LOBSTER ROLLS

Why you will love this recipe

There are many reasons these lobster rolls will be one of your favourite dish to entertain. Lobster meat has a delicate and sweet taste that is truly indulgent. For seafood lovers, this is one of the most satisfying experience. The combination of succulent lobster, creamy dressing, and aromatic herbs creates a flavour profile that is rich, satisfying, and utterly delicious.

Lobster rolls offer a gourmet experience and are often associated with upscale seafood restaurants and coastal cuisine. By making rolls at home, you can bring the gourmet experience to your own kitchen and impress your family and friends with a luxurious and elegant dish.

Lobster rolls are surprisingly easy and quick to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time. It’s a fantastic option for a special occasion or a weeknight treat.

Ingredients & substitutes

• Lobster Meat: brings the delicate, sweet, and briny flavour that makes rolls so special. It provides a succulent and tender texture, adding richness and luxury to the dish.
• Butter: Melted butter will coat the lobster meat, enhancing its flavour and providing a rich and luscious element. It adds a buttery and indulgent taste to the rolls and helps to keep the meat moist. Butter is also used for reheating the bread rolls.
• Dill: Fresh dill adds a refreshing and aromatic note to the lobster rolls. It complements the sweet flavour of the lobster meat and adds a subtle herbaceous flavour to the overall taste profile.
• Lemon: The juice of a lemon brings a tangy and citrus flavour to the lobster meat. It brightens the dish, cuts through the richness of the butter and mayonnaise, and enhances the natural flavours of the lobster.
• Salt and Pepper: These common seasonings are used to enhance the overall taste of the lobster meat. They bring balance, depth, and a touch of savoury flavour.
• Mayonnaise: serves as a creamy and binding element in the lobster meat. It adds richness and moisture to the mixture, ensuring that the lobster meat stays tender and flavourful. It also contributes to the signature texture and creaminess of the dressing. If you’d like the dressing less rich, you can cut the mayonnaise by half and add sour cream, for lighter taste.
• Chives: bring a mild onion-like flavour and a subtle hint of freshness to the lobster meat. They add a touch of herbaceous flavour and complement the other ingredients, providing a delicate balance of flavours. As a substitute, you can use scallion or red onion, chopped finely.

How to make lobster rolls

Step 1

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cooked and chopped lobster meat (cut the lobster meat in 1/2 inch pieces) with melted butter, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Gently mix the ingredients until well combined.

Step 2

In a separate small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and chopped chives. This will be the dressing for the lobster meat.

Step 3

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly butter the sides of the hot dog buns and place them on the skillet. Toast the buns until golden brown on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove the buns from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

Take the lobster mixture and fold in the chive mayonnaise dressing until the lobster meat is well coated. Divide the lobster mixture evenly among the toasted hot dog buns, filling each one generously.

Step 5

Serve the lobster rolls immediately while they are still warm. You can optionally place a leaf of salad in between the hot dog buns, before filling the buns with lobster mixture and garnish with additional chopped chives.

Variations for lobster rolls

Asian-inspired Lobster Roll: This variation incorporates Asian flavours by adding ingredients such as soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and scallions to the lobster mixture. It offers a unique twist with a fusion of flavours.

Spicy Lobster Roll: For those who enjoy a kick of heat, a spicy lobster mixture can be created by adding hot sauce, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños to the lobster filling. It adds a spicy and zesty element to the dish.

Avocado Lobster Roll: This variation combines the richness of avocado with the succulent lobster meat. The lobster is mixed with diced avocado, lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of mayonnaise. It offers a creamy and refreshing twist.

Lobster BLT Roll: In this variation, cooked and chopped lobster meat is combined with crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato slices, and a creamy dressing. It brings together the flavours of a classic BLT sandwich with the indulgence of lobster.

Mediterranean Lobster Roll: This variation incorporates Mediterranean flavours by adding ingredients like feta cheese, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil to the lobster mixture. It creates a unique fusion of coastal and Mediterranean cuisines.

Serving Suggestions

Lobster Roll Sliders: Instead of using regular-sized buns, serve mini lobster rolls as sliders. Use smaller buns or rolls and fill them with a generous amount of lobster mixture. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or as an appetizer.

Lobster Roll Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter and carb-free option, serve the lobster mixture wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. Add some additional crunch by including thinly sliced cucumbers or julienne carrots in the wrap.

Lobster Salad: Transform the lobster roll into a refreshing salad by serving the lobster mixture over a bed of mixed greens or arugula. Drizzle it with the chive mayonnaise dressing and garnish with additional herbs, cherry tomatoes, and avocado slices for a vibrant and satisfying salad.

Lobster Tacos: Give your lobster rolls a Mexican twist by filling warm tortillas with the lobster mixture. Add some sliced radishes, shredded cabbage or lettuce, and a squeeze of lime juice for a delightful fusion of flavours.

Lobster Crostini: Toast slices of baguette or crostini and top them with a dollop of the lobster mixture. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for an elegant appetizer that can be served at a cocktail party or as a sophisticated snack.

Lobster Stuffed Avocado: Hollow out halved avocados and fill them with the lobster mixture. This creates a beautiful presentation and adds a creamy and nutritious element to the dish. Serve them as individual portions or as part of a larger seafood platter.

Storage for lobster rolls

Properly storing lobster meat mixture helps to maintain their taste and texture, ensuring you can enjoy the leftovers or prepare them ahead of time without compromising quality.

• Refrigeration: If you have leftover lobster rolls, promptly store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place the container or wrapped rolls in the refrigerator within two hours of preparation. Consume refrigerated lobster rolls within 2–3 days for the best quality and freshness.
• Temperature: Ensure that your refrigerator is set to a temperature of 40 °F (4 °C) or below. This helps to keep the lobster rolls at a safe temperature and slows down the growth of bacteria.
• Separate the lobster mixture from the buns: If your lobster rolls have separate components, such as the lobster mixture and the buns, store them separately. This helps to prevent the buns from becoming soggy.
• Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy your lobster mixture warm, you can reheat it gently. Place the lobster mixture in a skillet over low heat and warm it through. Toast the buns separately in a toaster or oven until they become crispy again. Assemble the rolls just before serving.

Expert Tips on lobster rolls

Fresh Lobster: Start with high-quality, fresh lobster meat for the best flavour and texture. If possible, choose live lobsters and cook them yourself. Alternatively, purchase freshly cooked lobster meat from a reputable seafood market.

Don’t Overcook the Lobster: When cooking live lobsters, be careful not to overcook them, as it can result in tough and chewy meat. Follow recommended cooking times based on the size of the lobster to achieve perfectly cooked and tender meat.

Season the Lobster Meat: Season the cooked lobster meat with a light hand to let the natural sweetness shine. Avoid overpowering the delicate flavour with excessive seasoning.

Toast the Buns: Toasting the buns in butter adds a delightful crunch and enhances their flavour. Use a skillet or griddle to lightly toast the sides of the buns until golden brown.

Coating the Lobster Meat: When mixing the lobster meat with butter or mayonnaise, be gentle to avoid breaking up the meat too much. This helps to maintain a satisfying texture and prevent the lobster from becoming mushy.

Chilling the Lobster Mixture: If you prefer a cold lobster roll, chill the lobster mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before assembling the rolls. This allows the flavours to meld together and keeps the filling cool and refreshing.

FAQ

What type of lobster meat should I use for lobster rolls?

Freshly cooked lobster meat is ideal. You can either cook the lobsters yourself or purchase pre-cooked lobster meat from a reputable seafood market.

Can I use frozen lobster meat for lobster rolls?

While fresh lobster meat is preferred, you can use frozen lobster meat as a substitute. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before using it in the recipe.

Can I make lobster rolls ahead of time?

It is best to assemble and serve lobster rolls immediately after preparation to maintain the texture and freshness of the ingredients. However, you can prepare the lobster mixture and keep it refrigerated, assembling the rolls just before serving.

Can I use other types of bread instead of split-top hot dog buns?

While split-top hot dog buns are traditional for lobster rolls, you can experiment with other types of bread, such as brioche buns or even soft sandwich rolls. Just make sure they are sturdy enough to hold the lobster mixture.

Can I substitute mayonnaise in the lobster roll dressing?

Mayonnaise is a classic ingredient in lobster roll dressing, but if you prefer an alternative, you can use Greek yogourt, sour cream, or a combination of both. It will give a slightly different flavour and texture to the dressing.

How do I store leftover lobster rolls?

If you have leftover lobster rolls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. However, note that the texture and quality of the lobster meat may deteriorate over time.

Can I freeze lobster rolls?

It is not recommended to freeze assembled lobster rolls, as the texture of the lobster meat may change upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or prepare and freeze the lobster meat separately if needed.

Can I add additional ingredients to the lobster mixture?

While lobster rolls traditionally have a simple ingredient list, you can experiment and add complementary ingredients like diced celery, diced red onion, or a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning to customize the flavour to your liking.

Are lobster rolls typically served warm or cold?

Lobster rolls can be served either warm or cold, depending on personal preference and regional variations. The classic Maine-style lobster roll is typically served chilled, while the Connecticut-style lobster roll is served warm with melted butter.

Are lobster rolls gluten-free?

Lobster rolls can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free buns or bread. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the mayonnaise and seasonings, are also gluten-free. Check the labels of store-bought ingredients to be sure.

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