There’s nothing better than sweet, juicy lobster piled high and spilling over a toasted split top roll. But do you know the difference between Maine lobster and American lobster? Connecticut lobster rolls? If you don’t know what the difference is between Maine and Connecticut lobster rolls, we’re here to help.
Here is how to make the two most common types of lobster rolls at home and how to tell them apart.
Getting lobster at home or at a restaurant is always a treat. So it’s important to make the right decisions when it comes to ingredients and preparation styles. Are you not sure if you should make or try a Maine-style or a Connecticut-style lobster roll? This page will help you decide.
There are several major differences between these two popular styles of seafood sandwiches. Here is everything you need to know about the two types of New England lobster rolls, from where they came from and how they taste to what goes into them and their history:
You will know the difference between a Maine lobster roll and a Connecticut lobster roll by the end. You can then try both and pick your favorite.
The Maine style lobster roll is an iconic summer staple in New England and along the northeastern seaboard. With its cold lobster salad served in a grilled hot dog bun, this sandwich combines sweet, tender lobster meat with a tangy dressing for a perfect seaside meal
In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Maine style lobster rolls including:
- The history and origins of the sandwich
- Traditional ingredients and how to make an authentic Maine style lobster roll
- What makes it different from other lobster roll styles like Connecticut
- How to serve lobster rolls like they do in Maine lobster shacks
- Tips for making lobster rolls at home
By the end you’ll be an expert on these delicious northeastern lobster sandwiches!
A Brief History of Maine Lobster Rolls
The origins of the Maine lobster roll can be traced back to the lobster shacks that dotted the New England coastline in the early to mid-1900s Here, freshly caught lobster was simply dressed with a bit of mayonnaise and stuffed into a grilled hot dog bun for hungry vacationers and locals alike
This unfussy preparation showcased the natural sweetness of the lobster meat. The sandwiches quickly became a staple summertime meal throughout vacation towns in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and beyond.
While the sandwich likely originated in Maine, it was popularized more widely when it started appearing on menus in New York City in the 1980s and 90s. Top chefs like Pearl Oyster Bar’s Rebecca Charles and Jasper White from Boston put their own gourmet spin on the classic recipe.
Today, you can find lobster rolls everywhere from seaside lobster shacks in Maine to food trucks in Nashville. But to get an authentic Maine-style lobster roll, it’s best to go right to the source!
Traditional Maine Lobster Roll Ingredients
The beauty of a Maine lobster roll lies in its simplicity. With just a few high quality ingredients, you can highlight the natural sweetness of tender lobster meat.
Here is what you need to make authentic Maine-style lobster rolls:
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Lobster Meat – The key is using fresh lobster meat. Opt for knuckle and claw meat which offers the sweetest flavor and most tender, easy-to-eat texture.
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Bread – Tradition calls for a New England style split-top hot dog bun. The sides should be buttered and grilled until lightly toasted.
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Lettuce – A leaf of butter or Boston lettuce lines the bun to provide crunch and prevent sogginess.
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Mayonnaise – The lobster meat is dressed in a light coating of mayo seasoned with a bit of lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
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Celery (optional) – Finely diced celery adds nice crunch and freshness to the lobster salad.
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Herbs (optional) – Fresh chives, tarragon, dill, or chervil give a light, bright flavor.
And that’s it! This simple, no-fuss sandwich lets the sweet lobster shine.
How to Make an Authentic Maine Lobster Roll
Wondering how to prepare a true Maine-style lobster roll? Follow these simple steps:
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Make the lobster salad – Gently mix the lobster meat with mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, pepper, celery, and any fresh herbs. Chill the salad.
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Prep the bun – Butter and grill or toast the sides of the hot dog bun until golden brown.
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Line the bun – Place a leaf of lettuce in each grilled bun. This helps prevent sogginess.
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Fill the bun – Spoon the chilled lobster salad into the awaiting buns. Top with a pinch of chives.
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Serve immediately – For the best texture and taste, enjoy your lobster rolls right after assembly. The cold lobster salad meets the hot, crisp bun.
And that’s it! With just a few steps, you can make restaurant-quality lobster rolls at home.
What Makes Maine Style Lobster Rolls Different?
So how exactly do Maine style lobster rolls differ from other popular lobster roll preparations? Here are the key differences:
Served Cold – Unlike Connecticut style hot lobster rolls, Maine lobster salad is always served chilled. This allows you to taste the cool, sweet flavor of the lobster.
Mayo-Based Dressing – The lobster salad is coated in a mayo dressing instead of warm drawn butter.
Split-Top Bun – Signature New England style hot dog buns have a split top which is perfect for grilling. Soft sides keep the fillings in place.
Simple Preparation – Maine style rolls highlight simply-dressed lobster. Drawn butter and extra toppings are rare.
Served with Chowder – Enjoy your cold lobster roll alongside a bowl of hot clam or seafood chowder.
How to Eat a Lobster Roll Like They Do in Maine
To fully experience an authentic Maine lobster roll, you’ll want to enjoy it just like they serve these iconic sandwiches in lobster shacks throughout Vacationland. Here are some tips:
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Visit an actual lobster shack or seaside seafood restaurant in Maine during summer months. Popular spots include Red’s Eats, Five Islands Lobster Co., and Bite Into Maine.
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Order your lobster roll with a cup of clam chowder or seafood bisque on the side. Dip your fries right into the creamy, warm soup.
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Sit at a weathered picnic table overlooking the water and listen to seagulls caw overhead. Breath in the salty ocean air.
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Eat with your hands, and don’t be shy about letting the lobster salad juices drip down your chin. Use plenty of napkins.
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Sip an ice cold beer, lemonade, or Maine root beer as the perfect lobster roll accompaniment.
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For dessert, order a slice of wild blueberry pie or whoopie pie, another Maine specialty.
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Chat with the other lobster roll lovers around you and ask the locals where to find the best views, hiking trails, and more hidden gems.
Tips for Making Lobster Rolls at Home
Can’t make it to Vacationland? You can still enjoy quintessential Maine lobster rolls in your own kitchen. Follow these tips for success:
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Use Fresh Lobster – Starting with high-quality, fresh lobster meat is essential. Buy sustainably-caught lobster from your local fish market or order premium lobster meat online.
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Toast Your Buns – That gratifying crunch comes from toasting the sides of the hot dog buns in butter before filling.
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Keep it Cold – Chill the lobster salad thoroughly before spooning it into the toasted buns to mimic the texture of rolls served in lobster shacks.
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Dress Simply – Avoid overcomplicating the lobster salad with lots of mix-ins. Stick to the classic mayo dressing amplified by lemon, salt, and pepper.
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Add Crunch – For texture, add some finely chopped celery to the chilled lobster salad.
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Serve it Traditional Style – Offer slices of lemon, a crisp green salad, coleslaw, and potato chips on the side. Chowder makes an ideal pairing.
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Consider Lobster Rolls for Your Next Party – These handheld sandwiches make fantastic easy appetizers for summertime entertaining. Your guests will be delighted.
With authentic ingredients and thoughtful preparation, you can make incredible Maine-style lobster rolls at home. Just be prepared for requests for your new signature recipe!
Maine Lobster Rolls: An Iconic American Sandwich
With its origins in seaside Maine lobster shacks and fresh-off-the-boat local lobster, the Maine lobster roll has become an iconic American sandwich right up there with fried green tomatoes, po’ boys, and pastrami on rye.
This northeastern specialty truly encapsulates a taste of summer with its sweet, chilled lobster salad served in a hot buttered bun. The roll’s simplicity allows the delicate flavor of the lobster meat to sing.
Next time you visit Maine or any restaurants serving authentic New England fare, be sure to order one of these specialties. Or try your hand at making your own perfect lobster rolls at home. Just follow the tips in this guide for traditional Maine-style sandwiches every time.
Once you take your first bite of tender lobster coated in creamy dressing and tucked in a toasted, griddled bun, you’ll understand why the Maine lobster roll deserves its fame. It offers the ultimate taste of New England summertime.
Connecticut Lobster Rolls 101
Here’s what you need to know about Connecticut-style lobster rolls and how they differ from Maine rolls.
The first known Connecticut lobster roll was served up in 1929 at a Milford, Connecticut restaurant called Perry’s. This roll held the signature Connecticut-style hot lobster salad in plenty of melted butter on a toasted bun.
The first thing you need to make a traditional Connecticut-style lobster roll is, of course, a good lobster meat. Choose sweet and tender tail and lobster knuckle meat for the best combination of textures and flavors.
You only need a few simple ingredients to create the Connecticut-style dressing:
- Melted butter. Specifically, you should use unsalted butter so as not to overpower the seafood. That way, you can salt the lobster salad to taste.
- Lemon juice. Just like in a Maine-style roll, the lemon juice makes things brighter and gives the rich butter a nice acidic hit.
- If you like, you can add a dash of paprika. A little red spice will add some smoke and depth to your food, but it won’t make it very hot.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Hot dog buns or fluffy brioche rolls, toasted and hot.
Maine Lobster Rolls 101
We’re answering all of your questions about Maine lobster rolls. What you need to make them, how they came to be, and how to serve them with other foods
The first lobster rolls were sold from casual roadside stands throughout Maine. In the 1970s, they were a popular summertime meal. Mainers and people on road trips could stop at any of the lobster shacks to get high-quality chilled Maine lobster meat tossed in mayo and tucked into a soft hot dog bun.
The Maine sandwich quickly made its way to New York City, where chef Rebecca Charles was known for her mayo-covered lobster salad served on toasted buttery buns at the Pearl Oyster Bar.
As the sandwiches became more popular in New England, chefs all over the area started changing Charles’ recipe in their own ways. In particular, Boston chef Jasper White was famous for his high-end lobster rolls in the 1980s.
The ingredients for a Maine lobster roll are simple and straightforward. The great thing about this recipe is that the light dressing made with lets the sweet, juicy lobster meat stand out.
- Mayonnaise. Most traditional lobster roll recipes will specify Hellman’s mayo.
- Celery. This is not necessary, but it gives the lobster salad a nice texture. The celery should be finely diced.
- Use lemon juice to thin out the dressing and give it a bright, sour taste.
- Mustard. A little Dijon mustard is all you need to give the lobster salad a nice, mild kick.
- Salt and pepper to season the lobster meat and dressing.
- If you want the bread to stay crisp, line the roll with Boston lettuce leaves before adding the salad.
- Split-top hotdog buns should be toasted in butter for the best taste and to make sure they can hold your heavy lobster meat. Split-top buns have flat sides that make them easier to grill on a hot skillet.
How To Make A Lobster Roll | Maine Lobster Now
How do you make Maine lobster rolls?
The best recipe for authentic Maine Lobster Rolls! Generous chunks of lobster meat lightly dressed in mayo and served in a toasted top split roll. Combine the lobster meat, mayonnaise, chives, and lemon juice in a bowl and mix until the lobster is lightly dressed. Give the salad a taste and add salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
What is a Maine lobster roll?
The main feature of a Maine-style lobster roll is that it’s served cold. Chunks of lobster meat are coated in a light dressing made with mayonnaise and seasoned with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon. The addition of extras can be considered blaspemous in many local seafood shacks.
What to serve with a Maine lobster roll?
The most classic combination is a Maine lobster roll with a side of warm and creamy clam chowder or homemade seafood chowder. Other popular side dishes to serve Maine-style lobster rolls with include seafood shack classics like onion rings, salt and vinegar potato chips, coleslaw, and a fat dill pickle spear.
How do you make lobster salad on New England rolls?
Move the lobster meat to the mixing bowl and add the mayonnaise, dill, parsley, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Keep the lobster salad cool while toasting the buns. Spread both flat sides of the New England rolls with a generous amount of butter. Toast for 1-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Fill the toasted rolls with lots of lobster salad.