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Maine Lobster Roll

A Maine lobster roll lets the flavor of the lobster shine. Chilled lobster meat is lightly dressed with mayo, salt, and pepper, and piled into a toasted New England-style hot dog bun.
Prep Time17 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: maine lobster roll
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 324kcal
Author: Grow a Good Life

Ingredients

Instructions

Boil the Lobsters:

  • Fill a large pot about 3/4 of the way with water. Add two tablespoons of sea salt for extra flavor if desired. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Snip off the elastics from the claws and then plunge the lobsters into the boiling water headfirst. Cover and bring the pot back to a boil.
  • Once the water is boiling, cook the lobsters 7 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of the lobster (see note below for other sizes).
  • Remove the lobsters from the pot using tongs. Lobsters are fully cooked when the internal temperature is 140˚F, and the meat is firm and opaque.
  • Check the temperature with an instant read thermometer in the joint where the tail meets the body. Or cut the shell where the tail meets the body. If the meat is white, the lobster is fully cooked. If it is still translucent, return it to the pot and cook a little longer.
  • Once the lobsters are cooked, snip the tips of the claws and hold up to let the extra water drain out. Set aside to cool.
  • When the lobsters are cool enough to handle, crack the shells and extract the meat. Break the meat into desired sizes and refrigerate until cold.

Make the Lobster Roll:

  • Drain the chilled lobster meat to remove any extra moisture.
  • In a large bowl, toss the chilled lobster meat with the celery (if using) and mayonnaise until the meat is lightly coated. Start with half the mayo, and add more as needed until it is at the consistency you like.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste, and set aside while you toast your roll.
  • If you are not ready to make the lobster roll right away, pop the lobster salad back in the refrigerator. Remove and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take the chill off while you prepare your rolls.
  • To toast the buns, warm a skillet over medium heat. While the pan is heating, spread a thin layer of the softened butter along both sides of the rolls.
  • Place the bun butter side down into the hot skillet, and toast until browned, about 2 minutes each side.
  • Fill the warm buns with lobster salad and serve with lemon slices, chips, or your favorite sides. Makes about 4 generous sized lobster rolls.

Notes

Boiling time is for lobsters that weigh about 1 1/4 pounds each. Adjust the cooking time to the size of your lobsters. Let the pot come to a boil and then cook for:
• 1 pound: 5 to 6 minutes
• 1 1/4 pound: 7 to 8 minutes
• 1 1/2 pound: 8 to 9 minutes
• 2 pound: 10 to 12 minutes
• 3 pound: 12 to 14 minutes

Nutrition

Serving: 1roll | Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 29.2g | Protein: 3.4g | Fat: 16.9g | Saturated Fat: 5.1g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 770mg | Potassium: 29mg | Fiber: 1.1g | Sugar: 6.4g | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg