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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

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