Butter-Poached Lobster Rolls with Spicy Sauce

Few dishes capture summer luxury better than the lobster roll. Chef Geoffrey Zakarian elevates the New England classic with a French-inspired touch: butter-poached lobster. Instead of simply tossing lobster in mayo, Zakarian gently poaches sweet lobster meat in an emulsified butter bath, then finishes it in a toasted brioche roll with crisp lettuce, a drizzle of spicy mustard mayo, and a sprinkle of fresh chives.

The result? A lobster roll that’s buttery, spicy, and utterly decadent. Perfect for a beach picnic, dinner party, or simply when you want to treat yourself at home.

🦞 Quick Recipe Card: Butter-Poached Lobster Rolls

Recipe: Chef Geoffrey Zakarian’s Butter-Poached Lobster Rolls
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 3 live lobsters (1 ½ lbs each)

• 3 sticks cold unsalted butter, cubed (+ softened butter for rolls)

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp mustard powder

• 1 tbsp + 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

• 4 brioche hot dog rolls, split & toasted

• 8 Bibb lettuce leaves

• Chives, snipped (for garnish)

• Kosher salt & black pepper

• Lemon wedges, for serving

Special Equipment

• Large pot + ice bath

• Blender (to emulsify butter)

• Slotted spoon

✅ Pro Tip: Poach the lobster gently—low and slow in butter—to keep the meat silky and tender. Overcooking is the biggest enemy of the perfect lobster roll.

Step 1: Boil & Chill Lobster

Cook lobsters in salted boiling water until bright red but slightly underdone (about 6 minutes). Transfer immediately to an ice bath to stop cooking. Remove meat from tails, claws, and knuckles, then cut into chunks.

Step 2: Make the Butter-Poaching Sauce

Melt 1 stick of butter with 2 tbsp water, then emulsify in a blender by adding the remaining cold butter gradually. Return to saucepan, warm over low heat, and season with salt and pepper. Add lobster meat and cook gently until just done (about 5 minutes).

Step 3: Mix Spicy Mustard Mayo

Whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, mustard powder, lemon juice, and a splash of water. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble Rolls

Brush brioche rolls with butter and toast until golden. Line each roll with lettuce, fill with warm butter-poached lobster, drizzle with spicy mayo, and finish with fresh chives. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Why This Lobster Roll Is Special

Zakarian’s butter-poaching method transforms the lobster roll into something almost ethereal: silky lobster meat, buttery brioche, spicy mustard kick. It balances richness with brightness, creating a roll that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

Whether you’re celebrating summer or craving a taste of the coast, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality lobster rolls at home.

Make It with Maine Lobster

The secret to the best lobster rolls? The freshest lobster. At Pine State Seafood, we deliver premium live Maine lobsters and lobster meat right to your door, so you can recreate Zakarian’s butter-poached lobster rolls anytime.

Because sometimes, comfort food deserves a little decadence.