Classic Maine Lobster Rolls
Experience the quintessential flavors of New England with our Classic Maine Lobster Rolls. Perfectly chilled lobster meat combined with a tangy and subtly spicy dressing makes for a delightful lunch or afternoon snack. Serve these rolls alongside a creamy macaroni and cheese casserole and a refreshing fruit salad to create a meal that's reminiscent of breezy seaside picnics.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
lemon juice
2 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons (none)
olive oil
1 teaspoon (none)
fresh tarragon
1 tablespoon (chopped)
hot sauce
to taste (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
lobster meat
2 cups (cooked, shelled, and coarsely chopped)
hoagie rolls
4 (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil until well combined. Add the chopped tarragon, hot sauce, salt, and pepper to the mix, adjusting to your taste preferences.
2
Gently fold in the cooked lobster meat, ensuring it is evenly coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together and the mixture to chill thoroughly.
3
Preheat your broiler to a low setting. Place the hoagie rolls on a baking sheet and place them under the broiler for just a few seconds, until they are lightly toasted and golden brown.
4
Remove the lobster mixture from the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir. Fill each toasted hoagie roll generously with the chilled lobster salad.
5
Serve immediately, enjoying the contrast of warm, crisp bread with the cool, flavorful lobster filling.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic Maine Lobster Rolls?
Classic Maine Lobster Rolls are a quintessential New England dish featuring chilled lobster meat tossed in a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing and served in toasted rolls.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made of mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, fresh tarragon, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
How much lobster meat do I need?
This recipe requires 2 cups of cooked, shelled, and coarsely chopped lobster meat.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What kind of lobster meat should I buy?
You should use cooked, shelled lobster meat that has been coarsely chopped.
Can I use frozen lobster meat?
Yes, frozen lobster meat can be used as long as it is fully thawed, cooked, and drained before mixing with the dressing.
Is the lobster served warm or cold?
In this Maine-style recipe, the lobster meat is served chilled.
How long does the lobster mixture need to chill?
The mixture should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour before serving.
Why must the lobster mixture be refrigerated before serving?
Chilling allows the flavors of the dressing and the lobster to meld together and ensures the salad is thoroughly cold.
What kind of bread is recommended?
The recipe calls for 4 hoagie rolls, though split-top buns are also a traditional choice.
How do I toast the hoagie rolls?
Place the rolls on a baking sheet and broil them on a low setting for a few seconds until they are lightly toasted and golden brown.
Can I use a toaster oven instead of a broiler?
Yes, a toaster oven can be used to achieve the same golden brown finish on the rolls.
What herb is used for seasoning?
Fresh chopped tarragon is the primary herb used to flavor the lobster salad.
Can I substitute fresh tarragon?
While fresh is preferred, you can use a smaller amount of dried tarragon or substitute with fresh chives or parsley.
Is there mustard in the recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard are included in the dressing.
How much lemon juice should I add?
The recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a subtle kick from hot sauce, but you can adjust the amount 'to taste' to make it as mild or spicy as you like.
What type of oil is used?
One teaspoon of olive oil is whisked into the mayonnaise dressing.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the lobster salad up to several hours in advance and keep it chilled; however, you should toast the rolls just before serving.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover lobster salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze the prepared lobster salad?
Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise-based dressing will separate and the texture of the lobster will degrade.
What sides are suggested for this meal?
The recipe suggests serving the rolls with a creamy macaroni and cheese casserole and a refreshing fruit salad.
Is the lobster meat chopped or whole?
The lobster meat should be coarsely chopped so that it fits easily into the rolls while still providing meaty bites.
How do I prevent the rolls from burning under the broiler?
Set the broiler to low and watch the rolls constantly; they usually only need a few seconds to toast.
What is the preparation for the lemon juice?
The lemon juice should be freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
Can I use light mayonnaise?
Yes, light mayonnaise can be substituted, though it may result in a slightly less creamy consistency.
Is there salt and pepper in the recipe?
Yes, salt and freshly ground pepper are added to taste.
What category of meal is this?
This recipe is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, with an ingredient count of 10 and simple instructions, it is considered an easy, quick meal.
What is the best occasion for serving these?
These are perfect for seaside-style picnics, summer lunches, or an easy afternoon snack.