Directions

• Prepare and Cook the Lobsters
  Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the live lobsters and cook for about 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The lobsters are done when the shells turn bright in color and the tails curl. Immediately transfer them to ice-cold water to stop the cooking and prevent the meat from becoming tough.
• Break Down the Lobsters
  Once cooled, remove the claws, legs, and tails. Set the shells aside if desired, and extract all the meat from the claws, knuckles, and tails using kitchen tools like scissors, a mallet, or a cracker. If using lobster tails only, cut down each side of the shell with scissors to release the meat easily.
• Chop the Lobster Meat
  Cut all the lobster meat into bite-sized chunks. Check carefully for any shell fragments and divide the meat based on how many lobster rolls you plan to make.
• Make the Maine-Style Mayo Dressing
  In a bowl, combine mayonnaise with lemon zest and juice from about half a lemon, making sure no seeds get in. Add diced celery, fresh dill, parsley, and Old Bay seasoning. Whisk until smooth. Adjust with more mayonnaise and lemon juice if needed, then add a small splash of sweet pickle juice for brightness.
• Combine Lobster with Mayo Dressing
  Gently fold the lobster meat into the dressing, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed. Add more Old Bay if desired. Be careful not to break the lobster pieces. Refrigerate the mixture while preparing the buns and the second style.
• Prepare the Connecticut-Style Butter Mixture
  Mince the roasted garlic. In a skillet, melt about two tablespoons of butter, then add the garlic and optional diced celery. Cook for a minute or two, then stir in chopped chives and Old Bay seasoning.
• Warm Lobster for Connecticut Style
  Add lobster meat to the butter mixture and toss gently until evenly coated and warmed through.
• Toast the Buns
  Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add butter and toast both sides of the top-split hot dog buns until golden.
• Assemble the Connecticut Lobster Rolls
  Fill each toasted bun with the warm buttered lobster. Finish with an extra drizzle of melted butter and a sprinkle of diced chives.
• Assemble the Maine Lobster Rolls
  Generously load the toasted buns with the chilled mayo-based lobster mixture. Top with diced chives for color and flavor, then serve immediately.