This vegetarian lobster roll recipe is a brilliant plant-based alternative to a seafood classic. Using hearts of palm as a replacement, you'll achieve a similar texture and taste without needing lobster. The addition of old bay seasoning, fresh dill, and chives creates a delectably creamy dressing that pairs perfectly with the crunchy celery and hearts of palm. Served in toasted potato rolls, this vegetarian lobster roll is a treat that's sure to impress.
The key ingredient of this recipe is the hearts of palm. These are the tender cores of certain types of palm trees. They have a mild flavor and a texture similar to artichoke hearts. They are often sold canned and can be found in the canned vegetable aisle of your local supermarket. Another ingredient that might be less familiar is the Old Bay seasoning, a spice blend popular in seafood dishes, especially on the East Coast of the US.
Ingredients for Vegetarian Lobster Rolls
Hearts of palm: This is a vegetable harvested from the inner core and growing bud of certain palm trees. They provide the 'meat' of this vegetarian lobster roll.
Celery: Adds a refreshing crunch to the dish.
Fresh dill: Gives the recipe a tangy flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
Fresh chives: They provide a mild onion-like flavor to the recipe.
Old bay seasoning: This is a traditional seasoning used in seafood dishes, it gives a unique flavor to the recipe.
Salt and pepper: These are basic seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
Lemons: They are used to brighten up the flavors.
Mayonnaise: This forms the base of the creamy dressing for our lobster rolls.
Potato rolls: They are the vehicle of this tasty filling, providing a delicious contrast with their soft, sweet flavor.
Butter: Used to toast the potato rolls, giving them a rich, buttery taste.
One reader, John Gallo says:
This vegetarian lobster rolls recipe is a game-changer! The hearts of palm perfectly mimic the texture of lobster, and the blend of fresh herbs and seasoning creates an explosion of flavor. It's a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies my cravings. I highly recommend trying it out!
Key Techniques for Crafting Delicious Vegetarian Lobster Rolls
How to prepare the hearts of palm: Cut the hearts of palm into oblique chunks and add them to a large bowl.
How to toast the potato buns: Brush the insides of the potato buns with the melted butter and toast in a medium skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes, until golden.
How To Make Vegetarian Lobster Rolls
These lobster rolls are anything but seafood; as it’s a vegetarian-friendly snack loaded with hearts of palm tossed in a creamy dressing over potato rolls.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 28ozhearts of palm,(2 jars), drained
- 1large celery stalk,(or 2 small stalks)
- 2tbspfresh dill,chopped
- 2tbspfresh chives,plus more for garnish
- 1tspold bay seasoning
- salt,to taste
- pepper,to taste
- 1½lemons,juiced
- ⅓cupmayonnaise
- 4long potato rolls
- 2tbspbutter,melted
Instructions
-
Cut the hearts of palm into oblique chunks and add them to a large bowl. Mince the celery and add to the bowl with the hearts of palm.
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Add the dill, chives, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and mayonnaise and stir to combine.
-
Brush the insides of the potato buns with the melted butter.
-
Toast in a medium skillet over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden.
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Fill the buns with the hearts of palm mixture, then garnish with chives.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 404.31kcal
- Fat: 23.76g
- Saturated Fat: 6.16g
- Trans Fat: 0.23g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.43g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 9.56g
- Carbohydrates: 39.45g
- Fiber: 9.55g
- Sugar: 6.15g
- Protein: 12.73g
- Cholesterol: 22.77mg
- Sodium: 1184.73mg
- Calcium: 245.99mg
- Potassium: 855.71mg
- Iron: 7.93mg
- Vitamin A: 71.08µg
- Vitamin C: 28.85mg
Expert Technique Tip for Perfecting Your Vegetarian Lobster Rolls
When preparing the hearts of palm, ensure to cut them into oblique chunks. This not only enhances the presentation but also allows for better absorption of the flavors from the other ingredients. Additionally, when toasting your potato rolls, keep a close eye on them. They can easily burn if left unattended. A golden color is what you're aiming for, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes over low heat.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Vegetarian Lobster Rolls Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process. One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal pots and pans to reduce cleanup time. Batch cooking: Make larger quantities and freeze leftovers for quick and convenient future meals. Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to save time searching for utensils and ingredients. Pre-measured ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting to cook for a smoother and efficient process. Time-saving gadgets: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and slow cookers to expedite meal preparation. Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid unnecessary steps and improvisation, saving time and effort. Efficient multitasking: Plan and execute tasks simultaneously to maximize productivity in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Vegetarian Lobster Rolls Recipe
hearts of palm - Substitute with artichoke hearts: Artichoke hearts have a similar texture and can be used as a substitute for hearts of palm in this recipe.
mayonnaise - Substitute with vegan mayonnaise: Vegan mayonnaise is a suitable substitute for traditional mayonnaise and will keep the recipe vegetarian-friendly.
potato rolls - Substitute with brioche buns: Brioche buns can be used as a substitute for potato rolls, adding a rich and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
Creative Ways to Serve Up Your Vegetarian Lobster Rolls
Elevate the plating: Arrange the vegetarian lobster rolls on a pristine white plate, ensuring each roll is positioned with precision and care. The presentation should exude elegance and sophistication, reflecting the artistry of the dish.
Incorporate vibrant garnishes: Introduce a pop of color and freshness by adorning the plate with delicate microgreens and edible flowers. These elements will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a subtle hint of flavor to the dish.
Focus on symmetry and balance: Create a visually striking composition by ensuring that the rolls are aligned symmetrically on the plate. Pay attention to the spacing and placement, aiming for a harmonious and balanced presentation.
Utilize contrasting textures: Consider incorporating a complementary element, such as a drizzle of balsamic reduction or a sprinkle of crispy shallots, to add textural contrast and elevate the overall dining experience.
Highlight the craftsmanship: Emphasize the meticulous preparation of the hearts of palm filling by shaping it into a quenelle or using a ring mold for a polished and refined presentation.
Embrace minimalism: Emphasize the beauty of simplicity by incorporating negative space on the plate, allowing the vegetarian lobster rolls to take center stage and captivate the senses with their exquisite flavors.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Vegetarian Lobster Rolls
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It can be helpful for preparing the hearts of palm mixture for the vegetarian lobster rolls.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the hearts of palm, celery, herbs, seasoning, and mayonnaise for the filling of the vegetarian lobster rolls.
- Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for cutting the hearts of palm and celery into the desired size for the vegetarian lobster rolls.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the hearts of palm and celery.
- Skillet: A skillet is used for toasting the potato buns with butter to create a delicious base for the vegetarian lobster rolls.
- Brush: A brush is used to evenly coat the insides of the potato buns with melted butter before toasting.
- Lemon squeezer: A lemon squeezer can be used to extract the juice from the lemons for the hearts of palm mixture.
- Spatula: A spatula can be used for stirring and combining the ingredients for the vegetarian lobster roll filling.
- Grater: A grater may be used to zest the lemon for added flavor in the hearts of palm mixture.
- Kitchen shears: Kitchen shears can be used to snip fresh herbs like chives and dill for the vegetarian lobster rolls.
The Best Ways to Store and Freeze Vegetarian Lobster Rolls
- To store leftover vegetarian lobster rolls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you want to freeze the hearts of palm mixture, place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw the mixture in the refrigerator overnight before using it to fill the potato rolls.
- It's not recommended to freeze the assembled vegetarian lobster rolls, as the potato rolls may become soggy and lose their texture when thawed. For best results, freeze the hearts of palm mixture separately and assemble the rolls just before serving.
- If you have leftover hearts of palm mixture that you don't plan to use within 3 days, you can freeze it for later use. Simply transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, remove as much air as possible, and label it with the date. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- When you're ready to use the frozen hearts of palm mixture, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. If the mixture seems watery after thawing, you can drain off any excess liquid before using it to fill the potato rolls.
How To Reheat Leftover Vegetarian Lobster Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the vegetarian lobster rolls in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the rolls from drying out.
If you prefer a crispy exterior, you can reheat the rolls in a skillet or on a griddle. Melt a small amount of butter over medium heat and place the rolls cut-side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and heated through.
For a quick and easy option, you can use a microwave. Place the rolls on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high for 30-45 seconds, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat the rolls, as this can cause them to become soggy.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the rolls. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the rolls in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a more unconventional method, you can try reheating the rolls on a grill. Wrap the rolls in aluminum foil and place them on the grill over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This method adds a slight smoky flavor to the rolls.
Surprising Fact You Didn't Know About Vegetarian Lobster Rolls
Hearts of palm are a great source of fiber and essential nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. They are also low in calories and contain no cholesterol, making them a healthy and nutritious alternative to lobster in vegetarian lobster rolls.
Is Making Vegetarian Lobster Rolls at Home Cost-Effective?
This vegetarian lobster rolls recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The use of hearts of palm as a substitute for lobster makes it an affordable option. The ingredients are reasonably priced and easily accessible. The total cost for a household of 4 people would be approximately $20. The dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion. I would rate this recipe a solid 9 for its affordability and delicious taste.
Is This Vegetarian Dish Healthy or Not?
The vegetarian lobster rolls recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional lobster rolls, as it uses hearts of palm instead of lobster meat. Hearts of palm are low in calories and fat, and high in fiber, vitamin C, and minerals like potassium and iron. The recipe also includes fresh herbs and vegetables, which add flavor and nutrients. However, the use of mayonnaise and butter makes this recipe less healthy than it could be.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a low-fat or vegan mayonnaise to reduce the calorie and fat content
- Replace the butter with a healthier spread like avocado or olive oil
- Add more vegetables to the filling, such as diced bell peppers or shredded carrots, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Use whole grain rolls instead of white potato rolls to add more fiber and nutrients
- Reduce the amount of salt and old bay seasoning to lower the sodium content
Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Vegetarian Lobster Roll Recipe
This vegetarian lobster roll recipe is a delightful twist on the classic seafood dish. The hearts of palm provide a tender and succulent texture, while the combination of fresh herbs, lemon, and old bay seasoning creates a burst of refreshing flavors. The buttery, toasted potato rolls add a satisfying crunch to each bite. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying alternative to traditional lobster rolls, making it a perfect choice for vegetarians and seafood lovers alike.
Enhance Your Vegetarian Lobster Rolls Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Vegetarian Recipes to Try
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Vegetarian Lobster Rolls
Why trust this Vegetarian Lobster Rolls Recipe:
This vegetarian lobster roll recipe is a delightful alternative to the classic seafood version. The use of hearts of palm provides a satisfying texture, while the combination of fresh dill and chives infuses the dish with vibrant flavors. The addition of old bay seasoning adds a hint of coastal essence, enhancing the overall experience. With the careful selection of ingredients and the incorporation of lemon juice and mayonnaise, this recipe promises a delectable and trustworthy vegetarian rendition of the beloved lobster roll.
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