New-England Style Lobster Rolls with Garlic Butter

These rolls are overflowing with tender chunks of sweet lobster tossed in warm lemon-chive garlic butter, then piled high into perfectly toasted buns. The aroma alone is enough to make everyone gather in the kitchen, and the first bite delivers everything you could want—rich buttery flavor, bright citrus, fresh herbs, and juicy lobster in every mouthful. This isn’t a sandwich you politely eat with a napkin nearby; it’s the kind of meal you happily dive into and savor every bite.

The beauty of this recipe is that it feels luxurious without being complicated. A simple garlic-infused butter sauce enhances the lobster’s natural sweetness while fresh lemon and chives keep everything vibrant and balanced. Whether you’re hosting a summer lunch, planning a seafood dinner, or looking for a restaurant-quality meal to make at home, these buttery lobster rolls are guaranteed to impress.

New England-Style Lobster Rolls with Garlic Butter

Sweet lobster tossed in warm lemon-chive butter and piled into golden toasted buns for a rich, buttery Connecticut-style lobster roll experience.

Servings 3

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Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Small saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Skillet
• Pastry brush
• Chef knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

  

Lobster

• 6 lobster tails 680g, thawed if frozen
• 3 tbsp Kerrygold unsalted butter (42g), melted
• 1 tsp paprika (2g)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (1.5g)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt (3g)
• 1/4 tsp Old Bay Seasoning (1g)

Lemon-Chive Garlic Butter

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter (84g)
• 1 lemon 115g, zested
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (30g)
• 2 tbsp fresh chives (6g), finely chopped
• 1/4 tsp Old Bay seasoning (0.5g)
• 1 pinch flaky sea salt (1g)
• For Serving

For Serving

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (28g), for toasting buns
• 1 tbsp fresh chives (3g), for garnish
• 1 lemon 115g, cut into wedges

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Oven: Preheat the broiler to high heat, approximately 550°F. Position an oven rack in the upper third of the oven.
• Butterfly the Lobster: Carefully butterfly each lobster tail and place them on a baking sheet.
• Season the Lobster: Brush the lobster meat with melted butter and season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Broil to Perfection: Broil for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on size, until the lobster is opaque, tender, and fully cooked.
• Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and allow the lobster to rest for 5 minutes before handling.
• Chunk the Lobster: Remove the lobster meat from the shells and cut into large, generous chunks. Avoid chopping too finely to maintain the luxurious texture.
• Make the Lemon-Chive Garlic Butter: Melt the butter in a the microwave for 30 seconds. After, stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic cloves, chives, Old Bay seasoning, and flaky sea salt.
• Reserve for Finishing: Set aside 2 tablespoons of the lemon-chive butter for serving.
• Dress the Lobster: Place the warm lobster chunks into a mixing bowl. Pour the remaining lemon-chive butter over the lobster and gently toss until evenly coated.
• Toast the Buns: Brush the outside of each bun with butter. Heat a skillet over medium heat and toast the buns until golden brown and crisp on both sides.
• Assemble the Rolls: Fill each toasted bun generously with lobster. Spoon a little reserved lemon-chive butter over the top.
• Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with additional chives and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.

Notes

Large chunks of lobster create the best texture and presentation.

Connecticut-style lobster rolls are traditionally served warm with butter rather than mayonnaise.

If your lobster tails are especially large, you may have enough filling for 4 extra-loaded rolls.

These lobster rolls are best enjoyed immediately after assembling.

Serve with watermelon, cucumber salad, roasted asparagus, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Calories: 765kcal