How Much Lobster You Really Need For Lobster Rolls - Tasting Table

Whether you're a lobster roll purist or long for a creative and spicy sandwich, the first step in crafting the perfect sandwich is sourcing the freshest lobster you can find.

Maine (American) lobsters thrive in the icy cold waters from Nova Scotia to North Carolina. Lobster Anywhere's Lobster 101 guide suggests cold-water lobster, like Maine lobster, has a firmer texture and is sweeter and more tasty and plump than warm water lobsters. The best time of year to buy lobster is from May to June and October to November. However, lobster is available all summer-long. Lobster fisheries like The Lobster Guy, Get Maine Lobster, and Maine Lobster Now ship catch-of-the-day lobsters right to your door. Lobster fisheries ship flash-frozen and fresh lobsters across the globe so you should be able to find one in your neighborhood.

Steam, boil, or grill your fresh lobsters or purchase pre-cooked, cleaned lobsters from your local seafood market. For best results, make sure the lobsters are cooked to order. You can also use frozen lobster meat chunks and flakes in a pinch but the flavors may not be as rich.

Once your lobster is cooked, let it cool without draining it or cooling it in an icy bath. You want to maintain the texture and flavors gained through cooking. If you opt for precooked or frozen lobster meat, thaw it completely according to the directions on the package and pat it dry with paper towels.