Hot Buttered Lobster Roll
The quintessential Connecticut-style lobster roll: heaps of sweet, succulent lobster meat gently warmed in a bath of melted butter, then piled into a perfectly toasted, top-split brioche bun. A simple, elegant, and incredibly decadent New England classic that comes together in under 20 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Lobster Meat
- b.If using whole cooked lobsters, carefully extract the meat from the claws, knuckles, and tail.
- c.Chop the lobster meat into generous, bite-sized chunks (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch).
- d.Place the chopped meat in a medium bowl and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Toast the Buns
- b.In a large skillet or on a griddle, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- c.Place the buns, cut-sides down, onto the skillet.
- d.Toast for 1-2 minutes per side, until they are golden brown, fragrant, and slightly crisp. Set aside on a plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Warm the Lobster in Butter
- b.In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Do not let it brown or bubble too vigorously.
- c.Stir in the fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- d.Add the chopped lobster meat to the saucepan and stir gently to coat it completely in the butter sauce.
- e.Continue to warm over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lobster is just heated through. Avoid overcooking, as this will make the meat tough.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Carefully open the warm, toasted buns.
- c.Using a slotted spoon to let excess butter drip off, generously pile the warm lobster meat into each bun.
- d.If desired, drizzle a small amount of the remaining butter from the pan over the lobster.
- e.Garnish with finely chopped fresh chives and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use the best quality lobster you can find. Freshly cooked knuckle and claw meat offers the sweetest flavor and most tender texture.
- 2The traditional New England-style, top-split bun is essential. Its flat sides are perfect for buttering and getting an even, golden-brown toast.
- 3Warm the lobster gently over low heat. The goal is to heat it through, not to cook it further, which can make it tough and rubbery.
- 4Don't skimp on the butter! High-quality unsalted butter is the star of the show, creating the luscious sauce for the lobster.
- 5Serve immediately after assembling to enjoy the delightful contrast between the warm, buttery lobster and the crisp, toasted bun.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb Variation
For a different flavor profile, substitute the chives with finely chopped fresh tarragon or parsley.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the melted butter for a subtle warmth.
Brown ButterBrown Butter
For a nuttier, more complex flavor, gently brown the butter before adding the lemon juice and lobster. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Powerhouse
Lobster is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and keeping you feeling full.
Rich in Key Minerals
This shellfish is packed with important minerals like zinc, which boosts the immune system, copper for forming red blood cells, and selenium, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
Source of Omega-3s
Lobster contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels, as well as promoting brain function.
Frequently asked questions
A typical Hot Buttered Lobster Roll contains approximately 450-600 calories, depending on the size of the bun and the amount of butter used. This recipe is estimated to have around 520 calories per roll.