Introduction
Get ready to bring the Jersey Shore into your backyard with this flavor-packed New Jersey-Style Lobster Roll. Made entirely on the Arteflame Grill, this recipe celebrates the taste of fresh-grilled lobster meat seared to perfection over 1,000°F and finished low and slow on the griddle for juicy, tender bites. Nestled in a lightly buttered, toasted split-top bun and drizzled with rich lemon butter, it's the ultimate summer treat that tastes as amazing as it looks.
Ingredients
- 4 whole cooked lobsters (1.25 lb each), meat removed from tail, claw, and knuckle
- 4 split-top hot dog buns
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (plus more for buns)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
- Fresh chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
- Pour a little vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
- Place the soaked napkins into the center of your Arteflame Grill.
- Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper to start the fire.
- Wait approximately 20 minutes until your cooktop has reached temperature and the center grill grate is over 1,000°F—perfect for searing.
Step 2: Prep the Lemon Butter
- On the flat cooktop griddle near medium heat zones, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to create a bright, flavorful lemon butter.
- Keep warm on the outer edge of the cooktop.
Step 3: Sear and Cook the Lobster Meat
- Place the lobster meat on the center grill grate for a quick high-heat sear (about 20-30 seconds per side) to develop flavor and lock in juices.
- Move the meat onto the flat griddle cooktop to finish cooking evenly and gently.
- Use a thermometer and remove the lobster when it reaches 15°F below your desired internal temperature to allow residual cooking to finish the job.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
- Butter the insides of the split-top buns generously.
- Place them face down on the flat griddle toward the medium-heat zone.
- Toast until golden and crisp, about 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble the Lobster Rolls
- Fill each bun with a generous portion of grilled lobster meat.
- Drizzle warm lemon butter over the top of each roll.
- Garnish with chopped chives if desired and serve immediately.
Tips
- Use a digital thermometer to pull the lobster at 120°F if aiming for 135°F doneness.
- Keep moving items between the hotter and cooler zones of the cooktop to maintain control over doneness.
- Use high-quality butter for the best flavor boost.
- Don’t walk away—lobster cooks fast!
- Use the griddle to warm buns gently or crisp them up depending on preference.
Variations
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Spicy Jersey Roll: Add a drizzle of sriracha mayo and a pinch of cayenne to the lemon butter for a spicy kick.
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Avocado Lobster Roll: Add avocado slices and a dash of lime juice for a creamy, fresh twist.
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Bacon Lobster Roll: Include crispy bacon crumbles for a smoky-salty contrast.
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Herb Medley Roll: Toss lobster meat with fresh dill, parsley, and tarragon before stuffing the buns.
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Garlic Butter Lobster Roll: Infuse the butter with minced garlic before drizzling for a bold garlicky flavor.
Best pairings
- Grilled corn on the cob with herb butter
- Chilled pasta salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Light, crisp rosé or citrusy IPA
- Pickled vegetables for tangy contrast
- Lemon sorbet or key lime pie for dessert
Conclusion
This New Jersey-style lobster roll is all about fresh flavors and proper grilling. Thanks to the Arteflame Grill’s searing and even-cooking capabilities, you’ll achieve restaurant-level results right in your backyard.