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Lemon Butter Lobster Roll

Tender lobster meat warmed in a bright lemon butter sauce, tucked into crisp, golden split-top buns, and finished with fresh chives. These warm lobster rolls take about 30 minutes and use cooked lobster, making them manageable for beginners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, New England-Inspired
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound cooked lobster meat, chilled or frozen
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 4 split-top brioche or hot dog buns
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Colander
  • Paper towels or a clean kitchen towel
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan
  • 10-inch skillet
  • Pastry brush or spoon
  • Tongs or a wide spatula

Method
 

  1. Keep frozen cooked lobster in its sealed package, or place it in a leakproof zip-top bag. Submerge it in cold tap water for 15 to 20 minutes, turning the bag once halfway through
  2. Empty the thawed meat into a colander and let it drain for 2 minutes.
  3. Spread the meat over paper towels and press another towel lightly over the top. Removing excess water keeps the butter sauce rich and protects the buns from becoming soggy.
  4. Slice large tail and knuckle pieces into chunks about 3/4 inch wide. Leave smaller claw pieces whole. Place the prepared meat in a dry bowl.
  5. Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a small bowl or saucepan. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  6. Pour the lemon butter into a skillet set over low heat. Add the lobster and gently turn the pieces through the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes, stopping as soon as the meat is warm in the center. Do not allow the sauce to boil.
  7. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Brush a thin layer over both outer sides of each bun.
  8. Heat a clean skillet over medium-low heat for 2 minutes. Toast the buttered sides for 1 to 2 minutes per side, checking often, until evenly golden.
  9. Divide the warm lobster into four equal portions so each roll receives about 4 ounces.
  10. Spoon one portion of lobster into each toasted bun. Drizzle up to 1 teaspoon of the lemon butter from the skillet over each serving.
  11. Sprinkle the rolls evenly with chopped chives.
  12. Place a lemon wedge beside each roll and serve within 5 minutes while the lobster is warm and the buns are crisp.

Notes

  • Keep the heat low. Cooked lobster only needs to be warmed. High heat can make it firm and rubbery.
  • Dry the meat well. Water left on the lobster can thin the sauce and soak into the buns.
  • Zest before cutting. A whole lemon is easier and safer to hold against a grater.
  • Use the yellow peel only. The white pith beneath the zest can taste bitter.
  • Watch brioche closely. Its sugar content causes it to brown faster than a standard bun.
  • Limit the extra sauce. More than 1 teaspoon per roll may make the bread soggy.
  • Serve promptly. Filled lobster rolls have the best texture within 5 minutes.