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Sometimes, when I’m writing an article for Sporked, I have to research the topic from scratch, learning it all for the first time as I’m writing about it. Not so today! I grew up in New England where lobster rolls are a way of life, especially come summertime. But for those not of the east coast persuasion, this regional delicacy might be confusing. So, what is a lobster roll? What’s in it? Is it served hot or cold? Let’s claw our way into some answers.
What is a lobster roll?
Lobster rolls are a New England treat that make use of that area’s ubiquitous shellfish. They contain lobster meat salad, seasoned with lemon and butter, and are served on bread—most often a hot dog bun. There are a couple different styles of lobster roll: the Maine style and Connecticut style, which I’ll touch on more below.
Indeed, lobster rolls are such a popular treat in New England that even McDonald’s has gotten in on the action, selling a (Maine style) McLobster lobster roll in New England and parts of Canada during summer months.
What is in a lobster roll?
There are two varieties of lobster roll with their own subtle distinctions: the Maine style and Connecticut style.
Maybe I’m biased because I grew up so close to Maine, but to me, the Maine lobster roll is the exemplar of the form. Maine, after all, is famous for their lobster, plus the seafood shacks I’d frequent in Massachusetts all offered this same type of delicious, rich lobster meal on their menu.
The Maine lobster roll consists of chilled, mayo-tossed lobster salad served on a toasted buttered hot dog bun (no exceptions). You can add some mustard to the lobster salad and put some lettuce on the bun, but that’s about as far as you want to go in terms of accoutrement. The star of the show is the lobster.
But, okay, fine, there is also another version of the lobster roll, which comes from Connecticut. In point of fact, it seems that this type of lobster roll predates the Maine variety, and was created in Connecticut in 1929 (in much the same way that Hydrox was created before Oreos).
The dressing for the lobster in this case is simply drawn butter, lemon, and perhaps a little paprika. And while Connecticut style lobster rolls can also be served on a hot dog bun, they deem it acceptable to use a brioche bun as well. This highlights the sweetness and tenderness of the lobster.
Oh yeah, and it turns out there’s also a third type of lobster roll: the rarely-seen Manhattan style lobster roll, which is apparently just like a Maine style lobster roll but the lobster meat is tossed in a mayonnaise dressing with a little celery for crunch. We need not speak of it further.
Are lobster rolls hot or cold?
According to the folks at Lobster Anywhere, it turns out the answer to this question comes down to regionality. In Maine, the bread is toasted and warm, but the lobster salad itself is chilled. However, in Connecticut, the lobster salad is served warm (as is the bread).
How do you make a lobster roll?
One of the great things about lobster rolls is how simple they are to make. The biggest key is to use high quality ingredients, since the lobster is really what shines in this dish. Foodie Crush has a helpful guide to the step by step for both kinds of lobster roll. And if you’re looking for the best frozen lobster meat to use, we found that in a recent taste test.
What to serve with lobster rolls?
If you want to highlight the lobster rolls themselves with only a bit of snacky stuff on the side, it’s traditional to have dill pickles and potato chips or french fries with your lobster rolls.
If you’re putting together a little more of a feast, you can include other New England seafood shack standards like clam chowder, onion rings, fried fish, coleslaw, and potato salad.
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