Two traditional versions exist:
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Maine Style → chilled lobster, light mayo
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Connecticut Style → warm lobster in melted butter
This recipe includes both styles, with techniques for tender, juicy lobster meat and the perfect toasted buns.
🦞 INGREDIENTS
Lobster Meat
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1½–2 cups cooked lobster meat (tail, claw & knuckle pieces)
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If cooking fresh: 2 whole lobsters (1–1¼ lb each)
For the Buns
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4 top-split New England–style hot dog buns
(Top-split gives the correct soft sides for toasting.) -
2–4 tablespoons butter (for brushing and pan-toasting)
Maine-Style Dressing
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2–3 tablespoons mayonnaise
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon minced chives or scallions
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Optional: 1–2 tablespoons finely diced celery
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Pinch of salt
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Pinch of black pepper
Connecticut-Style Butter Toss
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4 tablespoons melted salted butter
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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Optional: 1 teaspoon chopped parsley
Garnish (optional)
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Lemon wedges
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Chives
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A sprinkle of Old Bay or paprika
🔥 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cook the Lobster (If Using Whole Lobster)
Boiling Method (Classic & Easiest)
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a full rolling boil.
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Add lobsters head-first; cover immediately.
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Cook 8–10 minutes for 1–1¼ lb lobsters.
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Remove and place in an ice bath to stop cooking.
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Crack shells and remove meat; chop into bite-sized chunks.
Steaming Method (More Flavorful)
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Steam 10–12 minutes until shells are bright red.
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The meat comes out more tender and sweet.
2. Prepare the Lobster Meat
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Chop into large chunks (¾–1 inch pieces).
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Pat lightly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
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Keep chilled for Maine-style or set aside for warm buttered rolls.
Avoid shredding — big pieces make premium lobster rolls.
3. Prepare the Buns (Very Important!)
New England lobster rolls traditionally use soft top-split buns.
To Toast the Buns Perfectly
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Heat a skillet over medium heat.
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Brush the flat sides of each bun generously with butter.
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Toast both sides until golden brown, crisp on the outside, soft inside.
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Warm the inner cavity briefly if desired.
The buttered, toasted sides prevent sogginess and add a signature crunch.
🧊 MAINE-STYLE LOBSTER ROLLS (CHILLED + LIGHT MAYO)
4. Make the Dressing
Whisk together:
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mayonnaise
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lemon juice
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minced chives
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pinch of salt & pepper
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(optional) celery
Keep the dressing very light — you’re coating, not smothering.
5. Combine
Gently fold chilled lobster meat into the dressing.
Use just enough to lightly glue the pieces together.
6. Assemble
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Stuff the mixture into toasted buns.
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Overfill slightly for a classic “mounded” look.
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Garnish with chives or a tiny squeeze of lemon.
🧈 CONNECTICUT-STYLE LOBSTER ROLLS (WARM + BUTTERY)
4. Melt Butter
In a small pan, melt salted butter.
Add lemon juice (optional), parsley, or a hint of garlic if desired.
5. Warm the Lobster Gently
Add lobster meat to the melted butter and warm on low heat for 1–2 minutes.
Do not sauté or brown — just gently heat.
6. Assemble
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Spoon warm buttered lobster into the toasted buns.
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Drizzle extra butter from the pan over the top.
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Serve immediately.
🍽️ SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Sides
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Kettle potato chips
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Coleslaw
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Corn on the cob
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Dill pickles
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Simple green salad
Enhancements
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A tiny dusting of Old Bay for spice
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Add crispy lettuce leaf (not traditional, but common)
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Brush buns with garlic butter for a richer flavor
🌟 EXPERT TIPS FOR PERFECT LOBSTER ROLLS
1. Don’t Overcook the Lobster
Overcooked lobster becomes rubbery — stop cooking as soon as it turns opaque.
2. Don’t Oversauce
The lobster should be the star; use just enough mayo or butter to coat.
3. Toast the Buns Fresh
Never skip this step — texture makes the dish.
4. Mix Claw, Knuckle & Tail Meat
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Claw → tender & sweet
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Knuckle → delicate
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Tail → firm & meaty
The combination creates the iconic New England texture.
5. Serve Immediately
Buns soften if they sit too long.
🎉 ENJOY YOUR LONGER, CLASSIC LOBSTER ROLLS!
- 1 1/2 lbs lobster meat, cooked
- 3/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 tsp celery seed
- 1 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup leeks, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup real mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large ripe tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons fresh French tarragon
- 1 tablespoon minced chervil
- 1/2 lb Mesclun salad or baby Asian greens
- 3 tablesoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced
- 1 tablespoon tarragon or chianti vinegar
- 6 large hot dog style buns
- 2-3 tablespoons butter
- fresh lemon wedges and parsley to garnish
- paprika for sprinkling



