A lobster roll is the quintessential New England summer food. Nothing tastes better than biting into a hot dog bun that has been toasted and is full of sweet, tender lobster meat.
Which New Englanders do it right? The best lobster rolls keep things simple and put the lobster front and center. In this post, well share dos and donts so you can see what we mean. As youll soon discover, you can prepare a traditional mouthwatering lobster roll no matter where you live.
Lobster rolls are a classic New England summer treat that are delicious when freshly made. But what if you have leftovers and want to enjoy your lobster roll again? Can you safely reheat a lobster roll without ruining the flavor and texture?
The good news is, yes you can heat a lobster roll! With the right reheating method, you can enjoy a tasty reheated lobster roll that retains the sweet, tender lobster meat.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about reheating lobster rolls, from the best methods to tips for keeping the rolls fresh and delicious. Let’s dive in!
Overview: Is It Possible to Heat a Lobster Roll?
Lobster rolls feature delicate juicy chunks of lobster meat tossed with dressing and stuffed into a soft roll. It’s understandable to be hesitant about reheating such a light and flaky preparation.
However, with a gentle reheating approach, you can successfully heat a lobster roll without drying out the meat or making the bun soggy. The key is to use low, indirect heat to warm the roll through without overcooking the filling.
Methods like the oven, grill, and even the microwave can work well for heating lobster rolls when done carefully. We’ll go over the pros and cons of each so you can determine the best option.
The Best Ways to Heat a Lobster Roll
Oven
The oven is the ideal way to gently reheat a lobster roll while keeping the bun crisp and lobster meat moist Here’s how to do it
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Preheat oven to 300°F,
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Wrap lobster roll loosely in aluminum foil.
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Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
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Check temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure lobster reaches 165°F.
The mild oven heat warms the roll without drying it out or making the filling rubbery. Feel free to add a pat of butter to the foil to enhance moisture and flavor.
Grill
Like the oven, the grill imparts gentle ambient heat that warms lobster rolls without overcooking. To use the grill:
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Heat grill to medium-low heat.
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Wrap lobster roll in foil.
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Grill roll for 2-3 minutes per side until heated through.
Monitor the rolls closely and remove them as soon as the filling is hot to prevent toughening the meat. Add a touch of butter or oil to the foil for extra insurance against drying out.
Microwave
The microwave can work in a pinch, but you’ll need to take extra care. Microwaves apply intense direct heat that can easily overcook seafood. Follow these precautions:
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Wrap lobster roll in damp paper towels.
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Microwave in 30-second intervals until warm, checking frequently.
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Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving.
The paper towels create a steamy environment to gently heat the roll. Take it out as soon as the center is warm to avoid drying out the bun or lobster. Letting it rest afterward allows the heat to evenly distribute.
Mistakes to Avoid When Reheating Lobster Rolls
Now that you know the best reheating methods, keep these common mistakes in mind:
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Microwaving without protection. This intensifies hot spots that overcook the lobster.
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Reheating at full power/temperature. High heat dries out the delicate meat. Low, gradual heat is gentler.
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Not checking internal temperature. Lobster should reach 165°F for food safety.
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Reheating longer than necessary. Heat just until the lobster is warmed through to prevent toughening.
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Not letting it rest before serving. Letting the roll sit allows heat to evenly distribute.
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Adding extra butter/mayo before reheating. The lobster roll already has enough—extra will make it greasy.
Follow the techniques we recommended above to avoid these pitfalls!
Tips for Keeping Lobster Meat Tender When Reheating
Beyond using the right reheating method, you can take a few extra steps to maximize the tender texture of reheated lobster:
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Brush with oil or butter before heating. This insulates the meat from drying out.
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Wrap in foil to gently steam and add moisture.
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Add a splash of stock or lemon juice to boost moisture if the lobster seems dry.
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Combine gentle heat with short cook times to warm through without overcooking.
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Serve immediately after reheating for the freshest, most tender texture.
Storing Leftover Lobster Rolls
To make the most of your precious leftover lobster rolls, proper storage is key. Follow these guidelines:
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Let lobster rolls cool completely before storing.
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Transfer to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
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Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
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If bun seems soggy, store filling and bun separately.
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For longer storage, wrap tightly in freezer bag and freeze up to 2 months.
Proper refrigeration preserves both the flavor and texture of leftover lobster rolls. Freeze for longer storage, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heating Lobster Rolls
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about reheating these delightful sandwiches:
How long do you heat a lobster roll in the oven?
Heat lobster rolls in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. Check the internal temperature to ensure lobster reaches 165°F.
Can you grill a lobster roll?
Yes! The grill imparts great flavor. Grill wrapped lobster rolls over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Monitor closely to prevent drying out.
Is it OK to microwave lobster rolls?
Microwaving can work but requires care to avoid overcooking. Wrap in damp paper towels and microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Let rest before serving.
Should you toast the bun when reheating lobster rolls?
No need to toast the bun again—the reheating methods we suggest will refresh the crispiness of the roll just right without drying it out.
Can I add extra butter or mayo before reheating a lobster roll?
It’s best not to add extra butter or mayonnaise before reheating, as the filling already has enough. Extra fat before reheating can make the roll greasy.
Enjoy Your Reheated Lobster Roll!
Reheating lobster rolls at home is totally possible with the proper techniques. Use gentle oven, grill or microwave methods to warm your leftover lobster roll while keeping the meat moist and tender. Follow our storage tips to enjoy the flavors as long as possible.
We hope these guidelines give you the confidence to reheat and enjoy lobster rolls to the last tasty bite. Let us know if you have any other lobster roll reheating tips!
The Don’ts of a Perfect Lobster Roll
Are you getting excited about homemade lobster rolls? Youre halfway to becoming a lobster roll pro. Just remember what not to do when making lobster rolls, and you’ll be good to go.
Use High-Quality Ingredients
A classic lobster roll is all about quality over quantity. To make a great lobster roll, you only need a few things, but remember that each one counts—a lot. Here are the main things you need for a lobster roll and some things you should think about before you go shopping.
- As a soon-to-be lobster roll master, your first goal should be to find the freshest, tastiest lobster meat you can find. You won’t be able to understand what a real lobster roll is without good lobster meat. Maine has the best lobsters in the whole country. Maine lobsters do best in cold water, and their huge claws are full of sweet, delicate meat. Warm-water lobsters that live in the Pacific, on the other hand, don’t have claws, and their meat is usually less tender and flavorful. So, pick live, high-quality lobster from Maine, and you’ll be on your way to lobster roll heaven.
- Butter: Butter is an integral part of a lobster roll. You need quality butter to toast the buns. You can also use butter instead of mayo if you’d rather have a lobster roll without it. All butters are not created equal. They vary in flavor, texture, and moisture levels. Pick a good butter like Kate’s Butter that brings out the sweetness of the lobster meat without making it taste too strong. When you make lobster rolls, you should never use whipped butter or light butter.
- Mayonnaise: Many people in New England think mayo is the best way to dress a lobster roll. Select a brand like Hellmann’s, which is praised for its richness and home-cooked feel. Avoid heavily flavored dressings which could overpower the lobster roll.
- Buns: The bun is the second most important part of a traditional lobster roll. It’s important to use soft white bread rolls instead of hard bread. If you want to enjoy the texture of the lobster meat, you won’t be able to if the bread is too tough. We also highly recommend using split-top hot dog buns. A split-top bun has flat sides that are great for soaking up butter and turning golden when toasted.