5 Vegan Lobster Roll Recipes That Skip the Lobster, Not the Flavor

If you’ve ever been to Maine, you’ve likely seen lobster on a menu. The state is the lobster capital of the US, as it harvests more than 100 million pounds of the crustacean from the ocean every year. But Maine isn’t alone—other northeastern states, like Massachusetts and Rhode Island, are also big on lobster dishes, including the lobster roll. 

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There are a few types of lobster rolls out there; the ingredients vary depending on where you are (more on that below). But if you don’t like the idea of eating lobster—find out more about the ethical and environmental benefits of skipping the sea creature here—there are plenty of ways you can enjoy a juicy lobster roll without the lobster. Find out more in some of our favorite recipes below.

What are the different types of lobster rolls?

Lobster rolls are primarily eaten in coastal regions of the US and Canada. As mentioned above, they are a Maine classic. There, they are often served cold with mayo in a buttered bun. In Connecticut, however, mayonnaise is skipped altogether, and the lobster rolls are usually served warm with melted butter.

There is great debate between lovers of the Connecticut and Maine versions, but often, people simply enjoy both. For obvious reasons, colder lobster rolls tend to be favored in the summer, while hot rolls are favored in the winter.

Can you make lobster rolls without lobster?

Whichever lobster roll you’re craving, it’s possible to make a lobster-free version that tastes just like the real thing—if not better. 

Hearts of palm, for example, have a soft yet slightly firm texture that mimics lobster meat. The ingredient comes from the middle of palm trees, and it’s a popular seafood alternative not just because of its tender texture, but because of its ability to soak up flavor. This means that when paired with ingredients like seaweed or Old Bay seasoning (a seasoning blend especially associated with seafood, particularly crab, shrimp, and lobster), it has a bold seafood-like flavor. 

RELATED: These 5 Clam-Free Recipes Reimagine New England Classics

Hearts of palm isn’t the only ingredient that can be used to make tasty lobster-free rolls. Oyster mushrooms, tofu, artichokes, and chickpeas are all popular alternatives. Find out more in some of our favorite plant-based recipes below. 

5 vegan lobster roll recipes

Give these five plant-based recipes a go the next time you’re craving lobster rolls. 

Ilene Godofsky Moreno

1 Easy Vegan Lobster Rolls With Hearts of Palm

This recipe combines simple ingredients like hearts of palm, Old Bay seasoning, lemon, celery, and vegan mayonnaise to create a deliciously tender cold vegan lobster roll. When served with a generous helping of leafy greens, it’s a nutritious, flavorful, and easy lunchtime option.
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Connoisseurus Veg

2 Vegan Lobster Roll With Smashed Chickpeas

Hearts of palm are also the star of this tasty recipe from Connoisseurus Veg, alongside chickpeas, as well as ingredients like fresh dill, sweet paprika, and again, Old Bay seasoning. According to recipe developer Alissa Saenz, the chickpeas and hearts of palm together give the cold vegan lobster its signature tender, flaky texture. “While I honestly can’t tell you how these stack up to non-vegan lobster rolls,” says Saenz, who shares she has never eaten the animal-based dish, “I can promise that [these vegan rolls are] delicious.”
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Hot for Food

3 Vegan Lobster Roll With Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushroom stems also have a thick, chewy, seafood-like texture, which makes them a great alternative for hot vegan lobster rolls. In this recipe, Hot for Food founder Lauren Toyota creates her “ridiculously tasty lobster rolls” with a mix of both oyster mushrooms and hearts of palm, which are combined with plenty of paprika, sea salt, Old Bay, chives, and more. But the secret to a really great lobster roll with “extra crunch?” Potato chips, of course, says Toyota.
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BitterSweet

4 Vegan Lobster Roll With Shiitake Mushrooms and Artichokes

This tasty recipe from BitterSweet also uses a combination of ingredients, but this time, tender shiitake mushroom caps and artichokes, which have a seafood-like briny flavor, are the main stars of the dish. “Infused with the oceanic flavor of kelp and seasoned simply, these fresh vegetables taste downright decadent,” says recipe creator Hannah Kaminsky. Plus, whether you prefer hot or cold rolls, this recipe works deliciously both ways.
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Veeg

5 Vegan Tofu Tandoori Lobster Roll

Tofu is the secret to many meaty plant-based recipes, and it also makes a great stand-in for lobster, as this recipe from Veeg proves. The secret to that seafood taste is, once again, Old Bay seasoning, which is combined with a tandoori blend for a little extra spice. Capers are also tossed into the mix for added flavor. “We affectionately call this dish our Tandoori Masala Lob-sta Rolls,” says recipe creator Renee DeLeon. “It’s an enjoyable one to eat, especially when you give it that name!” This recipe cal also be served hot or cold.
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