Go Back
–+ servings
Lobster roll in a toasted hot dog bun on plate.
Print Recipe Pin
4.91 from 11 votes

Best Lobster Roll Recipe (Classic, 10 Min)

This classic lobster roll recipe features lightly dressed, tender lobster meat nestled in a soft, toasted, buttery roll, evoking memories of summer visits to Maine and Nova Scotia.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings (change as needed): 2
Author: Cheryl Avrich
US Measures - Metric

Ingredients

lobster salad

  • 1 cup chopped cooked cold lobster meat, Note 1 about 4 oz cooked meat per person
  • 3 tablespoon mayonnaise (make sure it's real; light is ok too)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or more to taste)
  • 1/4 cup celery, diced small
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or fresh chives)
  • salt and pepper to taste

buns

  • 2 hot dog rolls, split from the top
  • 2 teaspoons softened butter
US Measures - Metric

Instructions

  • PREPARE LOBSTER SALAD: Mix lobster meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, parsely, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. For extra zing, add a little lemon zest too. Set aside or put in fridge covered until ready to use.
    1 cup chopped cooked cold lobster meat, Note 1, 3 tablespoon mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice , 1/4 cup celery, diced small, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped, salt and pepper to taste
  • PREPARE THE ROLLS: Heat a skillet to medium heat. Spread butter on both sides of each hot dog roll. Toast the rolls in the skillet on each side until golden brown.
  • ASSEMBLE: Divide lobster mixture between the rolls. Serve cold or at room temperature with pickles or chips or fries or whatever you like.

Notes

  1. Lobster: You will need about two lobsters (1-1.5 pounds each) to make 1 cup. A combination of tail, knuckle and claw meat is a great choice as it offers a variety in texture. Fresh lobster is best, but more expensive than frozen and it doesn't keep as long. Frozen lobster will work just fine for a lobster salad. Substitutes: Since lobster is so expensive, you can substitute or combine it with monkfish, shrimp or imitation lobster meat (usually made from pollock or other white fish).
  2. Buns/rolls: Traditional buns for lobster rolls are top-split hot dog buns (New England-style) with a soft texture. Other options are croissants, brioche, ciabatta rolls, or gluten-free rolls.
  3. Lobster roll variations: 
    • Connecticut-style - instead of a mayo dressing, drench your lobster meat in warm melted butter.
    • Spicy - add a kick with sriracha aioli, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
    • Herby - try adding fresh dill, chives, or tarragon.
    • Asian-inspired - add a dash of hoisin sauce, sesame seeds and cilantro
  4. Make Ahead: The lobster salad can be made up to one day ahead and kept refrigerated in an airtight container. Just before serving, make the buns and add the lobster salad. Freezing is not recommended. 
 
Nutrition information is estimated. 
Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 164mg | Sodium: 1.509mg | Potassium: 348mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 370IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 172mg | Iron: 2mg