Maine is famous for its seafood. More specifically, Maine is famous for the incredible lobster that comes from its waters. Every year, hundreds of people come to Maine to enjoy the beautiful scenery and tasty Maine lobster.
When a state is famous for one type of food, like lobster, they know how to make money off of it. As such, there are so many delicious lobster recipes that come out of Maine. It is hard to keep up with them all. This means that there are many ways to cook lobster in Maine, and most of them are likely new to you.
There are so many different ways to prepare and eat lobster. With all of the great choices, it is hard to decide the best dishes to order in Maine. Luckily, there are a few dishes that are famous enough that everyone in Maine knows about them. At Geddy’s, we love lobster dishes and like to share some of our favorite local dishes with you.
Lobster is one of the most iconic American foods, and no state is more closely associated with these tasty crustaceans than Maine. With its rugged coastline and cold Atlantic waters, Maine has been the lobster capital of the US for over a century. But what exactly makes Maine lobster so special, and why is it considered the best in the country?
A Brief History of Maine Lobster Fishing
Lobsters have been abundant in the waters off Maine’s coast for thousands of years. Native Americans used them as a food source long before European settlers arrived. Colonists quickly recognized the value of the hearty lobsters and a commercial lobster industry began taking shape in the early 1800s.
In the mid-1800s, lobstering technology improved with the creation of lobster traps, allowing fishermen to catch more lobsters more efficiently By the late 1800s, railroad expansion helped connect Maine’s small fishing villages with major cities farther inland Lobster could now be shipped fresh nationwide, and demand skyrocketed.
Today, the Maine lobster fishery is one of the most valuable in the United States. Over 4,500 licensed lobstermen work the waters between Maine and Canada, collectively harvesting over 100 million pounds of lobster per year. The famous Maine lobster boats and their colorful buoys dotting the coastline are an iconic symbol of a proud tradition that has supported coastal communities for generations.
Why Is Maine Lobster Considered the Best?
Several key factors combine to make Maine lobster a cut above the rest:
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The Cold Water – Maine’s waters average about 45°F in temperature, with some areas dipping into the 30s. This cold environment helps lobsters grow slower, resulting in a sweeter meat. The cold water also discourages parasites and disease.
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Abundant Food Supply – The Gulf of Maine offers a rich buffet of shrimp, mussels, sea urchins and more for lobsters to feast on. This diverse diet contributes to the lobster’s famous taste and texture.
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Sustainability – Strict fishing regulations help ensure Maine’s lobster population remains healthy and abundant for generations to come. Traps must include escape vents for small lobsters, and egg-bearing females cannot be kept.
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Freshness – The short journey from trap to plate, often within 24 hours, preserves the delicate flavor and texture of a live Maine lobster. Many restaurants even have live lobster tanks so diners can hand-select their own bug.
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Meat Yield – The cold waters cause Maine lobsters to grow more slowly, but they ultimately reach a larger size. A hefty Maine lobster provides more sweet, succulent meat per crustacean.
Lobster Fishing Regions in Maine
While lobstering takes place all along Maine’s jagged shoreline, a few specific regions stand out for their high-quality catch:
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Down East – This remote, rugged stretch along Maine’s eastern border is home to picturesque fishing villages and some of the most active lobstering waters. Machiasport and Cutler are two popular ports.
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Midcoast – The central section of the Maine coast, from Boothbay Harbor to Rockland, boasts postcard-perfect lighthouses and quintessential lobstering towns.
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Casco Bay – Dotted with islands just off Portland, Casco Bay has a long lobstering legacy. Some families here have fished the same waters for five generations.
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York County – Kittery, Ogunquit and the Yorks rely on lobster, though the famous beaches draw tourists as well as crustaceans.
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Down South – Even southern towns like Kennebunkport and Kittery Point have lobster at the heart of local culture and cuisine.
Best Ways to Enjoy Maine Lobster
Of course, the real proof is in the eating. While lobster rolls and bisques are always popular, here are a few favorite ways for lobster lovers to savor the taste of Maine:
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Steamed or baked – The simplest preparation to let the natural flavor shine through. Serve with drawn butter for dipping the tender meat.
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Grilled – Infuses a smoky essence and firms up the texture slightly. Brush with lemon-butter as it cooks.
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In a pot pie – Tender lobster meat baked in a flaky crust with onion, celery, potatoes and cream. The ultimate comfort food.
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Lobster mac and cheese – Take the indulgent classic to the next level by folding chunks of lobster meat into the cheesy pasta.
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Lobster risotto – Rice cooked in lobster stock and then mixed with lobster meat makes an elegant, rich pairing.
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Lobster salad sandwich – Lightly dressed lobster salad served cold on grilled bread is simple but extremely tasty.
The Takeaway
With its long history, strict sustainability practices, and distinct fishing regions, Maine offers an unbeatable lobster-lovers experience. The cold, pristine waters give the crustaceans a sweetness and delicate texture no other region can quite match. While other states like Massachusetts and California have their own local lobster fisheries, Maine remains the undisputed lobster capital of America. No visit to New England is complete without savoring the famous Maine lobster firsthand.
Enjoy Classic Lobster
If you are going for the original way to eat lobster in Maine, then this is the way to go. A lobster made in the traditional way is steamed or boiled. The lobster is served whole with melted butter on the side for dipping.
Since this is a messy way to eat lobster, it is often served with a bib and hand wipes. This method involves some work to get to the meat of the lobster. Although it takes a little extra work to crack the shells of Maine lobsters, the meat inside is always worth it.
You will need claw crackers to get the hard shell off of the claws so you can eat the lobster. The meat that comes out of lobster claws is incredible and even better dipped in butter. Once you break through the claws all that is left is the delicious lobster tail.
A great lobster tail will break open easily, and the meat will come out in one big piece. It’s ready to eat immediately. Many people think that one of the best ways to eat lobster is to pull the soft meat right out of the tail. This is why steamed or boiled lobster is the classic way to prepare lobster in Maine.
Bite into a Maine Lobster Roll
If you are looking for the full Maine experience, then you must have a lobster roll. It is a dish that was invented and perfected on the shores of Maine. The best lobster rolls are still found in Maine. They are a must-try item while you are in the gorgeous state.
The original lobster roll is prepared with lettuce, mayonnaise, and big chunks of lobster claw meat. There are places that have made it a little fancier or added more ingredients. However, most restaurants in Maine will serve you a traditional lobster roll, and you will be grateful for the chance. According to both locals and visitors, this is the dish you have to try while visiting Maine.
It is a favorite dish that is enjoyed by everyone. The best way to eat a lobster roll is with homemade fries and a view of the ocean. There is something about eating a fresh lobster roll in Maine, especially overlooking a gorgeous scenic view. It makes the experience so much sweeter and more memorable.
A lobster roll is a dish you must try if you are visiting Maine. Really, it is like never having gone to Maine, if you don’t get a lobster roll there. This is also probably the most famous way Mainers eat lobster.
The Ultimate LOBSTER ROLL Tour!! Best Lobster Shacks in Maine, USA!!
Where can I eat lobster in Maine?
There are 20 of the best places in Maine to enjoy fresh-cooked lobsters and lobster rolls. Said to be the birthplace of the Maine lobster roll, Bayley’s in Pine Point, Maine, is a busy lobster wholesaling operation with a restaurant and bar on an open-air pier. Here, you can enjoy fresh lobsters and lobster rolls.
What is Maine lobster?
Maine Lobster! One of the world’s most iconic foods and that’s not hyperbole. It’s the small creature that truly separates Maine from the rest of the world. Lobster is to Maine as the baguette is to France.
Where can you find fresh lobster to eat?
Maine is the best place in the world to enjoy fresh lobster. Thousands of lobstermen catch millions of pounds of the coveted crustacean annually in Maine’s cold coastal waters.
What is the best lobster roll in Maine?
New Englander Hannah Selinger reveals her recommendations for a trip to taste the best lobster roll in Maine, which comes cold and dressed with mayo, at Sprague’s Lobster, Bagaduce Lunch, and beyond.