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

Classic New England Cold Lobster Roll

Enjoy a delicious Classic New England Cold Lobster Roll, featuring tender lobster meat tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing and served in a perfectly toasted bun. This recipe brings the authentic taste of the New England coast to your home with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6 rolls
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Ice bath
  • Medium bowl
  • Rubber spatula
  • Large non-stick skillet or griddle

Ingredients
  

Lobster Roll Filling

  • 2 pounds cooked lobster meat chilled and chopped into bite-sized pieces (from 3-4 1.5 lb lobsters or pre-cooked meat)
  • ½ cup good quality mayonnaise Hellmann's or Duke's are classic choices
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional, but adds a nice tang
  • ¼ teaspoon celery salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • salt to taste

For Serving

  • 6 New England-style hot dog buns top-split, if possible
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted for toasting buns
  • Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Crisp lettuce leaves for lining buns (optional)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Cook whole lobsters, if using, then plunge them into an ice bath to stop cooking. Extract all meat from tails, claws, and knuckles, chop into bite-sized pieces, and ensure it is thoroughly chilled.
  • Finely chop the celery into small pieces to add crunch without overpowering the lobster.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard (if using), celery salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Assemble the Lobster Salad

  • Add the chilled, chopped lobster meat and finely chopped celery to the prepared dressing.
  • Gently fold the lobster and celery into the dressing using a rubber spatula, ensuring it is coated evenly without shredding.
  • Taste the lobster mixture and add a pinch of salt if necessary, considering lobster's natural saltiness.
  • Cover and refrigerate the lobster salad for at least 30 minutes, or preferably an hour, to allow the flavors to meld and chill thoroughly.

Toast Buns and Serve

  • Melt the unsalted butter in a small dish.
  • Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat; brush both external flat edges of each New England-style hot dog bun with melted butter. Toast the buttered sides until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Optionally, line the toasted buns with a crisp lettuce leaf before spooning in a generous amount of the chilled lobster salad. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh lobster meat. Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to your preference for a creamier or lighter roll. Do not overmix the lobster salad to maintain the texture of the lobster meat.