Ahh… memories of our New England summers, when we lived in Maine and could amble to the end of the street to buy lobster from shops on the piers over the tidal creeks of coastal Maine… or bicycle to nearby seafood shacks for lobster rolls. Now our ocean is the desert; vast, varied, and always interesting… but no lobster: Enter my Summer Crab Roll.
I reimagined all the wonderful flavors I usually pair with crab, then added some mayonnaise and stuffed the mixture into a grilled New England-style hot dog roll. This, paired with a rosé from La Domaine de Triennes, made for a simple and refreshing dinner during our recent blistering heatwave. To read more about the rosé, click here for the Provence WineZine.
In New England, hot dog rolls are different. They come attached to one another and are sliced lengthwise on the opposite side from standard hot dog rolls. This allows you to grill the bready outsides. These are what lobster rolls – and now my crab rolls – are made with, and you can see how they look in the photo above.
You can make your own New England-style rolls using this recipe, or use a standard roll and splay it to toast the inside rather than the outside. Next time I make these Summer Crab Rolls, I will make a version of the buns using the dough from the Simplified Brioche Loaf. Whatever roll you use, I am positive this recipe will not leave you feeling’ crabby.
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Marcelle
August 7, 2021 at 6:34 amThis certainly looks like summer on a bun to me! Although, I might just eat the delicious crab salad portion with a fork 🙂
Cocoa & Lavender
August 7, 2021 at 4:08 pmGood for you skipping the carbs. 🙂 But this is one carb that might be worth it!
Suzo
August 7, 2021 at 8:14 amBut you left out mention of the chips – what type of chips do you adorn your plate with?
Cocoa & Lavender
August 7, 2021 at 4:09 pmThey are kettle chips, Susan – definitely the only type of chip I like!
John / Kitchen Riffs
August 7, 2021 at 8:35 amI LOVE lobster rolls! And these crab rolls look like a terrific alternative. It surprises me that I’ve never made a lobster (or crab) roll myself — always something I’ve bought. Need to correct that shortcoming on my part and make these. Such a nice, simple, flavorful recipe — thanks. Oh, and forgot to mention I really like the yellow napkin with the blue plate.
Cocoa & Lavender
August 7, 2021 at 4:10 pmThanks, John – I love the Provençal linens, too. I have a matching tablecloth but we have sued it so often that it is quite faded. I am definitely a fan of lobster rolls… lobster in general, actually. My 63rd birthday is coming up – maybe I should treat myself!
Provençal Pairings: Wine with FoodTucked Away - Provence WineZine
August 7, 2021 at 8:55 am[…] In addition to being in the mood for rosé, I was also in the mood for seafood. Truth be told, a lobster roll on a bright summer’s day with a good rosé sounded perfect, but lobster has been scarce here lately. So I decided to go with crab, and created a really flavorful lemon, tarragon and saffron Crab Roll, lobster roll-style. Please head over to Cocoa & Lavender for the recipe. […]
gloria Roa Baker
August 7, 2021 at 12:39 pmlooks absolutely delicious and I love how you take the pictures, lovely!!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 7, 2021 at 4:11 pmThanks so much, Gloria! I really appreciate your kind comment!
Chef Mimi
August 7, 2021 at 1:11 pmI had my first lobster roll only about 5 years ago. Heavenly! I can only imagine how wonderful crab would be. But I can’t get over that lovely bread you made! Gorgeous!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 7, 2021 at 4:13 pmWow! Only five years ago? I have been having them since I was a kid. And, in Maine, even the MacDonald’s sells lobster rolls in the summer. (Not bad, actually – but not great!) The last meal I made my mother before she died was a lobster roll. They became all the more my favorite then. Glad you liek the rolls. I do like to make my own – so much better. I will make a batch of brioche dough and then make a couple of hot dog or hamburger rolls for a meal, and then use the rest to make a loaf.
Gerlinde
August 7, 2021 at 2:45 pmI went to your homemade rolls post and got home sick looking at your photos from Germany. I love lobster rolls. I remember having them in Massachusetts when I live there decades ago.
Cocoa & Lavender
August 7, 2021 at 4:15 pmThat was such a wonderful trip to Germany, Gerlinde. Like many, “Ich hab mein Herz in Heidelberg verloren.” I can’t wait to go back. Mark had never been and was immediately smitten. Where did you live in Massachusetts? I lived all around in that region. Wouldn’t it have been fun to have met back then?
Eha
August 7, 2021 at 5:20 pmMy purse has been too meagre to reach for lobster for a long time but one of our delicious crabs can be sourced some 40 kilometres away . . . love your filling and just have to try 🙂 ! Saffron, tarragon and lemon all appeal . . . the roll will be decided on what is locally available – being a nutritionist would never ever go without the essential 40% of healthy carbs. Just wish I could reach for all of this now !!! And . . . am still smiling at your gorgeous crab dish . . . that poor, poor bear unable to reach the feast lying on its tummy . . .
Cocoa & Lavender
August 7, 2021 at 8:53 pmWhat could possibly be wrong with this combination of ingredients? Glad you like the recipe, Eha!
Melissa Leventon
August 7, 2021 at 5:21 pmI will definitely make these when Dungeness crab season rolls around again. I’ve never found a good substitute out here for the kinds of top-split rolls you find in New England so I appreciate the bread recipe as well.
Cocoa & Lavender
August 7, 2021 at 8:54 pmThe only Dungeness crab we get here is frozen, sadly. Would love to taste it fresh! Let me know what you think, Missy!
sherry
August 8, 2021 at 3:01 amoh this looks so delicious david. i love crab (and lobster) but am alone in that fondness in this house:) Hubby doesn’t eat seafood – silly sod. It has me drooling here. I have some of that sort of linen too; sis in law lives in Southern france with her hubby and son, and has given us some lovely linen.
take care
sherry
Cocoa & Lavender
August 15, 2021 at 1:32 pmIt’s so funny that your husband doesn’t eat seafood, but will eat fish. Go figure! Maybe you’ll be able to sneak one of these in for yourself some time…
Jeff the Chef
August 8, 2021 at 8:16 amThis is interesting for so many reasons. First, crab – of course. But then that bun. How interesting. That’s totally new to me. I had to look it up to find out more about it! It kind of looks like a thick piece of toasted bread, folded in half – except that it magically stays that way. I can see why you’d want to make them with brioche. I’ll bet this is delicious! Oh, and that adorable bear dish!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 15, 2021 at 1:33 pmThe bear dish is actually the cup measure of a set of measuring cups. It’s one of my favorites!
I really miss the buns they use for lobster rolls back East. But, apparently, they are easily found here in Tucson now. While I did not have to make them, I’m glad I did because the homemade ones are really excellent!
sippitysup
August 8, 2021 at 8:22 amThere’s a grocery store brand in LA called St. Pierre Brioche Buns that come sliced down the center New England style. Every time I look at them I think “I should make Lobster Rolls”. Now I’ll think “I should make Crab Rolls”. GREG
Cocoa & Lavender
August 15, 2021 at 1:34 pmAnd I, intern, will have to look for those St. Pierre brioche buns here in Tucson!
Christina
August 8, 2021 at 10:47 pmYour crab rolls look scrumptious, David! I’ve never had one, or a lobster roll, for that matter!
If it weren’t for Covid, I would have been on the East Coast now 🙁 So sad. My daughter spent last week in Nantucket and I was green with envy!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 15, 2021 at 1:34 pmSorry you can’t be on the East Coast now, Christina. We will get there eventually… In the meantime, you owe it to yourself to make a lobster or crab roll. They are so good!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen
August 9, 2021 at 4:22 pmThis looks fantastic! The filling is nicely chunky and juicy enough yet the mayo dressing isn’t overpowering. The addition of tarragon is such a lovely touch. And these rolls? Perfectly golden and so inviting!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 15, 2021 at 1:36 pmThanks so much, Ben. It is a nice combination.
Cathy
August 9, 2021 at 4:28 pmOooooh I am feeling “crabby” right now. I must make this.
Cocoa & Lavender
August 15, 2021 at 1:37 pmHaving one will make you feel much less crabby. 🙂
Raymund
August 11, 2021 at 3:33 pmOhhh nice! I would love to have one of those please
Cocoa & Lavender
August 15, 2021 at 1:37 pmCome on over, Raymund — I’ll make you one!
Hasin
August 13, 2021 at 1:06 amDavid,
Memories kindle memories. I remember meeting my friend in Goa, she lives opposite the sea and fresh seafood is a luxury that I don’t get in England here. She made the best crab roll that went down in memory, still so freshly etched.
I’m amazed at the choice of your ingredients and you don’t fail to impress. Saffron caught my attention here. Great post and advance wish for your birthday. May you continue to make more lobster and crab rolls. Hasin
Cocoa & Lavender
August 15, 2021 at 1:38 pmThank you, Hasin – for your lovely memory and for my birthday wishes! I would love to know what your friend put in her crab roll!
Valentina
August 13, 2021 at 6:12 pmI’m intrigued by those New England style rolls. (I must jump to your recipe for them.) This whole meal is calling to me, and I’ve never even been to Maine. Wish it was my dinner. Scrumptious! 🙂 ~Valentina
Cocoa & Lavender
August 15, 2021 at 1:39 pmIt never feels like summer until I’ve had a lobster roll (or now, a crab roll). I hope you can get one soon, Valentina. You will love it!
Karen (Back Road Journal)
August 15, 2021 at 11:05 amI do miss all the fresh seafood that was available to us when we lived in New England. Loved how you seasoned your crab, the meal had to be wonderful.
Cocoa & Lavender
August 15, 2021 at 1:39 pmKaren, I would think you would have a great seafood there in Florida! Maybe it’s just a different variety…
Frank
August 17, 2021 at 4:34 amSounds gorgeous, David. I’m a huge fan of lobster rolls especially when you butter and toast the buns. Heaven! And living in Maryland, you know we love our crabs, although I have to admit, I don’t think I’ve actually had a crab roll. Crab cakes are thing in these parts. But I like the idea!
Inger @ Art of Natural Liivng
August 21, 2021 at 4:14 pmThese look so good David! I can just hear the crunch of the bun then feel the juicy middle.
John
August 28, 2021 at 3:21 pmThere was a short period where lobsters in Australia were actually affordable due to them not being exported to China. Something to do with tariffs, I think? $20 each, they were, and people went mad for them. Despite having the pleasure to divulge in a lobster roll, or more, when we were in New England, I do have a softer spot for crab. Let’s call it a preference. You can serve me up these rolls anytime, David!