Sarasota's Seafood aka Lobster Rolls |
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Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 20 Minutes Servings: 4 |
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Lobster is expensive and lobster lovers know how good a traditional lobster roll is. But now-a-days, you can get shrimp, fish and even crab meat that is fairly inexpensive and reasonable. I try to take advantage of what's on sale at my local market. My favorite is a mix of snapper or grouper (which I catch fresh quite often), but halibut, cod, even tilapia will work fine for this; any whitefish basically. Shrimp, usually a medium size (but again, buy what is on sale), and crab. I can often find mine fresh, but a good canned crab is fine. And if you don't like crab, shrimp or fish, try scallops as an alternative. Bay scallops (the small ones are inexpensive, quick cooking and are perfect for this sandwich. What is so nice about this sandwich, is you can use any mix you want. Three (3) cups of seafood will make 8 hearty sandwiches. Crunchy celery, a touch of green onions, fresh lemon and herbs make this a simple salad. And, since you are going to all the work of using good seafood, but a good hot dog roll. I am not that much of a purist, but I do get a bakery hot dog bun vs. the 8 per package rolls. They just really are key to a good sandwich. I prefer to serve a little lettuce on the bottom of my roll, shredded, but that is just my preference - it is not necessary. I also prefer to buy all my own seafood (shrimp, fish or scallops) uncooked and season myself, but you can also use precooked. Stuff the lightly buttered rolls with a little lettuce on the bottom, top with the fresh seafood salad and a side of fries or chips and a pickle. Ingredients:
8 hot dog rolls (bakery style preferred) |
3 cups seafood, rough chopped (any mix of shrimp, crab, scallops or fish) |
2 medium celery ribs, chopped fine (including the leaves) |
4 large shallots, fine chopped |
2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded |
1 cup mayonnaise, no miracle whip (a bit more or less depending on how creamy you like the salad) or 1 cup low fat |
1/2-1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice |
1 pinch old bay seasoning, this is especially important if you didn't cook your own seafood (any seafood seasoning will work) |
1 pinch cayenne pepper |
1 -2 teaspoon fresh parsley, fine chopped |
1/2 cut butter, melted |
salt |
pepper |
Directions:
1. Seafood - NOTE from above: If using fresh seafood - I simply season with Old Bay or any seafood seasoning and then pan saute in a little olive oil. This will work for shrimp, scallops or any white fish. I can't give exact cooking times as they will all be different. Once cooked until tender, transfer to a plate, cover and refrigerate before using. Rough chop before adding to the dressing.
2. Salad - In a medium size bowl, mix the mayonnaise, lemon, parsley, shallots, celery, salt, pepper, cayenne, and Old Bay (if you did not cook your own seafood). Add in the cooked chilled seafood and stir well to combine. Be careful not to over mix as you do not want to break up the seafood.
3. Butter and Buns - In a measuring cup or any cup or bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Just 1 minute or so on medium. Brush the butter on the inside of the hot dog rolls/buns and put under the broiler for just a few minutes until slightly brown. I use the second shelf so they don't brown too quickly. Remove and let cool slightly.
4. Serve - I like to add 1/4 cup of the shredded lettuce in the bottom of the buns and then STUFF with the salad and enjoy! It is just a great salad. Worthy of company or a dinner party. ENJOY!
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