Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails (6–8 oz each)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus 2 tablespoons extra for toasting the rolls
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 split-top hot dog buns or soft brioche rolls
- Optional: a pinch of garlic powder or an extra squeeze of lemon juice for a bright kick
Instructions
- Fill a large pot halfway with water.
- Bring the water to a gentle simmer (not a full boil).
- Add 1 teaspoon salt to the simmering water.
- Lower lobster tails into the simmering water and cook for 6–8 minutes until shells turn bright red and meat is opaque.
- Remove lobster tails with tongs and cool until safe to handle.
- Cut down the center of each shell with kitchen scissors and pull out the meat into a bowl.
- Chop lobster meat into approximately 1-inch bite-sized chunks and cover the bowl lightly.
- Melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper.
- If desired, add a pinch of garlic powder or some chopped parsley; keep the butter warm 1–2 minutes without letting it bubble.
- Pour half the warm butter sauce over the chopped lobster and stir gently to coat; reserve the remaining butter sauce.
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Place split-top rolls cut-side down in the skillet and toast for 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp around the edges.
- Spoon generous portions of the butter-coated lobster into each toasted roll.
- Drizzle the reserved butter sauce over the filled rolls and sprinkle with chopped parsley or squeeze extra lemon juice if desired.
Notes
Avoid overcooking the lobster to prevent tough or rubbery texture., Use real unsalted butter for best flavor and control of seasoning., Toast rolls shortly before serving to maintain crunch and warmth., Reheat lobster gently in a skillet with a bit of butter over low heat to preserve tenderness; avoid microwaving., Flavor variations include adding minced garlic and fresh thyme to butter sauce, mixing in mayonnaise for a creamier roll, adding cayenne for spice, grilling lobster tails instead of simmering, and using slider buns for smaller servings., Store cooked lobster meat and butter sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below for 3 to 4 days., Cook and prepare lobster meat up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it chilled separately from butter sauce., Freeze cooked lobster meat tightly sealed for 2–3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently., Do not leave lobster at room temperature longer than 2 hours (1 hour if hot outside) and reheat leftovers only once for safety., Common side dishes include coleslaw, potato chips, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American Coastal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lobster roll
- Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving
- Fat: About 25 grams per serving
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30 grams per serving
- Protein: About 28 grams per serving