Calling all lobster roll enthusiasts.

New Jersey isn’t exactly known for its lobster rolls. As a NJ native, I’ve noticed most of my food-loving friends who visit from out of state look forward to eating Garden State specialities like a ripe, juicy Jersey tomato or disco fries (a diner classic made with French fries, melted cheese, and gravy).

Unfortunately, my search for a mouthwatering lobster roll in my area has been unsuccessful thus far. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and make some homemade lobster rolls to get a taste of this Northeastern favorite.

Depending on where you go, the definition of a lobster roll will differ. Food writer Emily Lee breaks down the two main versions in a FoodNetwork.com article:

Additionally, a Maine lobster roll’s bun is different from its Connecticut counterpart. “Generally, it’s served on a ‘New England’ or ‘Frankfurter’ roll, which differs slightly from a standard hot dog roll in that the sides are flat and can be buttered on the outside and then lightly toasted or grilled.” Lee explains.

Lobster rolls aren’t the most budget-friendly of dishes, but every once in a while, I feel like a little splurge is necessary. Rather than buying and steaming fresh lobsters, I purchased a Maine lobster roll kit online from McLoons Lobster Shack.

This kit had everything I needed, including cooked and cleaned lobster meat and New England-style split top rolls. The kit also came with artisan sea salt butter and packets of mayo that I could use in my sandwich – the best of both worlds.

Below are the instructions I followed for assembling a Maine lobster roll.

At first bite, I tasted the sweet and tender lobster meat, which balanced out the slight saltiness of the melted butter. The tiny amount of mayo inside of the bun also added a tangy flavor to the roll.

Although the lobster rolls weren’t huge, eating one was enough; the seafood meat and butter made it very rich.

I paid a little under $65 for a 2-pack lobster roll kit and it was worth it. I didn’t have to cook and remove the shells from whole lobsters or search for the split top rolls. Plus, I got fresh-caught lobster meat from Maine without visiting the state — which would’ve definitely cost me more than $65.

All in all, I’m happy with my at-home recreation. It was hassle-free, and if I’d been blindfolded, I honestly wouldn’t have known the difference between the lobster roll I made with the kit and the kind you get in restaurants in Connecticut and Maine. Here’s to many more lobster rolls in my future!

Part of the A360 Media Women's Service Group. Copyright © A360 Media LLC 2022. All Rights Reserved