While traveling in New York, and we enjoyed a tasty mahogany clam boil and steamed lobster at a family gathering on the deck. Nothing brings a crowd like announcing that you’re serving fresh seafood.

Once we returned home, I was still craving seafood. But in this landlocked state, lobster is a high-priced delight. So, I made Poor Man’s Lobster Rolls using imitation crab meat, Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery leaves, lemon juice, and seasoning. Scrumptious!

This version of a lobster roll is reminiscent of one from Maine since it is mayonnaise-based and served in a split-top, buttered hot dog roll. I prefer fresh dill weed (substitute dry dill weed, if necessary) celery seed, and Old Bay Seasoning with a pinch of pepper for the seasoning base. Stuff it full.

Poor Man’s Lobster Rolls

onedelightfullife.com

Lobster (or crab) is pretty expensive, so try this budget-friendly take on the New England lobster roll. Don't forget to butter toast your rolls!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course sandwich, seafood

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

• 7 oz. imitation crab meat
• 1/3 c. mayo
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 T. scallions
• 1 T. celery leaves
• 1/4 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning
• 1/4 tsp. celery seed
• 1/8 tsp. dry dill weed
• pinch black pepper

Instructions

 

• Run a knife through the imitation lobster meat to give it a rough dice.
• Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
• Optional garnish: celery leaves, celery seeds, and scallions.
• Serve cold spooned into center cut, buttered crusted hot dog rolls. (You can also lay a bib lettuce leaf inside the bun prior to spooning the lobster mixture into the roll.)

Notes

Substitute imitation crab meat instead for a cheaper version of the Maine classic sandwich. Drain off any brine juice before using it. 

Tell me in the comments section if you enjoyed this recipe. It’s so tasty!