Authentic Maine Lobster Rolls

Sharing is caring!

As a lifelong Mainer, I know what a proper lobster roll should look like. I dug through lobster roll recipes from trusted local establishments like Dysart’s and Harbor Fish Market to see exactly how they make them. The result is this recipe, so you can make a Maine lobster roll the most authentic way possible right at home.

In Maine, lobster rolls are everywhere once summer hits, served at beach shacks, lobster pounds, dockside restaurants, and food trucks.

Today I want to show you how to make lobster rolls the right way. That is the Maine lobster roll way. We’ll get into the differences of this classic New England style lobster roll debate below, but the Maine recipe is the best lobster roll recipe. And as a born and bred Mainer, I might be a little biased.

These Maine lobster rolls are filled with rich and decadent lobster meat coated in a lightly seasoned mayo dressing and stuffed in a soft brioche bun. And they are absolutely delicious. 

Why You’ll Love Homemade Lobster Rolls

• It’s a fast, easy, and rich sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner. I may have even eaten one or two for breakfast in my life.
• This is an authentic and traditional Maine recipe.
• It’s like bringing the taste of the New England coast right to your kitchen!

Maine Vs Connecticut-Style Lobster Rolls

First, let’s settle a little discussion. Maine-style lobster rolls are served cold, and lightly dressed with mayo. A Connecticut lobster roll is typically served warm and drenched with butter. Obviously, the Maine style is my lobster roll of choice…

Ingredients for Maine Lobster Rolls

Other than the buns and lobster, you’re likely to have all the ingredients for these lobster rolls in your kitchen already. And if you live in New England, you might even have the other two!

• Picked lobster meat – Any mix of knuckle meat, claws, and tails. You’ll need to make sure it’s already cooked lobster meat.
• Mayonnaise
• Fresh chives – Minced
• Lemon juice – Fresh is always best
• Butter – Unsalted or salted will work, the butter is for browning the buns.
• Top split brioche buns or hot dog buns- For authenticity, the buns need to be split-top buns.
• Salt and Black Pepper to Taste  

The Best Lobster To Use For Lobster Rolls

Lobster knuckles and claws are the sweetest, most tender of the meat. Lobster tails are slightly tougher,  but knuckles, claw meat, and lobster tail meat combined, make a fabulous lobster roll, and that’s the mix I used for all my recipe tests. 

Also, if you’re using leftover lobster meat from a lobster bake, you’ll most likely use all the meat from the lobster. Lobster’s expensive, so use every ounce of meat!

How to Make Lobster Rolls

Step 1

Dice the pound of lobster meat into bite sized pieces.

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Fill each toasted bun with a generous amount of the lobster salad and top with more chives and lemon wedges on the side.

How Much Lobster Meat Goes in a Lobster Roll?

A traditional Maine lobster roll usually contains 3 to 4 ounces of lobster meat per roll, before adding any dressing or embellishments.

As a general rule:

• 1 pound of lobster meat makes about 4 lobster rolls
• If you’re cooking whole lobsters yourself, it typically takes about 1½ pounds of live lobster to get 3 to 4 ounces of cooked meat.
• Seafood shacks in Maine often serve a little extra because the lobster is the star of the sandwich.

How to Cook a Lobster Yourself

Select hard shell lobsters if you have the option. They have more meat per pound than soft-shell lobsters.

1. In a large pot, bring 2 – 4 inches of lightly salted water to a full and rapid boil.
2. Add live lobsters, tail first to ensure enough space in the pot for a full batch of lobsters.
3. See this time chart for cooking live lobsters. The lobsters are done cooking when their shells are bright red!

All the above info has been sourced from Harbor Fish Market.

They’re a local fish market located right in Portland, Maine, and they know seafood. If you’re ever in Portland, stop by Harbor Market’s location right on the wharf and talk to their knowledgeable staff!

Lobster Rolls Recipe Substitutions & Variations

• Frozen lobster can be used in lieu of fresh lobster meat. Allow it to thaw first and drain it before using.
• You can add some crunchy celery into the lobster mixture or top with some Boston bibb lettuce if you like. 
• Add a little extra lemon zest or a dash of Old Bay seasoning for a bigger flavor.
• Try a little bit of fresh tarragon or fennel

Maine Lobster Roll Recipe Tips

• Try not to overdress the lobster meat with the mayonnaise mixture. The lobster is the star of the show, not the sauce.
• The lobster salad portion of the recipe can be prepped 1-2 days ahead and kept chilled.

Sides for Lobster Rolls

Serve the New England lobster rolls with some french fries or kettle cooked potato chips, creamy coleslaw, summer pasta salad, mac and cheese, caprese salad, and buttery corn on the cob.

How to Store Leftover Lobster Roll Meat

Store leftover lobster meat immediately. Place in an airtight container or zip top bag and remove all the air you can. Store in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

More Recipes You’ll Love

More Favorites from Barefoot In The Pines

Sharing is caring!