Perfect Lobster Roll Recipes

PERFECT LOBSTER ROLL

Steps:

• Steam Lobster: In a large pot lined with a steamer basket, bring 1 inch of water to a boil. Drop the lobsters headfirst into the pot and cover. Reduce heat to a simmer and steam until the shells just turn bright red, 12 to 14 minutes. To check for doneness, pull on an antenna; if it releases from the shell with little resistance, the lobster is properly cooked. (Many seafood markets will do the steaming for you -- just ask.)
• Extract Meat: Hold the tail in one hand and the body in the other; twist and pull to separate. For claws and legs, twist and pull where they're attached to the body. Use lobster- or nutcrackers or a mallet to crack the shells. To get all the meat out in one swift motion, insert a fork into the underside of the tail and push up. Then chop into bite-size pieces.
• Mix, Toast, and Fill: In a bowl, stir together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and salt. Fold in chopped lobster meat. Heat a large skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium. Generously brush top and sides of buns with butter. (Top-split are narrower than side-split, so you get a greater ratio of lobster to bread.) Place buns, flat-side down, in skillet and toast, flipping halfway through, until crisp and golden on both sides, about 3 minutes. Divide lobster meat among buns and serve, with lemon wedges and potato chips.

LOBSTER ROLLS

Steps:

• Fill a large steamer or pot with about 2 inches of water. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the water, then add the lemon halves and 1 tablespoon sea salt to the pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
• Place the lobsters in the steamer basket or directly in the pot; cover and steam until the shells turn bright red, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the pot with tongs and rinse under cold water to cool slightly.
• Remove the meat from the lobster shells: Twist off the claws, then break off the tail. Pull off the flippers. Insert your thumb into the flipper end of the tail and force out the meat. Crack the claws with the flat side of a knife or a lobster cracker; remove the meat. Roughly chop the lobster meat. Transfer to a bowl and chill 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk the mayonnaise, 4 tablespoons melted butter and the juice of the remaining lemon in a large bowl. Add the lobster meat and toss to coat. Season with salt.
• Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Brush the outside of the hot dog buns with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Toast the buns until slightly golden, about 1 minute per side. Divide the lobster salad among the buns. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle with the celery leaves and celery salt.

WARM LOBSTER ROLLS

Steps:

• Cut the lobster meat in large (3/4-inch) dice. Heat 3 tablespoons of the butter in a medium (10-inch) saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the lobster, celery, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes, until just heated through. Off the heat, sprinkle the lobster with the dill, parsley, and half of the lemon juice. Stir well.
• Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a large (12-inch) saute pan, until the butter sizzles. Place the rolls in the pan on their sides (you are toasting the outsides, not the insides) and cook over medium-high heat for 2 minutes on each side, until nicely browned.
• Place the rolls, cut side up, on a platter. Divide the lobster mixture among the 6 rolls and sprinkle with extra dill, salt, and the remaining lemon juice. Serve hot while the rolls are crisp on the outside and the lobster filling is hot.

LOBSTER ROLLS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the celery, mayonnaise, lemon juice and dill weed. Gently stir in lobster. Serve on rolls.