Homemade Gluten Free Lobster Rolls

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Like Connecticut's version, these Gluten Free Lobster Rolls are warm and buttery. They're AMAZING and you won't believe they're gluten free!

lobster rolls on white platter surrounded by lemon wedges.

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Have you ever had a lobster roll? I hadn't until now, but I always imagined them to be special. My husband used to go out of town for work a lot and ended up in the Groton, Connecticut area for a while. While there, he was able to sample both kinds of lobster rolls, the Connecticut version of course, but also the mayo-based Maine version.

There was a clear winner in his mind. The warm, buttery Connecticut version beat out the cold, mayonnaise of the Maine version, hands down. He said it was exceptional and he visited the little hole-in-the-wall spot several times before his time there came to an end.

Since I couldn't go and since it wouldn't have mattered anyway (unless there was a gluten free bun), I decided to make my own. All I can say is "where have you been all my life, you wonderful buttery lobster rolls?!!"

what you'll need to make lobster rolls

ingredients for lobster rolls measured out and labeled on white marble.

Lobster - you can't very well make a lobster roll without it. I found a package of frozen lobster meat and that worked perfectly fine, but if you want to go the route of buying whole live lobsters, cooking them, and then picking the meat, go for it.
Gluten free brioche buns - these are the best option for a lobster roll, in my opinion. If you want to use something else, again, byoc (be your own chef).
Tarragon - fresh tarragon is so, so good in these. I would not suggest leaving it out (or using dried tarragon--it's just not the same).

making gluten free lobster rolls

spreading butter on flat sides of hot dog buns.

Spread softened butter on both sides of brioche buns. Toast buns in a skillet over medium heat. Transfer buns to cutting board and cut slits in top of each bun.

melting butter in stainless steel skillet.

adding tarragon to lobster meat in skillet.

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add lobster neat and salt, and saute until lobster is just heated throughout, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle in fresh tarragon. Divide lobster meat evenly between toasted buns. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

lobster rolls FAQs

Aren't lobster rolls made with mayonnaise?

Maine lobster rolls are traditionally cold and made with mayonnaise and celery. These lobster rolls are more like Connecticut style, which are served warm with plenty of butter.

What kind of buns are most often used in lobster rolls?

Traditionally, lobster rolls use a New England-style bun, which is a hot dog bun that is slit on top and flat on the sides, allowing for laying them flat to toast.

Can shrimp or another seafood be substituted for lobster?

I haven't tried it, but I bet shrimp or langostino lobster meat would work nicely as a substitute for cold-water lobster meat.

more gluten free seafood recipes

picking up lobster roll from white plate.

Whether you make the buns from scratch or use a store bought bun, these warm and buttery Gluten Free Lobster Rolls will impress everyone!