Savor the Flavor of a Classic New England Lobster Roll
The quintessential summer treat, a traditional New England-style lobster roll is a culinary delight that transports you to the picturesque coast of Cape Cod with every bite. This beloved dish is all about simplicity, featuring succulent steamed lobster, creamy mayonnaise, and crunchy celery, all piled high on a toasted, buttered bun.
The Key to a Perfect Lobster Roll: Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients
When it comes to creating an authentic lobster roll, there’s no room for compromise. You need the freshest, highest-quality ingredients to ensure that every bite is a revelation. That means using real mayonnaise, not that sugary salad dressing, and opting for a generous helping of steamed lobster meat.
Steaming the Perfect Lobster
To start, you’ll need a whole live lobster, which you’ll steam to perfection in a large pot with a steamer rack. Add a tablespoon of kosher salt to the water, then bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook the lobster for 14 minutes, or until it’s bright red and the antenna comes out with ease.
Assembling the Lobster Salad
Once the lobster is cool enough to handle, twist and separate the tail from the body, then remove the claws and legs. Use a seafood cracker to extract the meat from the claws and legs, then coarsely chop it and set it aside. Add diced celery and mayonnaise to the bowl, season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Toasting the Buns to Perfection
To assemble the lobster rolls, spread unsalted butter on the outside of two top-split hot dog buns. Heat a medium frying pan over medium heat, then toast the buns until golden brown, flipping them halfway through. Divide the lobster salad between the buns and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
For an added layer of flavor, try making your own mayonnaise from scratch. And if you can’t find top-split hot dog buns, simply trim the outside edges of regular buns before buttering them. Whatever you do, don’t skimp on the lobster – it’s the star of the show!
Leave a Reply