Decadent Lobster Rolls with Lemon-Butter Sauce for a Gourmet Feast

For a truly luxurious and unforgettable meal, nothing compares to a warm, butter-poached lobster roll. This recipe elevates the classic New England dish into a gourmet feast, focusing on the simple, pure flavors of tender lobster meat, rich butter, and a bright hint of lemon. It's a dish that feels special and decadent, yet is surprisingly easy to create at home.

The key to a perfect lobster roll is a two-fold approach: perfectly cooked, succulent lobster and a toasted, buttery bun to hold it all together. This version is a celebration of the lobster's natural sweetness, with a light lemon-butter sauce that coats every single bite. It's an elegant, impressive meal that is sure to be the star of any dinner party.

Decadent Lobster Rolls with Lemon-Butter Sauce

Yields: 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs cooked lobster meat, from 3-4 lobsters (or pre-cooked lobster meat), cut into bite-sized chunks

  • 4 New England-style split-top hot dog buns

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, divided

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped

  • A pinch of salt

  • A pinch of black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Buns

  1. Toast Buns: In a large skillet or on a griddle, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

  2. Grill: Place the buns on the melted butter, grilling each side until they are golden brown and toasted (about 2-3 minutes per side). Set the toasted buns aside.

2. Prepare the Lobster

  1. Melt Butter & Sauté: In the same skillet, melt the remaining ¼ cup of butter over medium-low heat. Add the lobster meat to the skillet.

  2. Poach: Gently heat the lobster meat in the melted butter for 2-3 minutes, just until it is warmed through. Avoid cooking it for too long, as this will make it tough.

  3. Add Flavor: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, chopped chives, salt, and black pepper.

3. Assemble the Lobster Rolls

  1. Fill Buns: Carefully spoon the warm, buttery lobster mixture into the toasted buns.

  2. Serve: Serve immediately with a side of potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Lobster Roll

  • The Best Lobster: Freshly cooked and cracked lobster is best. You can either steam or boil whole lobsters, or you can find pre-cooked lobster meat at your local seafood counter.

  • The Right Bun: The New England-style split-top bun is essential for an authentic lobster roll.1 Its flat sides are perfect for toasting in butter.

  • Don't Overcook the Lobster: The lobster is already cooked. You are simply warming it through in the butter. If you cook it too long, it will become tough and rubbery.

  • The Lemon-Butter Sauce: The sauce is a beautiful, light complement to the lobster. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of paprika or a touch of cayenne pepper.

  • Serve Immediately: These lobster rolls are best enjoyed right away, while the lobster is still warm and the buns are crispy.