Lobster Reuben Recipe: Make This Irresistible Classic 🦞

Things to Know About the Lobster Reuben Sandwich 🧠

A Lobster Reuben is a luxurious seafood twist on the classic deli sandwich. It features sweet, tender lobster meat, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Thousand Island dressing, and thick-cut rye bread — all grilled together until golden and gooey. Originally popularized in the Florida Keys, the sandwich is now celebrated across coastal towns and seafood restaurants for its bold, savory-sweet flavor and unforgettable texture. 🦞

Table of Contents

---

My First Bite: The Story That Hooked Me 🍽️

The first time I ever had a Lobster Reuben was during a road trip through the Florida Keys. I’d heard rumors about a sandwich so good it had sold nearly 400,000 times at a little dockside spot called Keys Fisheries in Marathon, FL. Skeptical but curious, I decided to try it — I mean, lobster and sauerkraut? In the same bite?

But one bite in, and I was hooked. The bread was toasted and buttery, the cheese perfectly melted, and the lobster — soft, sweet, and almost indulgent — played shockingly well with the creamy dressing and vinegary crunch of sauerkraut. 😍

It wasn’t just good — it was legendary. That sandwich became my vacation ritual. Every trip back to the Keys includes a stop at Keys Fisheries for “the usual.” I’ve even tried to recreate it at home (more on that later). It’s not just a sandwich — it’s a memory layered between two slices of grilled rye.

What Is a Lobster Reuben? 🦞

A Lobster Reuben is a creative, coastal spin on the classic Reuben sandwich. Traditionally, a Reuben is made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing — grilled between slices of rye bread. The lobster version swaps out the beef for sweet, buttery lobster meat, instantly elevating the dish into seafood heaven.

You’ll most often find this sandwich on menus in:

• The Florida Keys 🌴
• New England seafood shacks 🦞
• Upscale coastal restaurants with fusion flair 🍽️

Despite sounding fancy, the sandwich keeps the soul of a Reuben intact: rich, creamy, tangy, and crunchy all in one glorious bite. It’s a flavor bomb — balancing the sweetness of lobster with the saltiness of Swiss, the vinegar punch of kraut, and the creamy tang of dressing.

What sets it apart is the texture:

• Crispy rye bread
• Tender lobster
• Melty cheese
• Juicy, briny sauerkraut
• All fused together on a hot grill 🔥

It’s not just a sandwich — it’s a full-on experience. A little messy, totally decadent, and 100% worth every buttery, grilled bite.

Ingredients Breakdown & Why They Work Together 🧀

What makes the Lobster Reuben so addictive isn’t just the lobster — it’s the way each ingredient balances and enhances the others. The combination may sound odd at first, but once grilled together, it becomes pure flavor harmony.

Here’s how the core ingredients work together:

---

🦞 Lobster Meat

• The star of the sandwich — sweet, tender, and buttery
• Claw and knuckle meat are ideal (juicy and meaty)
• Its natural sweetness offsets the tang of kraut and richness of cheese

---

🧀 Swiss Cheese

• Smooth, creamy, slightly nutty flavor
• Melts perfectly without overwhelming the lobster
• Adds richness and cohesion between ingredients

---

🥬 Sauerkraut

• Brings acidity and crunch
• Cuts through the fat of the cheese and lobster
• Balances the sandwich so it doesn’t feel too heavy

---

🥣 Thousand Island Dressing

• Creamy, tangy, a little sweet — like a flavor glue
• Ties all the layers together
• Can be swapped with spicy aioli or homemade remoulade for variety

---

🍞 Rye Bread

• Bold enough to stand up to the fillings
• Toasts beautifully and gives the sandwich its iconic crunch
• The subtle caraway flavor complements the lobster surprisingly well

---

When grilled together, these ingredients transform into a melty, toasty, sweet-savory masterpiece that’s rich, balanced, and deeply satisfying. It’s like the sea met a New York deli and they had a delicious, buttery baby. 😋

How to Make a Lobster Reuben at Home 👨‍🍳

Print

You don’t need to live by the coast (or visit the Florida Keys) to enjoy a Lobster Reuben. With the right ingredients and a good skillet or sandwich press, you can recreate this indulgent sandwich right in your own kitchen. 🏠

---

🔪 Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 4–6 oz lobster meat (claw or knuckle preferred) 🦞
• 2 slices rye bread 🍞
• 2 slices Swiss cheese 🧀
• ¼ cup sauerkraut, well drained 🥬
• 2 tbsp Thousand Island dressing 🥣
• 1 tbsp butter for grilling 🧈

Optional: garlic butter, spicy remoulade, bacon, or pickled onions for flavor upgrades.

---

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients

• Make sure your lobster meat is cooked and lightly warmed.
• Drain sauerkraut to avoid soggy bread.
• Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.

2. Assemble the Sandwich

• On the unbuttered side, layer:
  👉 1 slice Swiss cheese
  👉 Lobster meat
  👉 Sauerkraut
  👉 Thousand Island dressing
  👉 Another slice of Swiss cheese
• Top with the second bread slice (buttered side out).

3. Grill It

• Heat a skillet or sandwich press to medium heat.
• Grill the sandwich for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is melted. 🔥

4. Slice & Serve

• Let it rest for 1 minute.
• Slice diagonally and serve immediately — preferably with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or kettle chips. 🍟🥗

---

✅ Quick Tips:

• Don’t overfill! Lobster can slide out when grilling.
• Press gently — too much pressure can squeeze out the fillings.
• Use real butter for that golden, crispy crust. 🧈

This sandwich is best served hot, melty, and with plenty of napkins. You’re not just cooking — you’re crafting seafood sandwich royalty. 👑

Popular Variations You’ll Want to Try 🎨

One of the best things about the Lobster Reuben? It’s totally customizable. Whether you’re in the mood for something richer, lighter, or spicier — there’s a variation for you. Here are a few creative twists to try:

---

🧈 1. New England-Style Lobster Reuben

• Uses butter-poached lobster instead of regular steamed meat
• Adds a richer, silkier flavor profile
• Best when paired with a lighter dressing (or just a smear of mayo)

---

🥓 2. Bacon-Lover’s Lobster Reuben

• Add 1–2 slices of crispy bacon inside
• The saltiness from the bacon complements the sweet lobster
• Extra crunchy, extra indulgent 🥓🔥

---

🌶️ 3. Spicy Lobster Reuben

• Replace Thousand Island with chipotle aioli or spicy remoulade
• Optional: add thinly sliced pickled jalapeños
• Perfect for those who like a little heat with their seafood

---

🥗 4. Rachel-Style Lobster Reuben

• Swap sauerkraut for coleslaw for a milder, sweeter version
• Adds a refreshing crunch and Southern-style comfort
• Ideal for folks who aren’t kraut fans

---

🍤 5. Shrimp or Crab Reuben (Budget-Friendly)

• Use shrimp or imitation crab as a more affordable alternative
• Still delicious, but real lobster reigns supreme 🦞👑

---

✨ Don’t be afraid to experiment. The Lobster Reuben is more of a delicious concept than a strict recipe — and that’s exactly what makes it such a fun sandwich to personalize!

Where to Try the Best Lobster Reuben 🗺️

While the Lobster Reuben is catching on across seafood-loving regions, there are a few places where this sandwich isn’t just served — it’s celebrated. 🌟 If you ever find yourself near the coast, keep these iconic spots on your foodie radar:

---

📍 1. Keys Fisheries – Marathon, Florida

The OG.

• This dockside seafood shack claims to have sold over 380,000 Lobster Reubens!
• Served hot, crispy, and loaded with Florida spiny lobster 🦞
• Casual, picnic-table vibe with unbeatable ocean views 🌊

---

📍 2. Eventide Oyster Co. – Portland, Maine

• Known for creative, elevated seafood sandwiches
• Seasonal variations of Lobster Reubens with local twists
• Fresh Maine lobster + artisan rye = unforgettable combo

---

📍 3. The Ordinary – Charleston, South Carolina

• Upscale seafood restaurant with Southern flair
• Occasionally features gourmet takes on classic sandwiches like the Lobster Reuben
• Great for foodies looking for a wine-paired experience 🍷

---

🍴 Other Spots to Watch For:

• Food trucks in coastal New England
• Lobster shacks in Cape Cod or Bar Harbor
• Menus at creative brunch spots in beach towns

---

When you’re not making it at home, seek it out on the road. If you see “Lobster Reuben” on a chalkboard menu by the water… order it. You’ll thank yourself later. 😋

FAQs About Lobster Reuben Sandwiches ❓

Curious about the Lobster Reuben before you take that first delicious bite? Here are some of the most common questions people ask — answered with flavor and clarity:

---

Final Thoughts & Serving Inspiration 🍽️

The Lobster Reuben may sound like a quirky twist on a classic, but one bite proves it’s a coastal legend in the making. Whether you first tried it at a seaside shack in the Florida Keys or made it at home with fresh market lobster, this sandwich delivers flavor that stays with you. 💥

It’s creamy, tangy, sweet, salty, crunchy — all in one bite. And the best part? You can make it your own. Want to spice it up? Add chipotle aioli. Prefer crunch? Bacon’s your best friend. No kraut fan? Sub in coleslaw. The Lobster Reuben doesn’t follow rules — it reinvents them.

---

🥪 Serving Inspiration:

• Classic style: Pair with sweet potato fries and a dill pickle 🥒
• Brunch twist: Serve open-faced with a poached egg 🍳
• Lighter side: Cut into quarters and serve as sliders or appetizers 🧆
• Wine pairing: Crisp whites like Chablis or Albariño pair beautifully 🍷

---

💬 Looking for more legendary seafood sandwiches? Don’t miss the Allrecipes lobster recipe collection for creative takes, tips, and drool-worthy ideas.

And if you’re curious about other flavor-packed creations like this, try our Mostachon Cake recipe — a Mexican dessert that balances sweet and tangy just like this sandwich does with savory. 🍰

---

From one bite to a lifelong craving — the Lobster Reuben isn’t just a sandwich. It’s a seafood masterpiece. 🦞🔥