Crab Roll Recipe

The recipe for the lobster roll, the king of shellfish sandwiches, is used to make this traditional crab roll. Replace the lobster with fresh crabmeat and relish.

For the Pickles
 ½ cup apple cider vinegar
 ½ cup superfine sugar
 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
 1 carrot, shredded
 ½ red onion, or scallions, thinly sliced
 ½ cup thinly sliced radishes
For the Mayonnaise
 ½ cup mayonnaise
 1 lemon, zest finely grated, and juiced
 ½ teaspoon Tabasco, or other hot sauce
For the Rolls
 4 brioche hot dog rolls, or regular hot dog or sandwich rolls
 12 ounces lump crabmeat
 3 tablespoons minced fresh chives
 Kosher salt, to taste
 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
 4 to 8 leaves lettuce

1

You will need a minimum of 4 hours but no more than 12 for pickling. Place the vinegar and sugar into a nonreactive saucepan and heat to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the salt and leave to cool (the vinegar does not need to be cold but must not be hot, or it will cook the vegetables).

2

Place the carrot, red onion, and radish into a large glass or stainless-steel bowl and pour the cooled vinegar mixture over. Cover and leave to marinate for 4 hours.

3

Stir the mayonnaise, lemon juice, zest, and hot sauce (if using) together in a small bowl.

4

Lightly toast the hot dog buns or rolls, or place onto a heated grill or griddle pan for a few moments to lightly char.

5

Check through the crabmeat carefully to make sure there are no broken bits of shell. Stir together the crabmeat, mayo, and chives, then add salt and pepper to taste. Tuck a couple of leaves into each of the rolls. Divide the crab mixture between the rolls and pile onto the leaves.

6

Dress with a few pickles or serve on the side. Serve immediately. Enjoy.