Warm Lobster Rolls Recipe

These warm lobster rolls are a hybrid between the Maine-style and Connecticut-style rolls. Chunky tender lobster meat is cooked with butter and then tossed in a mayo and a special seasoning mix before serving in a buttered and toasted roll, giving you the best of both worlds. 

I love how each bite explodes with flavors—the fresh chunky lobster meat, a fresh citrusy zing from the lemon, creaminess and tang from the mayo, and spice and savoriness from the homemade seasoning mix! This recipe is so simple to make at home. They’re ideal for the summer and great for hosting to impress your loved ones! Pair it with a side of chips and your favorite bev. 

What you’ll love about this recipe

What comes to mind with these warm lobster rolls is simple and refreshing yet elegant and indulgent flavors. I mean, it’s crazy to think that lobsters were once considered pests and now they’re a luxury! 

The goal of any lobster roll is to highlight the natural sweetness and delicate flavor of the lobsters. It’s important to allow the lobster to shine through, especially if you’re paying top dollar. Ingredients like lemon juice and lemon zest add a bright and citrusy flavor that compliments the sweet and subtle brininess of the lobsters. And I don’t know about you but there’s something about lobster and lemon combo that just screams summer, which I absolutely love. 

Now, I’m a firm believer that butter makes everything better, and nothing beats some good ole’ lobster coated in butter. And this is where the Connecticut-style lobster roll inspiration comes into play. The lobster meat is first sauteed in butter with a special seasoning mix that I’ve prepared. Once it’s cooked through, the lobster is tossed with mayo, lemon juice, lemon zest, and more of that special seasoning. The latter part is inspired by Maine’s iconic lobster roll and let me tell you, the blend of the two styles is irresistibly good. To finish it off, like any good lobster roll, you’ll need a toasted buttered bun and some fresh herbs because – balance.

These are perfect for picnics, on-the-go meals for the beach, hosting, or simply when you want a no-frills, delicious meal at home. Best of all these lobster rolls can be prepared ahead of time and they come together in just 30 minutes. Prepare the lobster filling and keep it separated from the buns to prevent them from getting soggy. Once you’re ready to serve, fill the buns up with the lobster and enjoy! 

Warm Lobster Rolls Ingredients & Substitutions

Lobster: You can use either fresh or pre-cooked packaged lobsters. Although fresh lobsters bring the best flavors, using pre-cooked lobster meat will significantly cut your prep time. I used fresh lobsters because I love having the claw meat and I think they just taste better!

Potato roll hot dog buns: I like to use these potato rolls because they’re super soft and delicious! But feel free to use any kind of buns you like. You can substitute this with brioche buns, kaiser rolls, dinner rolls, or even croissants. 

Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the lobster meat and helps to toast the hot dog buns. For the best flavor, use a good quality butter with a high-fat content.

Japanese mayo: Japanese mayo is richer than regular mayo because it is made with egg yolks instead of whole eggs. It adds a delicious creaminess and a whole lot of umami! My favorite brand to use is Kewpie. But you can substitute this with regular mayo if that’s what you have.

Lemon juice: For a bright citrus zing

Lemon zest: Amplifies the flavor of the lemon juice

Chives: For added crunch, color, and a slight onion flavor. Substitute with scallions. 

Cilantro: Earthy, herby, and slightly citrusy, cilantro adds a pump of freshness to these rolls

Seasoning Mix Ingredients & Substitutions (Substitute with Old Bay Seasoning)

Celery salt: Slightly peppery and grassy, with a slight hint of celery

Garlic powder: Adds a garlicky essence that’s milder and less intense than fresh garlic 

Cayenne pepper: For spice and an added punch of color; this can be substituted with paprika

How to Prepare Warm Lobster Rolls

Step 1: Put the lobsters to sleep

Place the live lobster into the freezer for 30 minutes to put them to sleep. In the meantime, bring a large stock pot with water to boil over medium-high heat. Take the lobsters out from the freezer then remove the rubber bands around the claws. At this point, they should not be moving.

Step 2: Boil the lobsters

Place the lobsters into the boiling water then cover with a lid. Depending on the size of the lobsters will affect the cooking time. For reference, 1 1/2 lb lobster should take about 7 to 8 minutes to cook. Be sure to start the timer once the water comes to a boil after adding the lobsters.

Step 3: Shock the lobsters in ice bath

While the lobsters are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling up a large mixing bowl with ice and cold water. Once the lobsters are done cooking, immediately transfer them to the ice bath to prevent them from overcooking.

Step 4: Pick the lobster meat

Once chilled, break down the lobster and separate the meat from the tail and claws. Cut the lobster tail into 1-inch thick pieces, while leaving the claws whole. Set the lobster meat aside.

Step 5: Combine the seasoning mix

In a small mixing bowl, combine the seasoning mix which includes celery salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well then set aside. Alternatively, you can use Old Bay Seasoning.

Step 6: Toast the hot dog buns

Heat a medium-sized pan over medium-low heat. Spread 1 teaspoon of butter on each side of the potato hot dog bun. Toast the hot dog buns on each side until golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Step 7: Cook the lobsters in butter

Heat the remaining butter in the same pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the lobster meat and add a pinch of the spice mix. Cook for about 15 seconds while continuously stirring. Remove from the heat and transfer to a mixing bowl.

Step 8: Prepare the lobster filling

To the mixing bowl with the cooked lobster, add mayo, lemon juice, and half of the remaining seasoning mix. Add more seasoning to taste, if needed. 

Step 9: Assemble and serve

To assemble, place the lobster in the potato hot dog buns. Garnish with lemon zest, chives, and cilantro.

Preparation Tips for Warm Lobster Rolls

Here are some helpful tips for making the most delicious warm lobster rolls every time:

• The quality of your ingredients will greatly affect the end result. Since this recipe requires only a few simple ingredients, you want to opt for the freshest and highest quality ingredients starting from the lobster to the condiments and the spices. 
• Be careful not to overcook the lobsters! When overcooked, they turn tough and dry which can be unpleasant to eat. If you wanted to be safe, you could also reduce the boiling time for the lobsters and cook them all the way through when sauteing in butter. 
• Aside from toasting the bread in a pan, you can also use the oven, air fryer, or grill to do this. The grill would give you beautiful charred grill marks for a nicer presentation!
• If you want to make this spicy, you can add some Sriracha, sambal, or red chili flakes. I recommend adding a small amount to prevent these sauces and spices from overpowering the lobster. 
• Feel free to use any variety of herbs to add freshness to the lobster filling. Some herbs include dill and parsley. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a warm lobster roll called?

A warm lobster roll is simply called a lobster roll, while cold lobster rolls are sometimes referred to as lobster salad rolls. These two ways of serving lobster rolls are often associated with the way two states traditionally do their rolls — Maine and Connecticut. Maine lobster rolls are usually served chilled, while Connecticut-style rolls are served warm. This recipe is a combination of the two styles so you get the best of both worlds!

Do you warm up a lobster roll?

For this recipe, the lobster meat is quickly sauteed in butter and then mixed with mayo, lemon juice, and seasonings. However, it can be served chilled too! Usually when the lobster filling is mixed with mayo, you don’t reheat it. If you have a lobster filling that’s tossed in butter, you can quickly reheat it if you want, however, it’s not necessary. 

How is lobster roll traditionally served?

Lobster rolls are said to have originated in Connecticut. The lobster meat goes on top of a hot dog roll that’s split on the top side in the middle, served warm. Both the bread and filling are buttered for richness. Although this is a classic way to enjoy lobster rolls, there are now many ways to serve lobster rolls! 

Are lobster rolls fully cooked?

Yes, these lobster rolls are fully cooked. Aside from boiling the lobsters, they are cooked on the stovetop a second time with butter. This adds flavor and also ensures that the lobsters are fully cooked and safe to eat. 

How to eat a hot lobster roll?

Hot lobster rolls are best eaten by hand! Hold up your lobster roll using both hands, taking small bites and making sure that you get a good bread-to-filling ratio in each bite. Freshly fried potato fries or potato chips would go well with it, as well as a glass of ice-cold soda or beer!

What are the two types of lobster rolls?

The two types of lobster rolls are Maine-style and Connecticut-style. Connecticut-style lobsters are usually buttered and served on a warm toasted bread bun. On the other hand, Maine-style lobster rolls also referred to as lobster salad rolls, the lobster meat is dressed with mayo and aromatics like celery and chives. It’s served on a buttered New England-style roll, which has flat sides perfect for toasting.

Can I use pre-cooked lobster meat?

Yes. Although fresh lobsters have better texture and taste, pre-cooked lobsters have their own advantages too! Pre-cooked lobsters are more convenient and ideal when you want to save time and effort. But if you’re aiming for the best tasting and superior quality, I recommend using fresh live lobsters.

How much lobster meat do I need to prepare per roll?

Generally, ¼ to ½ of a pound of lobster meat is appropriate per roll. It’s really based on preference and luckily, when you’re making lobster rolls at home, you are the boss! Feel free to add as much or as little lobster meat into your rolls. 

How to reheat lobster rolls?

To reheat the lobster rolls, you can use a microwave. For the microwave, set it on medium and allow it to blitz for 15 to 20 seconds, and adjust as you go. You don’t want to overheat the lobster filling for the recipe. 

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