Ever sat there mid-bite at Captain D’s thinking, “Man, I could eat ten of these lobster rolls”? Yeah, same. That’s why I made it my mission to crack the code—and guess what? I did.

This Captain D’s Lobster Roll Copycat Recipe gives you that same buttery, lemony, creamy goodness—without waiting in the drive-thru.

I’ve already nailed their crispy batter-fried fish, the signature tartar sauce, and even that creamy coleslaw that somehow makes you crave cabbage from their new menu. But this lobster roll? It’s the crown jewel.

Juicy chunks of real lobster, just the right kick of lemon, nestled in a perfectly toasted bun—this isn’t just a sandwich, it’s a flex.

And the best part? You don’t need a chef’s hat or a seafood degree. Just a few simple ingredients and ten minutes in your kitchen.

Let me show you how I made Captain D’s proud—right from my own stovetop.

Why Is This Lobster Roll So Popular?

This lobster roll is popular because it hits all the right notes—rich, fresh, and just the right amount of creamy. You get sweet chunks of real lobster, not chopped-up bits.

The creamy mayo and citrusy lemon give it that perfect balance without overpowering the natural flavor.

Also, it’s quick to make. You don’t have to mess with a bunch of ingredients or cook all day. And that toasted bun? Buttery, crispy on the outside, soft inside—it holds everything together without falling apart.

People love it because it’s simple, satisfying, and feels like a treat without being complicated.

Captain D’s Lobster Roll Copycat Recipe: Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make 4 delicious lobster rolls:

🦞 For the Lobster Salad:

600g (about 1 1/3 lbs) cooked lobster meat
I used tail and claw meat. You want big, juicy chunks—not tiny pieces.
120g (½ cup) thick mayonnaise
This helps the salad stick together and gives it that creamy bite.
20g (2 tablespoons) minced fresh chives
Chives add a little oniony flavor and a fresh taste.
10g (1 ½ teaspoons) salt
Just enough to season everything, but not too much to overpower the lobster.
4g (½ teaspoon) freshly cracked black pepper
Gives a bit of spice and brings out the flavor of the lobster.
Zest of 1 large lemon
Adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the mayo.
15g (1 tablespoon) fresh lemon juice
Adds tang and freshness. It really wakes up the dish.

🌭 For the Buns:

4 top-split hot dog buns
These are the classic rolls. If you can’t find them, regular buns work too.
Softened butter
You’ll need this for toasting. It makes the buns golden and tasty.
Butter lettuce leaves (optional)
I sometimes use this to line the buns. It adds crunch and stops the bun from getting soggy.

🌿 Garnish:

Extra minced chives
Makes it look fresh and adds a little extra onion flavor.
Fresh cracked black pepper
Just a touch to finish it off.

How to Make Captain D’s Lobster Roll Copycat Recipe

Follow these simple steps. Don’t worry—this is beginner-friendly.

Step 1: Cook the Lobster

If you’re using raw lobster:

Boil water with salt and juice from 2 lemons.
Heat water to around 185°F—not a rolling boil.
Live lobsters (2–2.5 lbs): Boil for 8–9 minutes.
Lobster tails: Boil for 4 minutes.
Cool the meat. Whole lobsters cool at room temp for 15 mins. Tails go in an ice bath.
Crack open and clean the lobster. Cut into big chunks. Remove any dark bits.

Step 2: Make the Lobster Salad

In a large bowl, mix:

Chopped lobster meat
Mayo
Chives
Salt
Black pepper
Lemon zest
Lemon juice

Gently stir. Don’t mash it—just mix until coated.

Step 3: Toast the Buns

Butter the outer sides of each bun.
Heat a pan over medium.
Press each side gently with a spatula and toast for 1–2 minutes per side until golden.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Add a butter lettuce leaf in each bun if you’re using it.
Fill each roll with about ¾ cup of the lobster mix.
Sprinkle with extra chives and cracked pepper. Done!

Tips for Making It Perfect

Don’t overmix the lobster. You want big, juicy pieces—not mush.
Use real lemon juice, not bottled. It makes a big difference in taste.
Toast the buns fresh—do this right before serving so they stay crisp.
Chill the salad for 10–15 minutes before stuffing the rolls—it helps the flavors blend.
Lobster too expensive? Try half lobster, half shrimp to keep it affordable.

What To Serve

Here are some easy and tasty sides to serve with your lobster rolls:

Crispy kettle chips
Fresh coleslaw
Pickle spears
Sweet corn on the cob
Potato salad
A cold glass of lemonade or iced tea

These pairings keep things light and fresh. I love a crunchy chip or a tangy slaw with the creamy roll. It’s a great combo that doesn’t take away from the main star—the lobster!

Captain D’s Lobster Roll Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use frozen lobster meat?
Yes! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before using. Frozen lobster tails work great and are often cheaper than whole lobsters.

2. What kind of mayo should I use?
Use a good-quality, thick mayo. I prefer Duke’s or Hellmann’s for that creamy texture and tang.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can make the lobster salad a few hours ahead and chill it. Don’t assemble the rolls until you’re ready to serve.

4. Is there a cheaper version of this recipe?
Yes, you can mix in some cooked shrimp or imitation crab with the lobster. It’ll still taste great and save money.

5. How do I know when lobster is cooked?
The meat turns white and firm. Overcooked lobster gets rubbery, so watch your timer!

6. What if I don’t have chives?
You can use finely chopped green onions or skip them altogether. The lemon and lobster still shine through.

7. Can I use regular hot dog buns?
Yes. Just slice them at the top if you want that classic look. Toasting is key no matter what kind you use.

8. What can I add for extra flavor?
A tiny bit of Old Bay seasoning or a dash of hot sauce can add a little zing if you like.

9. How do I reheat leftover lobster salad?
Don’t heat it—it’s meant to be served cold or room temp. Heating can ruin the texture.

10. Can kids enjoy this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re okay with seafood. The flavor is mild and creamy—not spicy or strong.

Conclusion

This Captain D’s Lobster Roll Recipe is my go-to when I’m craving something fresh, creamy, and a little special. It’s easy, quick, and totally worth it. Whether you’re using whole lobster or frozen tails, the result is always tasty.

I hope you give it a try at home—because once you take that first bite, you’ll know exactly why I keep making this one over and over. If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out!

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Captain D’s Lobster Roll Recipe (Copycat Version)

Why Is This Lobster Roll So Popular?