Perfect Classic Maine-Style Lobster Roll Recipe with Warm Butter
A simple and delicious lobster roll featuring tender chunks of fresh lobster tossed in warm melted butter and served in toasted New England-style buns. This classic Maine-style recipe highlights the natural sweetness of lobster with no mayo, just pure buttery flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American, New England
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound cooked lobster meat (knuckle and claw preferred)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and warm
- 4 New England-style hot dog buns (split-top)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives or parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or celery salt
Instructions
- Prepare the lobster meat: If using whole cooked lobster, remove meat from claws, knuckles, and tail. Chop into 1-inch bite-sized chunks and place in a large bowl.
- Melt the butter: Gently melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl. Keep warm but do not brown.
- Toss lobster with butter and lemon: Pour most of the warm butter over the lobster meat, reserving about 1 tablespoon for toasting buns. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly without breaking up lobster chunks.
- Toast the buns: Heat a nonstick skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Spread reserved butter on the outside of each bun. Place buns butter-side-down in skillet and toast until golden brown and crisp, about 2 minutes per side. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Assemble the lobster rolls: Spoon the warm buttered lobster meat generously into each toasted bun. Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top.
- Serve immediately while warm and buttery.
Notes
If lobster meat feels dry, add an extra drizzle of warm butter before serving. Toast buns last minute to keep them crisp. Use medium-low heat to avoid burning butter on buns. For gluten-free version, substitute buns with gluten-free hot dog buns or buttered lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, use vegan butter alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lobster roll
- Calories: 350400
- Sugar: 34
- Sodium: 400500
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 2530
- Fiber: 12
- Protein: 2530
Keywords: lobster roll, Maine lobster roll, warm butter lobster roll, classic lobster roll, seafood sandwich, New England recipe