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This lobster roll is just the thing for summer nights when you want something special but don't want to spend ages cooking. The lobster's sweet flavor, balanced with a hint of lemon, lets you enjoy a restaurant-level meal right at home without breaking a sweat.
I first tried this when I was vacationing in Maine a few years back. Ever since, we make it every year for my husband's birthday. He'd choose this sammie over going out to eat any day.
Tasty Ingredients
- 906 g freshly boiled lobster: go for live ones if you want that sweet, true flavor
- 2 tablespoons mayo: homemade tastes super rich, but store-bought works fine
- Juice from one-quarter lemon: organic lemons pack more punch
- 1/2 stalk celery, diced: gives a cool, crisp bite
- 6 steamed hot dog rolls: brioche buns are amazing for these
- Salt and pepper: a pinch of sea salt and cracked pepper brings everything together
Step-by-Step Easy Directions
- Put It All Together:
- Steam your hot dog rolls for a couple minutes—they should be warm and squishy. Pop them open and pile in the lobster mix. Serve right away for the best taste.
- Final Seasoning:
- Have a little taste and decide if you need extra salt or pepper. Lobster's already got a gentle sweetness, so don't overdo the salt. Want more flavor? Toss in some dill or a sprinkle of paprika if you like.
- Mixing the Filling:
- Roughly chop the lobster meat into chunky bits—you want to keep that texture. Throw it in a bowl with the diced celery, lemon juice, and mayonnaise. Stir it up gently so you don't mash up the lobster too much.
- Cooking the Lobster:
- Drop your lobster in a huge pot of salty water and cook for about 12 minutes per 1 kg lobster, till the shell's crazy red. Let it cool down, then go in and pull out all the meat from tail, claws, and legs.
When I served these at a family get-together, my father-in-law (who's usually not wild about seafood) went back for seconds. It's that perfect mix of feeling fancy but staying relaxed—it'll turn skeptics into fans.
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Storage Tips
If you want this to taste awesome, mix up your lobster filling just a couple hours before you eat it. If you need to make it early, stash it in an airtight box in the fridge. Add a little more lemon juice just before serving for some zip. Just don't freeze it—the lobster turns mushy and weird if you do.
Tasty Twists
Make it extra fancy by stirring in a spoonful of cognac or brandy. Adding a bit of minced shallot gives it a nice, gentle flavor. Like it hot? A dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper works great. Want it extra fresh? Top it with a little chopped dill or chives—they go so well with lobster.
Perfect Sides
Pair up these lobster rolls with homemade potato chips that aren't too salty, or grab some crisp coleslaw. A chilled glass of dry white wine like Chablis or Sancerre brings out all those lobster flavors. Or, go big for a party and pour some champagne for a super fun meal.
Pro Kitchen Tips
- Crack your lobster over a cutting board with a groove to catch all those tasty juices—add them to your filling for extra flavor
- Let your mayo sit out to get to room temp before mixing so it blends in easy
- For a nice look, throw on a sprig of fresh dill and wedge of lemon before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can frozen lobster be used?
Yes, frozen lobster works fine if fresh isn't available. Just make sure to defrost it fully before cooking for the best taste.
- → How to steam the buns?
Warm up the hot dog buns by placing them in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water for a few minutes.
- → What other seasonings work well?
A sprinkle of paprika or freshly chopped chives can elevate the flavors of the stuffed lobster bread.
- → Is there a substitute for mayo?
Yes, swap mayo with plain yogurt for a lighter option or tartar sauce for richer flavor.
- → What sides pair with this dish?
Try serving this with a light green salad, homemade fries, or chips to round out the meal.