Lobster Roll with Tarragon Mayo, Brioche Buns, and Smashed Potatoes

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 2 lb live lobsters (about 1.5 lb each)
• 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp fresh tarragon leaves, finely chopped
• 1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 4 brioche buns
• 1.5 lb yukon gold potatoes, small
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Add the lobsters and cook for 8–10 minutes, until the shells turn bright red.
3. Remove the lobsters with tongs, plunge them into ice water to halt cooking, then set aside.
4. Extract the meat from the tails and claws, discarding shells and veins; chop the meat into bite‑size pieces.
5. Whisk together mayonnaise, chopped tarragon, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and black pepper to form tarragon mayo; refrigerate.
6. Toss the lobster meat gently with a spoonful of the tarragon mayo to coat lightly.
7. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
8. Scrub the potatoes, halve them, and spread the halves on a baking sheet; drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and minced garlic.
9. Roast the potatoes for 20 minutes, then press each half gently with the back of a spoon to flatten.
10. Roast the smashed potatoes an additional 10 minutes, until the edges are crisp and golden.
11. Toast the brioche buns cut side down in a skillet with butter until lightly browned.
12. Spread a thin layer of tarragon mayo on each bun bottom.
13. Heap the lobster meat onto the buns, then drizzle with a little more mayo if desired.
14. Place the toasted brioche tops on the sandwiches.
15. Serve the lobster rolls alongside the smashed potatoes, garnished with chopped parsley and a pinch of smoked paprika.

Notes

For the brightest flavor, use fresh tarragon and lemon juice right before assembling. If live lobsters are unavailable, substitute with high‑quality cooked lobster meat, but reduce the boiling step accordingly.