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A New England lobster roll, served cold on a buttered and toasted bun, filled with fresh lobster meat

Classic Chilled New England Lobster Roll

Enjoy a taste of New England with this classic chilled lobster roll recipe. Fresh lobster meat is gently folded with a creamy, zesty mayonnaise dressing, crisp celery, and fresh chives, then nestled into perfectly toasted, buttered split-top buns. Perfect for a refreshing meal.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Lobster Roll Filling
  • 1 pound fresh cooked lobster meat picked (from 1.5-2 pounds whole live lobsters)
  • 1/2 cup high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise
  • 1 stalk celery finely diced
  • 1-2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives finely chopped
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
For Serving
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 4 split-top hot dog buns (preferably brioche)

Equipment

  • skillet
  • medium-sized bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook whole lobsters if necessary, then cool them completely before extracting the meat from the tails, claws, and knuckles. Cut larger pieces into bite-sized chunks and keep the lobster meat chilled.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, diced celery, fresh lemon juice, and chopped chives, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembly
  1. Gently fold the chilled lobster meat into the mayonnaise mixture until evenly coated, being careful not to mash the meat. Adjust seasoning as needed for proper flavor.
  2. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to 2 hours for flavors to meld and to ensure the roll is delightfully cold.
  3. Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat, then generously butter the flat sides of the split-top buns. Toast the buns in the skillet until golden brown and slightly crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  4. Spoon the chilled lobster salad generously into each warm, buttered bun and serve immediately with your favorite accompaniments.

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality lobster meat and a good brand of full-fat mayonnaise. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your preference for a brighter taste. Serving with a side of potato chips or a fresh salad perfectly complements the richness of the lobster roll.