Garlic Butter Lobster Rolls

These garlic butter lobster rolls are a taste of the New England coast at home. Sweet lobster meat is warmed in garlicky butter with a squeeze of lemon, then piled into toasted, buttery rolls. They feel fancy enough for a celebration, but they come together in 25 minutes.

It is the kind of recipe you will come back to again and again — simple enough for a weeknight, and good enough for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet lobster in rich garlic butter
• Buttery, toasted rolls with a crisp edge
• A special meal in just 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb cooked lobster meat, cut into chunks
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 4 top-split hot dog buns or brioche rolls
• 2 tablespoons butter, for toasting
• 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make It

1. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the lobster meat, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and Old Bay. Toss gently and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the lobster is warmed through.

4. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the celery and chives.
5. Butter the outsides of the buns and toast them in a separate skillet over medium heat until golden on both sides.
6. Pile the warm lobster into the toasted rolls, spoon a little extra garlic butter over the top, and serve with lemon wedges.

Pro Tips

• Warm the lobster gently. Overcooking it makes it tough and rubbery.
• Use top-split buns if you can find them. Their flat sides toast beautifully and hold more filling.
• Do not skip the lemon. It cuts through the butter and makes the lobster taste even sweeter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with kettle chips, coleslaw, and pickles. A cold glass of white wine or sparkling lemonade is the classic pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen lobster meat?

Yes. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and pat it dry before cooking. Frozen lobster works well in this recipe.

What is the difference between Connecticut and Maine style?

Connecticut style, like this recipe, serves lobster warm in butter. Maine style serves it cold with mayonnaise. Both are delicious.

Can I make lobster rolls ahead?

Assemble them just before serving so the buns stay crisp. The lobster can be warmed up to an hour ahead and kept warm on the lowest heat.