A traditional Maine lobster roll consists of a buttered and toasted hot dog bun filled with chunks of freshly-cooked lobster meat, which is often lightly dressed with mayonnaise. Some variations may include additional ingredients such as lemon juice, celery, and herbs. It is typically served with a side of potato chips or French fries.
| Ingredients: |
| 4 live lobsters, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds each |
| 4 hot dog buns |
| 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature |
| 1/2 cup mayonnaise |
| 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice |
| Salt and pepper, to taste |
| Celery, finely diced (optional) |
| Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional) |
Step-by-step cooking instructions of Maine’s Lobster Roll:
Step-1 large saucepan of salted water should be brought to a boil.. Add the lobsters, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the shells are bright red and the meat is cooked through.
Step-2 Remove the lobsters from the pot and let them cool. Cracks open the shells and remove the meat from the tail, claws, and knuckles. Chop the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Step-3 In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, chives or parsley, salt and pepper. Gently fold in the lobster meat.
Step-4 Spread the butter on the inside of the hot dog buns. Grill the buns, butter-side down, on a grill pan or griddle over medium heat until golden brown.
Step-5 Fill the buns with the lobster mixture and serve immediately.
Nutritional value of Maine’s Lobster Roll:
The nutritional value of a Maine-style lobster roll will depend on the specific ingredients used and the portion size. However, in general, a lobster roll made with freshly-cooked lobster meat, mayonnaise, and a buttered and toasted hot dog bun can be a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-cholesterol food.
Here is an approximation for a lobster roll which has the following nutritional value per serving (based on 1 hotdog bun and 3-4 oz cooked lobster meat)
| Calories: 350-450 |
| Fat: 22-30g |
| Protein: 25-30g |
| Carbohydrates: 15-20g |
| Cholesterol: 100-130mg |
| Sodium: 550-700mg |
Keep in mind that this is just an approximation and the nutritional value will vary based on the actual ingredients used, such as the mayonnaise and butter. You may also want to consider portion control when eating lobster rolls, as they can be quite rich.
It’s a good source of protein and also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and selenium, essential minerals like Zinc, Phosphorus, Iodine, vitamin B12.
Background History of Maine’s Lobster Roll:
The lobster roll has a long history in the state of Maine, and it is considered to be a traditional New England dish. The first known reference to a lobster roll in print was in a 1926 report by a woman named Mrs. Charles H. Watson in the Boston Evening Transcript, She described how to prepare “lobster salad sandwiches” made with lobster meat mixed with mayonnaise, served on buns.
Lobster rolls have been a popular menu item in seafood shacks and restaurants in coastal Maine for decades. In the early 20th century, lobster was considered to be a cheap, abundant, and low-status food, often served to prisoners and manual laborers. But as the demand for lobster increased, the price of the crustacean also went up, and it became a delicacy.
The lobster roll as we know it today, with the lobster meat placed in a hot dog bun and often served cold, is believed to have originated at a seafood restaurant in Milford, Connecticut, in the 1920s. The dish quickly gained popularity along the northeastern coast, and it was soon adopted by seafood restaurants in Maine.
Now days, Maine lobster rolls can be found on the menu at seafood restaurants, pubs, and fast food chains throughout the United States, and it has become a classic American dish.
| Advantages of Maine’s Lobster Roll: | |
| 1 | Flavor: The lobster roll is made with freshly-cooked lobster meat, which is known for its sweet, rich, and distinctive flavor. |
| 2 | Nutritious: Lobster is a good source of protein and also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and selenium, essential minerals like Zinc, Phosphorus, Iodine, vitamin B12. |
| 3 | Tradition: The lobster roll is a traditional New England dish and has a long history in the state of Maine. |
| 4 | Versatile: Lobster rolls can be served in a variety of ways, such as cold with mayonnaise or warm with butter. There are a wide range of modifications and adaptations. |
| Disadvantages of Maine’s Lobster Roll: | |
| 1 | Cost: Lobster is relatively expensive, so the cost of a lobster roll can be quite high, especially if you are purchasing it at a restaurant. |
| 2 | High in fat and calories: Traditional lobster rolls are made with mayonnaise and butter, which can make them high in fat and calories. |
| 3 | Limited availability: Fresh lobster is only available in certain regions, making it difficult to find lobster rolls in some areas. |
| 4 | Complex to prepare: Preparing a lobster roll can be complex and time-consuming, requiring knowledge of how to cook and prepare the lobster meat. |
Compare with similar meals of Maine’s Lobster Roll:
Some alternate meals that are similar to the Maine lobster roll include:
| 1 | Lobster salad: This dish is similar to the lobster roll, but instead of being served in a bun, it is typically served on a bed of lettuce or mixed greens. |
| 2 | Lobster BLT: A classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich with added lobster meat. |
| 3 | Lobster pot pie: A traditional pot pie with a flaky crust filled with chunks of lobster meat, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. |
| 4 | Lobster bisque: A creamy soup made with lobster stock, cream, and chunks of lobster meat. |
| 5 | Lobster Mac and cheese: A dish made by adding cooked lobster meat to a creamy cheese sauce and then topping it with breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown. |
| 6 | Lobster Grilled Cheese: A classic grilled cheese sandwich with added lobster meat. |
| 7 | Lobster Tacos: Lobster meat with Mexican flavors and toppings in a warm tortilla. |
These are some of the alternate meals that you can find in Maine or other seafood restaurants.
Mostly questions asked about Maine’s Lobster Roll:
1. What is a Maine lobster roll?
A. A Maine lobster roll is a popular seafood item that consists of a hot dog wrapped in Boston lettuce and dipped in melted butter or mayonnaise. It can also be served with celery salt and garlic powder on the side for those who prefer extra flavor.
The popularity of this dish likely stems from its simplicity – all you need are some soft rolls, delicious lobster meat, and some simple condiments to make it perfect. And don’t forget the pickles! Maine lobsters are renowned for their sweet taste, so adding pickled vegetables add another layer of flavors to these humble rolls.
2. How is a Maine lobster roll typically prepared?
A. A Maine lobster roll is typically made by putting a piece of soft white bread inside of a split lobster and then dipping it in melted butter or mayonnaise. It can also be served with pickles, chives, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
3. What are the key ingredients in a Maine lobster roll?
A. The most important ingredients in a Maine lobster roll are bread and seafood. The bread is necessary to hold everything together, while the seafood provides the flavor and texture that everyone loves. Lobster is the main attraction, but you can also find other items like butter, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper on many rolls.
Other popular toppings include avocado or tomato slices, lettuce wraps or cucumbers instead of pickles. As long as you keep these key ingredients in mind when ordering your lobster roll (and maybe add some garlic if you’re feeling fancy), you’re sure to enjoy a delicious dish that will surely satisfy your cravings!
4. How is a Maine lobster roll different from other types of lobster rolls?
A. Maine lobster rolls are made with heavy cream and mayonnaise, which gives them a richer flavor than other types of lobster rolls. They also tend to be spicier due to the addition of fresh herbs and spices. Some common herb ingredients that are used in Maine lobster rolls include dill, tarragon, and thyme. Lastly, they’re rolled in breadcrumbs rather than flour, which ensure that they remain tender and juicy when cooked.
Overall, a Maine lobster roll is definitely worth trying if you’re looking for an interesting change from your typical seafood dish!
5. Where can I find the best Maine lobster roll?
A. There are many places where you can find delicious Maine lobster rolls, but the best one can vary depending on personal taste and preference. Some popular places to try a Maine lobster roll include:
- Maine seafood restaurants: You can find many seafood restaurants in Maine that serve traditional lobster rolls. Some popular seafood shacks include Red’s Eats, Five Islands Lobster Co, and Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster.
- Seafood markets: Many seafood markets in Maine and New England sell fresh lobster meat that can be used to make your own lobster roll at home.
- Food trucks and Festivals: Many food trucks and festivals that specialize in seafood offer Maine lobster rolls, where you can try a variety of different styles and preparation.
- Online ordering: You can order Maine lobster rolls online from many seafood companies that ship their products nationwide.
It’s always good to read reviews, ask locals and try different places to find the best lobster roll that suits your taste.
6. How did the lobster roll get its name?
A. Prior to the roll becoming gourmet, lobstermen—the individuals who actually did the fishing—made the sandwiches. It was a straightforward, inexpensive sandwich made with two slices of white bread with cooked lobster flesh from crabs that weren’t quite flawless or from the day’s caught that wasn’t sold.
7. What are the 2 types of lobster rolls?
A. Based on where they were created and where they are most popular, the two most popular lobster roll varieties are known as Maine and Connecticut. A less typical but noteworthy lobster roll is one that is made in the style of Manhattan.
8. How much lobster does Maine produce?
A. Maine now produces more lobster than any other state in the country. The fishery: Employs 5,600+ independent lobstermen each year. more than 100 million pounds of lobster are produced.
9. What is a warm lobster roll called?
A. The warm, soft lobster meat from a Connecticut lobster roll—also known as a warm lobster roll—is topped with melted butter and heaped high on a toasted hot dog bun. Compared to the Maine lobster roll, it is less complicated yet still wonderful! This dish is from the cookbook Lobster Rolls – 2 Ways.
10. Is lobster roll better with butter or mayo?
A. Everyone agrees that melted butter is a fantastic condiment for the majority of cuisines. On the other hand, if you want a lobster roll that is rich, wonderful, and consumed by the sea, you must pile a cold, mayo-dressed salad into a grilled bread.
