a bit at room temp before mixing so it blends in easier
- For a little wow factor, top your sandwich with fresh dill and serve a lemon wedge on the side
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can frozen lobster be used?
Sure, frozen lobster works if fresh isn't an option. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for the best results.
- → How to steam the buns?
Place the buns in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water for a few minutes. They’ll come out soft and warm.
- → What other seasoning works well?
A sprinkle of paprika or some freshly chopped chives can bring extra flavor to the lobster bread.
- → Can mayonnaise be swapped out?
Yes, swap mayo with plain yogurt for a lighter twist or tartar sauce for a bolder flavor.
- → What sides go well with this?
Pair the bread with a light green salad, crispy fries, or chips to complete the meal.