Main Style Lobster Roll

Serves 4

Main Style Lobster Roll

I’m sharing my absolute favorite take on the classic Maine-style lobster roll. It’s served cold, lightly dressed with mayo, and tucked into a warm, buttery bun. Simple, fresh, and full of flavor — just like I remember from my unforgettable first trip to Portland, Maine with my husband. Since that first trip, we’ve gone back to Portland with my family, for a wedding, and really any excuse to eat more lobster rolls. I hope you get in the kitchen with your friends and family and enjoy making this classic Maine-style lobster roll together.

Ingredients

  • 4 lb whole live lobsters (yields about 16 oz of lobster meat)
  • Large pot with a steamer basket
  • 4 split top hot dog rolls
  • 1 Tablespoon of unsalted butter

Ingredients for Lobster Salad Dressing

  • ¼ cup of mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons of dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup of minced celery
  • 1 tablespoon of chives
  • 1 tablespoon of tarragon
  • 1 tablespoon of parsley
  • 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning
  • ½ lemon, juiced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions for Lobster

  • 1. Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water and place a steamer basket inside. Prepare an ice bath for the cooked lobsters.
  • 2. For lobster fabrication (or breaking down): At the top of its head, there’s a line that runs down the middle. Place the lobster on a cutting board, and place the tip of a chef’s knife on that location. With a swift motion, cut all the way through. This is to me the most humane way to kill the lobster.
  • 3. Remove the tail by twisting it in the opposite direction from the body. Then, remove the claws by twisting them off at the joint where they connect to the body.
  • 4. Place the lobster tails and claws in the basket. Cook the tails for 6 minutes and the claws for 8 minutes. Transfer briefly into an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
  • 5. Crack the claw shells to release the meat. Place the lobster tail belly side up and use kitchen shears to cut down the middle to release the meat.
  • 6. Chop the lobster meat in bite size pieces.

Directions for Lobster Roll

  • 1. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until combined. Add the lobster meat and gently fold together. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
  • 2. In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, place the bun on each side until golden brown.
  • 3. Add a generous amount of lobster meat to the bun. Serve with a slice of lemon wedge. Enjoy!

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