The Best of Both Rolls…How to Make New England-Style Lobster Rolls

This seaside sando is the pinnacle of Summer eats throughout New England and coastal Canada. Shacks and stands dot the coastlines where hungry patrons queue for a rolled feast. The popularity of this sandwich icon has since proceeded South and West. Where lobster rolls can be found on many a menu throughout the states.

Although, there is a weeee bit of debate amongst lobster roll aficionados…mayo or butter.

Meaning, a roll filled with a mayonnaise-based lobster salad or a roll filled with butter dipped lobster meat…

Here at Cameron’s Seafood HQ, we’re kinda a fan of both styles. And, feel that variety is the seafood spice of life. Why not have both!? And, as you’ll find out a little later in this article, both versions are technically ‘proper’ lobster rolls.

So, today we’re doling out both versions of these butter or mayo New England-style lobster rolls recipes! With a little lobster roll history thrown in for good measure.

A New England Tradition

The history of the lobster roll is pretty fascinating!

This story really begins with the early lobstermen and watermen of New England. These hardworking families would serve up quick meals, utilizing the pervious day’s unsold catch. Where much of that catch would be turned into sandwiches, something that can be eaten on the run. A simple salad, mayo-based, sandwiched in between two slices of white bread.

The true crowning achievement of the creation of the official lobster roll (as we know it today) was given to a restaurant in Milford Connecticut, Perry’s. The story goes, circa 1929, a traveling salesman makes a quick pitstop at Perry’s, hungry and hankering for a sandwich with lobster. The owner, Harry Perry (how great is that name?!), without having anything like the requested on the menu, quickly whips something up. He uses hot dog-like rolls (made from the bakery down the street) and fills it with buttery sautéed lobster meat.

Harry likes his new lobster sandwich so much, that it get’s a full menu commission…and named…The Lobster Roll.

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Creamy Garlic & Herb Lobster Salad Roll

Prep Time 10 minutes

Servings 4 rolls

Ingredients

Mayo Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons dill pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
• 1/4 teaspoon dill
• 1/4 teaspoon chives
• pinch of celery salt
• 1 lb. Cameron’s Seafood Lobster Meat thawed
• 4 New England-Style split top rolls
• 2 tablespoons salted butter softened

Instructions

1. Combine mayo dressing ingredients ( mayo, relish, lemon juice, garlic, dill, chives, celery salt) in a large bowl and whisk until blended.
2. Thoroughly drain lobster meat and add to the bowl with the dressing, toss to coat.
3. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spread rolls with butter and toast until golden brown.
4. Fill rolls with lobster salad and enjoy!

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Buttery Lobster Rolls

Prep Time 10 minutes

Servings 4 rolls

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup 1 stick salted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 1/4 teaspoon dill
• 1/4 teaspoon chives
• 1 lb. Cameron’s Seafood Lobster Meat thawed
• 4 New England-Style split top rolls

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, dill and chives and stir to combine. Remove about 3 tablespoons of the butter from the skillet and set aside for toasting the buns.
2. Thoroughly drain lobster meat and add to the skillet, stir to coat in the butter.
3. Preheat another skillet over medium-high heat. Brush rolls (top, bottom and sides) with reserved butter and toast in the skillet until golden brown.
4. Fill rolls with lobster and enjoy!

Buy New England Lobsters Online!

You can buy our Whole Lobster, Lobster Tails and Lobster Meat from our online store. All of Cameron’s Seafood lobsters and lobster meat comes from the crisp cold waters of Maine offering you 100% authentic Maine lobster-the best lobster on the market!

Show us how you like your lobster. Whether you make these butter or mayo New England-style lobster roll recipes or have one of your own that you would like to share-we’d love to hear from you. Post your own Cameron’s Seafood dish on Instagram and tag us @cameronsseafoodonline. We’re also on Facebook and Twitter, we look forward seeing your creations.

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