Mini Lobster Rolls Recipe
As summer rolls in, I find myself dreaming about light, refreshing dishes. Something brimming with flavor that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Enter mini lobster rolls.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
- 1 pound cooked lobster meat from about 3 lobsters, finely chopped
- 12 soft pull-apart rolls
- ½ cup creamy mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon plus extra for garnish
- ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- Sea salt to taste
Start by removing the lobster meat from the shell. You can buy pre-cooked lobster meat for convenience, but if you’re feeling adventurous, cooking the lobsters is an option too. Once you’ve got the meat, finely chop it. Aim for bite-sized pieces so they fit perfectly in the rolls.
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped chives, tarragon, Old Bay seasoning, and smoked paprika. Mix well until fully combined. You’re creating a creamy blend that will elevate your lobster.
Gently fold the lobster meat into the dressing mixture. Use a spatula to ensure everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to break the lobster meat too much; you want to maintain some chunks for texture.
Melt the butter in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the outside of each roll with melted butter. This adds flavor and helps achieve a nice golden color during heating.
Place the rolls on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until they’re a light golden brown. This adds a delightful crunch to the outside.
Once the rolls are toasted, it’s time to fill them. Scoop a generous amount of the lobster mixture into each roll. Don’t be shy; you want them heaping!
Garnish the mini lobster rolls with additional tarragon and perhaps a slice of lemon on the side for that extra zest.
- Choose Fresh Lobster: The quality of the lobster will determine the flavor. Always go for the freshest meat you can find.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the lobster with the dressing, handle it gently. You want to keep those chunks intact for texture.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the rolls right after assembling. The freshness will shine!
- Customizable Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced celery for crunch, or a dash of hot sauce if you like a kick.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the lobster mixture a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the rolls just before serving.
Calories: 293kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 19gFat: 8.5gSaturated Fat: 2.4gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 307mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3g
Keyword mini lobster rolls recipe