The “Lobster Roll Burger” is a testament to culinary creativity, blending the classic comfort of a burger with the luxurious flavors of a traditional lobster roll. This unique dish draws inspiration from the coastal cuisine of New England, where lobster rolls reign as a summertime favorite, balancing simplicity and indulgence. By merging these two icons of American food culture—a juicy beef burger and a rich lobster roll—this recipe elevates casual dining into a gourmet experience.
The roots of the lobster roll date back to the early 20th century in New England, where fishermen and seaside diners transformed freshly caught lobster into a creamy salad served on a soft roll. Characterized by buttery goodness, refreshing crunch, and vibrant citrus notes, the lobster roll became a hallmark of coastal dining. Meanwhile, the humble burger is often celebrated as a symbol of hearty, all-American comfort food. By combining these ideas, the Lobster Roll Burger offers diners the best of both worlds: the richness of premium seafood and the satisfying bite of a perfectly cooked patty.
The essence of this recipe lies in balance and elevating familiar flavors. The lobster mixture is kept light and refreshing, crafted with premium, freshly cooked lobster meat, creamy mayonnaise, tangy lemon juice, and crunchy celery. A sprinkle of fresh chives and a pinch of salt and pepper bring the flavors together, completing this exquisite seafood topping. By keeping the preparation simple, the natural sweetness and brininess of the lobster shine, evoking memories of breezy ocean days.
The other half of this dish—the burger—offers hearty satisfaction with lean, high-quality beef patties. Cooking the patties to your desired level of doneness in olive oil enhances their flavor and texture. Injecting this layer of umami-rich beef into the dish provides a reassuring counterpoint to the delicacy of the lobster, creating a well-rounded and extraordinarily satisfying bite.
The use of buttery brioche buns and tender butter lettuce adds an extra touch of indulgence. The soft, lightly toasted buns offer the perfect vehicle for the decadent pile of lobster salad and beef patty, while the butter lettuce introduces a fresh, crisp contrast to the richness of the other components.
For those looking to experiment, the recipe is versatile. Toasting the buns on a grill lends subtle smokiness that complements the lobster, while substituting beef patties with grilled portobello mushrooms transforms the dish into a vegetarian delight. These variations ensure the Lobster Roll Burger can cater to a range of tastes, occasions, and dietary preferences.
Ultimately, the Lobster Roll Burger captures a spirit of culinary exploration. By reimagining two beloved dishes, it honors their traditions while crafting something new and exciting. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or seeking to impress guests with a gourmet twist, this recipe is a celebration of bold flavors and innovation, rooted in the charm of coastal dining. Perfectly indulgent yet approachable, the Lobster Roll Burger is sure to make waves at any table.
Lobster Roll Burger
Ingredients
Lobster Mixture
- 2 pounds lobster meat freshly cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup mayonnaise preferably organic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons celery finely diced
- 1 tablespoon chives freshly chopped
- 1 pinch salt to taste
- 1 pinch ground black pepper to taste
Burger Components
- 4 medium brioche buns lightly toasted
- 4 leaves butter lettuce
- 4 medium beef patties exceptionally lean, about 6 oz each
- 1 pinch salt to taste
- 1 pinch ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Lobster Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chopped lobster meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, and chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest.
- Cook the Beef Patties: Season the beef patties generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 200°C or 400°F). Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- Assemble the Burger: Place a leaf of butter lettuce on the bottom half of each toasted brioche bun. Top with a beef patty, then generously spoon the chilled lobster mixture over the patty. Cover with the bun top.