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Classic Lobster Rolls Recipe Seafood Dish

Classic Lobster Rolls

A quintessential New England classic featuring chilled, creamy lobster salad piled high in a warm, buttery, toasted brioche bun. The perfect combination of textures and flavors for a luxurious yet simple meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g cooked lobster meat chilled and roughly chopped into 2-3 cm chunks
  • 4 top-split brioche hot dog buns
  • 75 g unsalted butter melted
  • 100 g high-quality mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 celery stick very finely diced
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives or dill or a mix of both
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt or to taste
  • 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper optional
  • Extra chives and lemon wedges for serving

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Lobster Salad: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, finely diced celery, chopped chives or dill, salt, black pepper, and the optional cayenne pepper.
  2. Combine Gently: Add the chilled, chopped lobster meat to the bowl with the dressing. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold everything together until the lobster is just coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break up the delicate meat.
  3. Chill the Filling: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow the flavours to meld. This step is crucial for the best taste. I find that this brief chill really deepens the flavour.
  4. Prepare the Buns: While the lobster salad is chilling, prepare your brioche buns. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the melted butter on the outside flat sides of each bun.
  5. Toast to Golden Perfection: Heat a large non-stick frying pan or skillet over a medium heat. Place the buttered buns, butter-side down, in the pan. Toast for 1-2 minutes per side, until they are a beautiful golden brown and feel slightly crisp to the touch. Keep a close eye on them as brioche can burn quickly due to its sugar content.
  6. Assemble Your Rolls: Carefully open the warm, toasted buns. Divide the chilled lobster salad evenly among the four buns, piling it high.
  7. Garnish and Serve Immediately: Garnish with a sprinkle of extra fresh chives and serve immediately with a lemon wedge on the side for squeezing over. The contrast between the warm, crisp bun and the cool, creamy filling is what makes this so special.

Notes

For the best experience, serve immediately to enjoy the delightful contrast between the warm, toasted bun and the cool, creamy lobster filling.