Grilled Lobster Rolls
On November 20, 2024
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Buttery, grilled lobster in a mayo-based, lemon herb dressing, these Grilled Lobster Rolls bring a flavorful twist to a New England classic.
Lobster Rolls on the Grill
If you’re looking for a delicious, unique, and convenient way to enjoy seafood, look no further than my Grilled Lobster Rolls. This isn’t your typical New England sandwich, but trust me, once you try these smoky, buttery beauties hot off the grill, you’ll be hooked. The tender lobster meat gets a gorgeous char that adds incredible depth, while my citrus-herb mayo dressing brings the perfect balance of brightness and creaminess. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just want to treat yourself to something special, these rolls are guaranteed to impress. The best part is they’re sure easy to make right on the grill in your own backyard. Let’s get started.
What is a lobster roll?
There’s some debate in New England about what makes the perfect lobster roll. You’ve got your Maine-style, which is served cold with mayo. The Connecticut-style comes warm with melted butter. My version takes a little something from each for the best of both worlds, with a grilled twist. I use mayo in the dressing, but serve it while the lobster is still warm from the grill, which creates this incredible creamy sauce as the mayo slightly melts into the hot lobster meat. It’s not traditional, but hey, sometimes breaking the rules leads to something amazing. This lobster roll on the grill is no exception.
The Best Lobster for rolls
When it comes to grilling, I love using split lobster tails. Unless you’re lucky enough to live someplace like Maine where you can get fresh whole lobsters, tails are your best bet. They’re meatier and more forgiving on the grill than whole Maine lobsters, plus they’re easier to find at most grocery stores. The firm meat holds up beautifully to the high heat and takes on that amazing smoky flavor we’re after. I’ve also got an awesome smoked option if you want to add a little more smoky flavor.
Preparing Lobster for Cooking
Getting your lobster ready for the grill is simple and only takes a few steps. Using a sharp knife, cut straight down the middle of each tail, creating a butterfly effect that exposes the meat. This not only helps it cook evenly but also lets all that wonderful butter and seasoning seep in. When it comes to the seasoning, I keep things simple. Just melted butter, kosher salt, and fresh black pepper. Sometimes the simplest approach lets the sweet lobster meat take centerstage.
How Long to Grill Lobster
Timing is everything when it comes to grilling lobster. I grilled the lobsters on my Weber 22″ charcoal grill over indirected for around 10 minutes, flipping in between. You want to give your lobster enough time to cook through completely without turning rubbery. Look for your lobster to become slightly opaque, and to reach an internal temperature of 140 degrees F. Every grill runs a bit different, so having a reliable meat thermometer is your best friend here. Nobody wants overcooked, rubbery lobster.
Dressing for Filling
This dressing use basic pantry ingredients to maximize the flavor of your lobster roll. It’s creamy, bright, and herby, perfectly complementing the sweet, smoky lobster meat. Here’s what you’ll need:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons scallions (thinly sliced)
- 1 Tablespoon parsley (minced)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- black pepper (to taste)
How to Make Lobster Rolls on the Grill
Follow these simple instructions, and you’ll enjoy perfect lobster rolls every time right off your very own grill:
- Preheat grill. Setting up your grill for two-zone cooking at 350 degrees F gives you the control you need for perfectly cooked lobster. This setup lets you manage any flare-ups while still getting that beautiful char you’re after.
- Prepare lobster. Butterflying your tails might look fancy, but it’s actually super straightforward. That simple brush of melted butter and seasonings is all you need to let the natural sweetness of the lobster shine through.
- Grill lobster tails. Time for the heat. Starting shell-side up over indirect heat allows the meat to slowly begin cooking while picking up that amazing smoky flavor. When you flip them, get ready for that satisfying sizzle as the meat starts to caramelize.
- Chop lobster. Once your lobster hits that perfect temperature, give it just a quick rest before chopping. You want nice, chunky pieces that’ll give your rolls that perfect texture in every bite.
- Make filling. This is where we bring all those fresh, bright flavors together. The warm lobster meat will slightly melt the mayo, creating this incredible, creamy sauce that coats every piece perfectly.
- Serve and enjoy. Pile that warm, dressed lobster into your toasted buns. I recommend a brioche bun. You can really use any kind of sandwich bun, but it’s a lobster roll. I say splurge here. The contrast between the buttery, toasted bun and the creamy, warm filling is heaven.
More Seafood Recipes
My goal at Hey Grill Hey is helping you make better BBQ to feed the people you love, which includes seafood like these Grilled Lobster Rolls. I’ve got dozens of recipes to make in the backyard perfect for lovers of all things seafood. Whether you’re looking for more shellfish options or something different, you’re sure to find it in the Hey Grill Hey App. Here are some of my family’s most loved seafood recipes so you can try them next:
Easy Grilled Lobster Roll Recipe
Make Grilled Lobster Rolls on the grill like a true pro by follow the recipe card below. Make sure to rate the recipe and drop a comment below so you can let me know how yours turned out. And don’t forget to share your masterpieces on Facebook and Instagram with @heygrillhey. Seeing your creations inspires both myself and the whole community to get out on the grill.
If you’re really serious about taking your backyard BBQ game to the next level, check out my courses over at The Grill Squad. With simple instructional videos and step-by-step guides, I help you master all your favorite meats. Check it out if you’re ready to become a Backyard BBQ Hero.
Grilled Lobster Rolls
Ingredients
- 3 lobster tails split
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- pinch Kosher salt
- pinch black pepper
- 4 split-top hot dog buns
Lemon Herb Dressing
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons scallions thinly sliced
- 1 Tablespoon parsley minced
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Kosher salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill. Set your grill up for two-zone grilling, with an overall temperature of around 350 degrees F.
- Prepare lobster. Using a sharp knife, cut your tails open for grilling. Brush with melted butter, season with salt and pepper.3 lobster tails, 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, pinch Kosher salt, pinch black pepper
- Grill lobster tails. Place the lobster tails shell-side over indirect heat, then close the lid. Grill for 4-5 minutes, then flip with your tongs so the shells are down and grill 4-5 more minutes. You want your lobster to be slightly opaque and to have an internal temperature around 140 degrees F. Remove to a cutting and roughly dice. Grill your rolls, if desired.
- Make dressing. Add all your dressing ingredients in a medium-sized bowl, and stir to combine. Add in chopped lobster, and gently stir to ensure all pieces are coated in dressing.¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 Tablespoons scallions, 1 Tablespoon parsley, 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, Kosher salt, black pepper
- Add filling and enjoy. Add your lobster filling to your rolls warm, serve, and enjoy.4 split-top hot dog buns
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
