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Lobster Rolls with Garlic Butter Buns: The Ultimate Summer Recipe

Experience the taste of summer with these delectable Lobster Rolls! Chilled, tender lobster meat is combined with fresh lemon juice, crisp celery, and sliced scallions, then piled high on a toasted bun generously brushed with savory garlic butter. Is this the best lobster roll you’ve ever tasted? Most likely! Best of all, you can have these on your table in under 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick lunch, a delightful picnic, or a sophisticated summer dinner, these lobster rolls are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Lobster Roll Recipe
Key Ingredients for Perfect Lobster Rolls
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Lobster Rolls
Tips for the Best Lobster Rolls
What to Serve with Your Lobster Rolls
Frequently Asked Questions About Lobster Rolls
More Seafood Recipes You’ll Absolutely Love
Detailed Lobster Roll Recipe

Nothing embodies the true spirit and flavor of summer quite like a classic lobster roll. There are countless variations, each claiming to be the definitive “best lobster roll,” so ultimately, the perfect lobster roll comes down to your individual preferences. Finding the ideal balance of flavors and textures is key to creating a truly memorable experience.

Mayo or no mayo? Celery or celery salt? Chives or scallions? The possibilities for customization are endless. If you were to ask me, I’d always opt for the boldest, freshest flavor possible – and that means skipping the mayonnaise! Yes, you heard that right. Even though I adore creamy, rich foods (like my cheesy garlic bread or cheesy onion dip), I prefer a lighter, brighter lobster roll, where the sweetness of the lobster truly shines. This recipe focuses on showcasing the delicate taste of the lobster, complemented by subtle citrus notes and a touch of fresh crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Lobster Roll Recipe

Mayonnaise-Free Magic: This lobster roll recipe relies on the natural flavors of the lobster and bright lemon juice, rather than heavy mayonnaise.
Garlic Butter Buns are the Star: The secret to these incredible lobster rolls is the golden, garlicky, buttery buns that perfectly complement the sweet lobster meat.
Ready in Minutes: From start to finish, these lobster rolls come together in 20 minutes or less, making them ideal for a quick and easy meal.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: The simplicity of this recipe allows anyone to create a restaurant-worthy dish in their own kitchen, impressing family and friends with their culinary skills.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Lobster Rolls

High-Quality Lobster Meat: This is, without a doubt, the most important component of a fantastic lobster roll. Your choice of lobster meat will significantly impact the final flavor and texture.
- Fresh vs. Frozen: Freshly cooked lobster meat is always the preferred option, delivering the most delicate and flavorful experience. If you have access to live lobsters, consider cooking them yourself for optimal freshness. However, high-quality frozen lobster meat can be a suitable substitute, especially if fresh is unavailable. Be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before using it.
- Where to Buy: Look for lobster meat at reputable seafood markets, grocery stores with well-stocked seafood counters, or trusted online retailers specializing in seafood. Read reviews and ask questions to ensure you’re getting the best possible product.
- Types of Lobster Meat: Claw and knuckle meat are generally more affordable and have a slightly stronger flavor. Tail meat is the most prized for its tenderness and sweetness. A combination of all three can offer a good balance of flavor and texture.
Fresh Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a crucial element of brightness, cutting through the richness of the lobster and enhancing its natural sweetness. Avoid bottled lemon juice, as it lacks the vibrant flavor of fresh.
Celery: Finely diced celery provides a refreshing crunch and a subtle, herbaceous flavor that complements the lobster beautifully. It adds a welcome textural contrast to the soft lobster meat and bun.
Scallions (Green Onions): Sliced scallions offer a mild onion flavor that’s less pungent than yellow or white onions. They add a touch of freshness and a delicate sharpness to the lobster salad.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness of the garlic butter, ensuring a balanced flavor. The butter provides richness and helps the buns toast to a golden-brown perfection.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter with a pungent, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire lobster roll experience. Don’t skimp on the garlic!
Split-Top Buns: These New England-style buns are specifically designed for lobster rolls. They have a flat bottom and a split top, making them easy to toast and fill. Look for soft, slightly sweet buns. Hot dog buns can be used as a substitute in a pinch, but split-top buns are highly recommended for the authentic experience. Consider brioche buns for extra richness.

See the recipe card below for precise ingredient measurements and detailed instructions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Lobster Rolls

Prepare the Lobster Filling: In a medium bowl, gently combine the cooked lobster meat, lemon juice, diced celery, sliced scallions, salt, and a few grinds of fresh black pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the lobster meat in distinct chunks. The key is a light hand to preserve the texture of the lobster.
Make the Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make the butter taste bitter. Remove from heat and set aside.
Toast the Buns: Brush the outside of each split-top bun with the garlic butter. In a large skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat, toast the buns on both sides until golden brown and slightly crispy. The garlic butter will create a delicious, flavorful crust. Alternatively, you can toast the buns on a grill for a smoky flavor.
Assemble the Lobster Rolls: Divide the lobster mixture evenly among the toasted buns. Serve immediately and enjoy! Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chives and a final grind of black pepper, if desired.

Kelly’s Note: For an extra touch of smoky flavor, grill the buns over a low flame instead of toasting them in a saucepan. This adds another layer of complexity to the lobster roll.

Tips for the Best Lobster Rolls

Cooking Your Own Lobster: If you’re using live lobsters, you have several cooking options: boiling, grilling, or baking. Choose the method you prefer and cook the lobsters until their shells turn bright red and the meat is cooked through. Allow the lobsters to cool slightly before removing the meat.
Perfectly Toasted Buns: Achieving the ideal lobster roll requires perfectly toasted buns. Ensure that the buttered side of the buns makes direct contact with the heat source, whether it’s a griddle or skillet. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, and aim for a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
Serve Immediately: Lobster rolls are best enjoyed fresh and immediately after assembly. If preparing in advance, keep the lobster meat mixture and toasted buns separate until just before serving to maintain optimal freshness. This will prevent the buns from becoming soggy and the lobster from drying out.
Don’t Overmix the Lobster Salad: Gently toss the ingredients together to combine, but avoid overmixing. Overmixing can break down the lobster meat and result in a mushy texture.
Season to Taste: Taste the lobster salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.

What to Serve with Your Lobster Rolls

Lobster rolls are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with the right side dishes. From sweet potato fries to a classic wedge salad, there are plenty of options to complement this iconic seafood sandwich. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

Cheesy Roasted Garlic Corn on the Cob
Kale Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas
Corn and Zucchini Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
Greek Pasta Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette
Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Syrup
Homemade Barbecue Potato Chips
Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries
The Best Pineapple Salsa

Frequently Asked Questions About Lobster Rolls

Are lobster rolls served warm or cold?: Lobster rolls can be served either warm or cold, depending on your preference and regional traditions. New England-style lobster rolls are typically served chilled with mayonnaise, while Connecticut-style lobster rolls feature warm lobster meat drizzled with melted butter. Ultimately, it’s up to you!
Do lobster rolls have butter or mayonnaise?: As mentioned above, there are two main styles: New England (cold lobster salad with mayonnaise) and Connecticut (warm lobster meat with melted butter). This recipe is a hybrid, using garlic butter on the buns but forgoing mayonnaise in the lobster salad for a lighter, brighter flavor.
What is the best bun for a lobster roll?: The classic choice is a soft, split-top bun. These buns have a convenient opening on the top, making them perfect for holding the filling. If you can’t find split-top buns, hot dog buns can be substituted, but the split-top buns provide a more authentic experience.
Do you toast the inside or outside of a lobster roll?: You toast the outside of the bun! This creates a deliciously crispy and slightly buttery exterior, while the inside remains soft and pillowy, providing a delightful textural contrast.

More Seafood Recipes You’ll Absolutely Love

If you enjoyed this lobster roll recipe, be sure to check out these other delicious seafood dishes:

Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp
Ahi Tuna Stacks with Ginger-Soy Dressing
20-Minute Sweet and Sour Shrimp Stir-Fry
Baked Salmon with Honey-Garlic Glaze
Quick Shrimp Scampi

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Detailed Lobster Roll Recipe

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