Langostine (or Langostino, or Langoustine): What is it?

OK... I have been on a quest for langostino. It's come up several times in the past few weeks. A tv show about Iceland had a bit about them as a local delicacy (though not sure exactly what they were). The proprietor/chef at the Richmond Inn likes to use them and I had a plate of them a few weeks back at Las Islas Marias on Clark north of Devon. So I did some looking around.

It turns out last week that a restaurant, Rubios,  in California which was serving langostino instead of lobster in their "lobster burrito" has been allowed to – the courts said it was OK to call it that since it tastes the same...?! Needless to say spellcheck doesn't recognize it either.

And funny how my guilty pleasure - Long John Silver's just started serving lobster bites with Langostino. Red Lobster uses it in their lobster bisque...  See what happens when you start digging? It's like the Truman Show. My life revolves around a crustacean of some sort. Even though it's not shrimp, and not lobster either... at least not really.

I started calling fish markets, super markets, and eventually got several "Yeah we have that" answers prices varying from $32/lb to 2lbs for $15. So my escapade for seafood oddity began.

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I started out hitting L. Issacson and Stein on Fulton for aesthetic and price. 2lbs for $15? Please! It's a really neat fish market. It smelled clean and the fish looked great. However the langostino turned out to be really huge ocean shrimp. So it was a bust. They did have wide short lobster tails in the back in 5lb bags for $60 or so dollars but I digress.

Dirk's fish market further north on Clyborn actually had them but they were $32/lb. They came in a box with big letters that read Scampi. As you can tell by the pictures they are definitely not shrimp. I snagged one for photo/taste purposes and got back in the car. If I can get a plate of these for $14 in a restaurant there's got to be cheap langosino or whatever you call it somewhere.

The Fishguy Market on Elston was a nice surprise. They have the same $32/lb boxes as Dirks but they also had enormous Brazillian lobster tails the size of burritos for $34/lb they weighed in starting around 2lbs each. They also surprisingly serve sandwiches to go grilled right up behind the counter. But no dice with cheap langostino.

The Devon Market 2 blocks from my house had a big bag of crawfish that the fish monger referred to as langostino.

So I'm still looking. At least I know what it looks like.

I blanched my specimen and popped the tail off, boiled again for 30 seconds and then shelled it and sauteed it quickly in champagne and lemon juice. It was basically one bite for about $8 but it was as sweet if not sweeter than lobster with a bit of a crablike texture. If I can find cheap langostino I'll get them but not for $32/lb.

Some internet definitions:
• "Spanish for prawn" - BostonChefs.com, foodnetwork.com
•  a spanish tv series from 1987 - IMDB.com

From wikipeidia:
"Squat lobsters are decapod crustaceans of the families Galatheidae and Chirostylidae, including the common genera Galathea and Munida. They are not lobsters at all, although they share a number of characteristics; they are, in fact, more closely related to porcelain crabs, hermit crabs and then, more distantly, true crabs. Flesh from this animal is often commercially sold in restaurants as "langostino," or sometimes (in perhaps less than ethical situations) called merely "lobster" when incorporated in sea food dishes."

Comments

[Bill Dugan]

A very interesting subject! Lots of confusion with nomenclature, and wanted to clear a few things up.
What you have pictures of are Languostine (french sp.) also known as Danish lobster, Scampo (Italy: note, not scampi!)Dublin Bay Prawns, (Ireland).
They are indeed a small member of the Lobster family (Nephropidae) and are more universally referred to( among European Chefs) as Lobsterette.
The ones I carry (at 23 dollars per lb...not 32.00 per lb!)
Are from the Pacific and are captured off the coast between New Zealand and the Tasman Sea.The Kiwis call them Scampi to further confuse the issue.
There was at one time a more active fishery off the coast of St. Augustine.
There are several varieties in the Carribean and the Western Atlantic.
These tend to be even smaller and are sold as Rock Shrimp in the U.S. and yet another specie that used to be very abundant in the 70's and 80's are referred to as Langostinos by the Sud Americanos.
As with any fresh caught indingenous product you will always enjoy them at their peak when freshly landed and prepared simply at point of origin.
The specie shown in your photo is from New Zealand but is indistinguishable from those in the North Sea (how do I know that said subject in photo is not from there is another subject entirely).
They are by far,( in my opinion ) in a class by themselves when comparing them to the other species in flavor and texture.
I have enjoyed them in various ports throughout Ireland and Denmark and they are certainly among my finest memories of a truly ethereal profile.
They are expensive but....surprise ...so are sneakers!
One other factor worth mention is that the shells and heads make the finest consomme you will ever have!
At my store as mentioned, they are 23.00 per lb. but are packed in a 2 kilogram box so...get some friends to chip in if your in the mood for something nice to splurge on.
Selflessly promoting my market,
I am,
Bill Dugan
a.k.a. The Fishguy ( my own fault!)

[josh]

Thanks Bill!

The 'scampi' that I got from Dirk's was, sure enough, from NZ.

Sorry about the pricing goof and awesome sandwiches BTW.

Josh

[Philip Miller]

In Argentina, where there are extensive fisheries targeting "langostino", this name is applied to Pleoticus muelleri.

[FP]

Senator Snowe of Maine, the largest lobster producing state in the USA is really rallying against the so-called Langostino Lobster - which is actually mushy crab meat. As you expected this is about the money. Olympia Snowe told the FDA " 2-inch shellfish known as "langostino lobster" is an impostor to the real thing". Senator Snowe also sniped this about the FDA behavior on this foodstuff issue: "It will be remiss in its duties if it continues to allow restaurants or other entities to perpetuate this hoax at the expense of Maine's lobstermen and America's seafood customers."

[Bob]

Finally my wonder has been put to rest (What is a Langistino Lobster?)....I always wondered why any true fisherman would stoop to catching baby losters. I thought maybe they were crawfish, or someones culinary idea of chopping up a shrimp, crab, or Adult lobster. In any case I agree that that because something tastes like lobster doesnt make it so. The FDA needs to research and make a determination, otherwise folks may just keep some good Weed just because it smells like a skunk. And i don't think skunks are illegal to possess. In any case I am now even more confused as to the real identity of this tiny sea creature....

[Dave]

Just a little note to Bill Dugan. In Italian, nouns that end in the letter o are generally made plural by changing the o to an i. Thus, one scampo + one scampo = two scampi. I'm not Italian and don't really know much Italian, and I don't know if your use of Scampo was a special usage (and therefore distinct from the usual meaning of scampo), but in the interests of clarity I thought I'd point this out. Otherwise, I thought your exegesis was quite useful.

[ryan420]

This Blog Has Opened My Eyes . I Hate Long Rob Slivers.whats Next?hushpuppies Arent Made Of Real Dog?

[Steve]

How about "Real Imitation Lobster Meat"?

[john]

Very interesting article, still as confused as ever, but was worth reading.

[Webgab]

The "langostinos" I've had were not shrimp, nor were they the languostine.
They were clearly labeled "langostinos" and were imported from Chile. You used to be able to buy them in the frozen food section of retail chain supermarkets in the D.C., Md., Virginia area (Safeway, Giant, etc.) for about $7.99 a box. The box contained two vacuum-sealed packets of shelled langostinos. You could take a package, run it under hot water to thaw, or simply nuke it for a few seconds, melt some butter, and you were in heaven. The last time I remember getting them was in 1999, I remember it well because my boyfriend at the time had never had them and we took some to a party where everyone was blown away. (we were feeling very generous at the time I guess to share them!) I have asked at several local gourmet markets and seafood places but noone can get them. I've been to many fine restaurants in D.C. and they have never been on the menu. I wondered if there was a ban on importing them from Chile. If anyone knows where to get true langostinos, please post : )

[Jim C.]

My experience was similar to Webgab's. Back in the 70s I used to buy a bag of frozen lagostinos at Dominicks IIRC. I seem to recall they were from Argentina. They were indeed heavenly.

[Hungry Azusa]

Hi there. Not sure if this is fruitless posting so late. Ended up at this article trying to figure out where in Chicago you're supposed to get cheap seafood!

I was in Cuba a few years ago and the resort one night served what they called langostino, explained to be lobter tail ends... The flavour and texture was different from any lobster I've had, so no doubt it was a sell on something lobster-like.

Prepared fresh, with maybe only oil and perhaps some garlic, they were definitely awesome! It was something the resort buffet served once every 10 days (most people do the 1-week all-inclusive, so not everyone gets to have this!). In Cuba that same week, I also had dinner outside the resort where they served something similar. Part of a beautiful meal for only $5 US (BYOB, drinks not included).

It is surprising that something Cubans can afford would be so expensive here! Good luck in this search...

[Giovanni]

LANGOSTINO MEAT FOR $16/LB.

We Sell Langostino already shelled meat ready to eat for only $16.99 per LB.
We can ship it anywhere in the US via UPS. Just visti our website: www.giovannisfishmarket.com or call us at (805) 772-1276.

Enjoy!

Gio-

[James]

I just ate the contents of a tin labelled "langostillos" from Spain.On googling, I'm still not sure what they were - not prawns, not scallops, not oysters (tho' the shell on the packaging looks a bit like an oyster). They are shellfish with one end being bright orange, shaped like a frog's leg. Pretty tasty! Can anyone help inform me what i just imbibed?

Thanks!

[josh]

I think langostillos are like surf clams. One end should be reddish and they come in pretty calico shells! I've never eaten one officially but have enjoyed surf clams at several sushi places.

[Nancy]

One of my favorite Southern California resturants had lobster linguine on the menu last night. I always ask if it is Maine or Pacific lobster. They have very distinct tastes and I have eaten a lot of Maine lobster while living off the coast there. The dish was far too inexpensive to be Maine lobster and fishermen are not allowed to take lobsters that are too small. I asked again if it was crayfish or langostino. I don't want to be disappointed so I like to know what I'm ordering. I was told it was baby lobster tails from Maine. Not a chance. I think it was langostino and my search to find out exactly what langostino is brought me here to this website. I found them to be rather tasteless. They didn't even take on the flavor of the sauce. Thanks for you info.
Nancy

[josh]

If it was flavorless it likely wasn't the lango's fault. I, personally, find them to taste terrific. I would think the restaurant is at fault here, not the ingredient. Likely they weren't lying to you either. They probably just weren't sure what that mysterious little dude was.

[Roberto]

I am from Galicia, in Spain, where shellfish is a pretty big deal.
We call those guys in your photos "cigalas" and the best ones are supposed to be found in a town called Marin. They are expensive but the flavor is fantastic. The trick, as usual is in the cooking time. Also, I'd avoid anything different that boiling in sea water (I know, this is Chicago...) with a couple of bay leaves. It's common to throw a half dozen on top of seafood paella (placed in the form of a star)
"Langostinos" are usually imported from South America and frozen. They are considered of inferior quality and ergo, much cheaper. They look like shrimp on steroids, have long whiskers and sport that funny-looking serrated horn on their foreheads. We like to grill them.
I might be adding to the confusion but I thought you'd enjoy a couple more google keywords to play around with.

p.s. When buying these guys (the ones in the pic), especially the fresh ones, it's important to make sure they have not been preserved using boric acid. It's not easy to find out until you have cooked them, though.

[Judi T.]

Ironically while shopping with my sis at her local SuperWalmart,in my opinion the worst place to shop for anything let alone food pardon my digression, while she was picking up some frozen salmon I happened across a one pound bag of Squat Lobster (aka Langostino) for $14.99. While I was afraid to actually buy and eat them from that particular store, my own phobia, that has been the cheapest I have personally ever seen them at. The clear bag allowed one to see the product and it looked as I would expect them to.

I have used them several times in seafood stuffing, and chowder in order to turn the flavor up a bit and they are also superb when sauteed in sauces as an accompaniment to fresh seafood.

[Bertha Fox-Dominguez]

This is everything about corporate honesty, more than anything else. I almost vomited when I learned that the "Lobster Bites" I purchased were actually a filthy-water prawn fished out of sewerage canals in South America! Wake up America, and smell the cat-food!

[josh]

So Bertha, you are a frequent guest of Long John? Guess you didn't read the article. Langos are filthy-good! If you're looking for corporate responsibility I would think that the fast food industry is the last place you should look.

[Bertha Fox-Dominguez]

Josh, that's unfair. As an American consumer, I feel that under NO circumstances should I be deceived by anyone selling me any product. That includes the fast food industry. Their commercial tempted me into purchasing Lobster Bites thinking that it was actual Maine lobster, or at the very least, some sort of lobster. What I learned is that lobster bites are the same fish that cat food manufacturers rely upon, that that in some cases, according to a spot I saw on national television, fished out of sewerage canals in Southeast Asia. That being said, I don't feel much more comfortable that this product comes from South America. I still feel nausea when I think about my Lobster Bites experience.

[josh]

I have never seen any evidence that it's catfood. To the contrary I have yet to find any langostino at the grocery store cheaper than lobster. It's been no less than $16.99 a pound. This past week king crab legs were $8.99 on sale. That's not catfood. But no you should not be deceived. See the recent photo of LJS's menuboard. That's not a lie. What's the show where you saw the S.American sewage thing? I'd like to know. It seems there's a big Maine vs. Langostino thing going on. Why isn't there the same vehemence against spiny lobsters?

[Dr. Fig]

I finally found this website because I just noticed that an LJS TV commercial indicated in brief, small print that 'Lobster Bites' are actually 'Longastina lobster' which I guess is a misspelling. So at least they are trying to be honest. I was disappointed in the taste when I tried them, but I generally like LJS when I want good, unhealthy food.

[Fr. Fig]

LJS = Long John Silver's, a fast food seafood chain. They are currently offering 'Lobster Bites' as a menu special. Went through several websites and didn't realize there was no mention of LJS here.

[josh]

There are a few other entries that mention LJS specifically. Take a look under "food in the news"

[Bertha Fox-Dominguez]

Apparently "Langostina" lobster is something completely different than "Langostino" lobster. This is really getting confusing for me. I'm of above-average intelligence, so you can imagine how the average American consumer feels. Apparently the debate in New England is about what constitutes a "Maine" lobster. To me, "Maine" does not mean the State of Maine, but the Gulf of Maine, which includes New Hampshire and Massachusetts. But people in the State of Maine are interpreting that a bit differently, by calling only those lobsters caught in the State's waters "Maine Lobster." Good grief! Anyway, I would feel much better about LJS if their "Lobster" bites were Massachusetts lobster rather than icky squat lobsters! Think about it! LUV, Bertha

[Gina Stover]

The correct answer came from John on March 2, 2007, which I copied his response below. Up until two years ago I was able to get them at my local supermarket, Stop and Shop. I asked the fish guy there was happened and he said they were discontinued. This is a very delectable fish and was considered the poor man's lobster. My mother used to get them when I was little. She would just saute them in butter and put them on a roll. Just as good, if not better, than a lobster roll. I was using them in my pad thai recipe up until two years (or less) ago. I am dying to find them!

From John on March 2, 2007:

The "langostinos" I've had were not shrimp, nor were they the languostine.
They were clearly labeled "langostinos" and were imported from Chile. You used to be able to buy them in the frozen food section of retail chain supermarkets in the D.C., Md., Virginia area (Safeway, Giant, etc.) for about $7.99 a box. The box contained two vacuum-sealed packets of shelled langostinos. You could take a package, run it under hot water to thaw, or simply nuke it for a few seconds, melt some butter, and you were in heaven. The last time I remember getting them was in 1999, I remember it well because my boyfriend at the time had never had them and we took some to a party where everyone was blown away. (we were feeling very generous at the time I guess to share them!) I have asked at several local gourmet markets and seafood places but noone can get them. I've been to many fine restaurants in D.C. and they have never been on the menu. I wondered if there was a ban on importing them from Chile. If anyone knows where to get true langostinos, please post : )

[harriet jackson]

i am almost 50 and i clearly remember "langostions" from a resturant named the "red bull". it was called a lobster pot. as i got older and had real lobster, i kind of figured out that it was not tail or claw meat from a lobster. but i really like them and they are not a "fake" anything. they are in the pelagic red crab family. you can get pictures of them on the net.if you notice the meat, it is always very small. check out mexfish .com. and i will bet my bottom dollar that long john silver is not selling "real" pelagic red crab meat. it is quite expensive. 18.00 dollars a pound. i just bought a pound from the supermarket. i will be having them on Christmas. hot and dipped in butter! to me the taste is a cross of lobster and shrimp. i would like to have them more often, but like i said, they ain't cheap. i live in pittsburgh pa, and you can "easily" in pgh at robert wholey, or giant eagle. they do not sell well but that is because they are expensive, and most people think they are fake. when i say fake i mean in terms of imitation, like imitation crabmeat. no they are real. so for the person looking to order them, they can easily be ordered here in pgh. and i don't think they would mind taking orders. one guy called them mushy crad meat, well personally, i prefer lobster, and shrimp and red crab. i'll put shrimp in a salad, but never would i put lobster or red crab in a salad. only hot with butter. i hope i helped someone. MERRY CHRISTMAS.

[Bill]

Harriet hit it right on the head. I am in my mid 50's, not a youngster like her (LOL). I too am from the Pittsburgh, Pa area and, as Harriet stated, the Red Bull Inn had a dish called the "Lobster Pot" which actually was made with langostinos, not lobster as we know lobsters. But boy they were delicious, and suffice it to say, a heck of a lot cheaper back then. I still buy them when I want to treat myself to a nice seafood meal. I bake mine in butter. That's it! I am not sure if the Red Bull Inn still offers that dish at since I haven't been there in quite a while. If they do, do yourself a favor when your in the Pitts. area and call and ask them if they still have the "Lobster Pot. You won't be disappointed.

[Will Can]

I bought some Langustino today. The seller called them cameronies(shrimp in spanish)They look exactly like the full photo, 6 inches long head to tail. Add 5 or 5 inches more for claws. Caught this morning...$3.00/lb. I live in Central America....where exactly, I am afraid to tell this hungry group.

[josh]

I'd guess you're in Mexico! But there's a small chance you're in Guatemala?

[Kathe]

I remember when you could buy langostinos at Safeway. I agree with all the comments that they are hard to find. However, I just found a company at the following link that sells them and I have ordered my first 5 pounds.
http://www.wholey.com/langostinos.html

[An anon English guy living in Spain]

Well, there seems to be a lot of confusion here. My own confusion and search for translations of Spanish shellfish terms to English, led me to this site.

From what I have read so far, this is what I have concluded:

Langostinos and squat lobsters appear to be different and these, in turn, are both different to true lobsters. I believe that this is where some of the confusion may be arising.

Clawed lobsters (Astacidea) include the following common names Freshwater Crayfish, True Lobsters, Reef Lobsters, Scampi and Dublin Bay Prawns (I presume the Maine lobster is amongst these, although I don't know since I'm not from the USA).

Decapod crustacea "loosely" called lobsters (Palinura), include Flat Lobsters, Langostinos, Lobsterettes, Slipper Lobsters, Spiny Lobsters, Rock Lobsters.

Squat lobsters are in the same group (Anomura) as Hermit Crabs, Sand Crabs, Mole Crabs, Porcelain Crabs and Stone Crabs.

Finally, regular crabs (as I know them ... no jokes here please) are in the group (Brachyura) that includes Box Crabs, Fiddler Crabs, Fleet-footed Crabs, Ghost Crabs, Pebble Crabs, Semaphore Crabs, Sentinel Crabs, Soldier Crabs, Spider Crabs, Sponge Crabs, Swimming Crabs, etc.

The Spanish for lobster is langosta (also known as bogavante), at least that seems fairly clear to me.

Cigala it seems (according to our good amigo de Galicia), would translate to any of the following in the palinura family: scampi, dublin bay prawn, norway lobster, langostino.

Many dictionaries confuse the issue by also including prawn as a valid translation for cigala (as well as langostina), but I believe that this is inaccurate as prawns seem to fall into the Dendrobranchiata family.

Further confusion arise because in various English speaking parts of the world, the terms prawn (Gamba in Spanish) and shrimp (Camarón in Spanish)) are used interchangeably. In the UK there is a distinct difference between a prawn and a shrimp, with shrimps being found in the Caridea family (Coral Shrimps, Snapping Shrimps) and prawns falling into the Dendrobranchiata group. In the US, I believe that what we (in the UK) call shrimps are commonly called "shrimp seafood", with shrimp, as mentioned earlier being used as the term for anything prawn-like.

There are also many other types of "shrimp"; Thalassinidea (Ghost Shrimps, Mud Shrimps, Sponge Shrimps), Conchostraca (Clam Shrimps, Shelled Fairy Shrimps), Stenopodidea (Cleaner Shrimps), Stomatopoda (Mantis Shrimps), Amphipoda (Beachhoppers, Landhoppers, Scuds, Sea Fleas, Skeleton Shrimps), Anaspidacea (Mountain Shrimps), Anostraca (Brine Shrimps, Fairy Shrimps), Mysidacea (Mysid Shrimps), Notostraca (Shield Shrimps), Ostracoda (Seed Shrimps), etc.

My current belief is that langostinos (Palinura) are commonly known as scampi in the UK and that langostinos (cigalas) are not the same as langostinas. Trouble is that I haven't worked out what the correct translation of langostinas should be, even though I can visualise them vividly.

Well, anyway, I thought I would throw out this post and see who thinks what.

[Carol]

Langostinos were very popular in the chain food markets about 30 to 40 years ago and were so much cheaper than shrimp & lobster that it was practical to use them in seafood chowders and casseroles. As far as I can remember they came from South America, maybe Chile? Anyway they were an inexpensive seafood item and my family enjoyed them a lot.

[Bol Rats]

Hey now. They're allowed to be called lobster because people do call them Langostino lobsters. Same as how they can call the dolphin fish dolphin, without serving you up a mammal.

And it isn't like lobster being inexpensive is anything new. Back in pioneering days, thirty pound lobsters were ground up for fertilizer or fed to servants.

[spa soil screening]

Hi,
Very nice post. The dish was far too inexpensive to be Maine lobster and fishermen are not allowed to take lobsters that are too small.

[karen]

I just bought a frozen bag at Trader Joe's for $8.99. They're pretty good.

[Charlotte]

I just got a bag of frozen langostinos from Trader Joe's. I was searching for a recipe and I found this site. Good info!

[Jerryc]

Trader Joe's sells lagostino in their frozen section. Try it, you'll loke it!

[Giovanni D.]

You can find LANGOSTINOS for $19/LB online at:
www.giovannisfishmarket.com

[Mary Burkart]

I just bought Langostino from Trader Joe's frozen

[Beth]

I realize the original post is now about 3 years old, however, Trader Joe's carries frozen Langostino tails already cooked, deveined, cleaned, etc. and frozen for around $9 a lb. They are definitely tasty and definitely less expensive than what was quoted in the original post.

[Pat]

I'm from the old school when you could buy them at the local Winn Dixie under $10.00 for a 5 lb box. They were split and looked like a tiny lobster and were terrific. I just found a site www.wholey.com where they charge $75.00 for 5 lbs ($15.00 a lb)

[Bertha Fox-Dominguez]

Dear Nachoslovers, Have you ever tired the "lobster bites" nachos at the eatery that is called "Long John Silvers"? One should hope not! Let me warn you: the lobster isn't that at all. It's scraps of langostino, a filthy-water prawn fished out of sewerage canals in South America. Don't say you haven't been warned! For more information, please visit the web site www.icatharsis.com.

[Callie]

You can get those bags of frozen langostinos at Trader Joes. Just picked some up this week for $7.99.

[Cory W.]

I stumbled across this website looking around about the langostino meat and I have been very intrigued by everyone responses. I am an executive Chef of a steak and seafood house. I can buy this Langostino meat from my food rep for $6.75 a lb and if anyone knows prices of seafood then they know I am stupid if I don't use this product. The problem is I do not know what the heck they are. the packages I buy are frozen and one pound packages. It is great to use as a sauce for pretty much anything. I love making lobster rangoon out of it. I am still confused about this meat though.

[Cookingfordads.wordpress.com]

They have them at Trader Joes for around $13 a pound. I just made a Cajun burger out of them and it was amazing.

http://cookingfordads.blogspot.com/2010/01/kickacajun-burger-with-southern-comfort.html

Thanks for fishing out the truth. Nice article

Rob Barrett
www.cookingfordads

[cesar lago]

Langostino lobsters are now in the following markets:
Harris Teeter, AP, Stop and Shop, Big Y , Price Chopper, Trader Joes and Sedanos.

[donna]

I'm so glad I found this site! I used to purchase these at our local Sam'sClub. They quit carrying them about 5 years ago. I searched online to no avail and have had none since. I'm looking forward to ordering some from these online retailers. I love them with garlic and butter.

[Debbie Whitney]

Living in Canete Peru right now and just got back from Lunahuana where we ate what are called 'Camarones' which look just like what you are showing in your picture. But these come from the lakes, not the ocean. They taste pretty similar to shrimp. Who knows the world is a big place and we eat lots of strange things. Could have been what you had.

[Evo Gamboni]

you can find them frozen imported from Chile at Harris Teeter supermarket

[lacoste shirts]

All is but lip-wisdom that wants experience.Expericence is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards. Do you think so?

[STRICKLAND31Janette]

People deserve good life and loan or just short term loan would make it better. Just because people's freedom relies on money state.

[helen D.]

Lobster lovers, I found these little guys at Costco in Lancaster, CA., 2 pounds for $16.99, spelled "Lagostino". They were frozen, clear plastic bag, looking like peeled shrimp. I am defrosting them now as I speak for dinner tonight, with drawn butter, and hopefully they do not disappoint. The price is right, and they are in the iced-down case with lobster, tiger prawns, scallops, etc. Good hunting.

[coach outlet]

All the pain you left, please refine aftertaste! After suffering a go, suffering becomes sweet.

[Croata]

Hi Food Lovers
I am in search of Langostini too !! Originally from Croatia (thus Adriatic sea) now living in WI close to Chicago IL. In Croatia and in that part of Europe we call them SCAMPI. They look like small lobster or large shrimp,but taste can not be compared to either one. It has sweet tail meet similar to lobster but much less chewy and more complex in flavor (when fresh and little bigger). Frozen langostino from NZ is not come even close to the one cought wild in Europe. Frozen meat at food chains is poor replacement only. Scampi have to be served with heads and shell to be real. If cought fresh they can be frozen and still taste good. In fish markets in Europe they are sometimes displayed still alive and moving. Grilled or cooked in Buzara ( stew like dish) they are like nothing else in this world.

[crane trucks]

that looks good :)

[peter]

I JUST HAD SOME DELICIOUS LANGOSTINOS.
I purchased them recently in COSTCO just before Christmas .
They were sold in a 2 lb approx. bag for about $18.00 per bag frozen.
They are sold when they have those mini portable fish stands with lobster and crab claws.

[susie]

I just bought a 2lb bag of langostino (the real kind) at Costco for $22. I thought it was an amazing deal and I trust Costco's products, I've always had really good quality from them. I haven't cooked them yet, but am excited to try it.

[BeholdersEye]

Two lb bag?... Don't you mean one kilogram?

[Pat]

I just purchased the 2 lb bag of langostino from Costco as well, and altho this site has been helpful, I still am looking for a how to prepare these little guys. Any suggestions?

[wendy]

I also purchased a 2lb bag from Costco (where I work) and the meat dept. told me how to cook them. Saute them in a pan with butter garlic and a splash of lemon juice. They are awsome.

[Josh]

that's tail meat only? If so it's already cooked. I'd rinse them and then add them to a crab or lobster bisque, make a pesto pasta and toss them in at the last second to warm them up (defrost them in running water first). Otherwise use like shrimp...

[EricTN]

I read the article and all of the comments while I was sitting eating Langostino Lobster Tacos from Rubios. It was interesting but I didn't appreciate the 8 or 9 posts that kept saying things like "these are dirty awful catfood thingies dredged up from foul canals in South America" or whatever they said. Not conducive to enjoying one's meal.

[Gerry Schreiber]

I totally agree with the comment about "these dirty awful catfood things dredged up from foul canals in S.America" Shame on those people that said that. I bought two packages for at $9.00/lb at Aldi's in Pittsburgh, PA. I haven't cooked them yet, however I have gotten a lot of great ideas on how to cook these frozen little things from this blog. I'm going to defrost them, put them in a skillet with garlic and butter for about 3 minutes and...wala...have a very delishish dinner with vegetables of the season. MMMMM

[JenJen]

Been buying these littel guys at Trader Joe's. Defrost, quick saute in butter and garlic, add chopped scallion and pour over mashed potatoes... HEAVEN!!!

[RaynjerRon]

I didn't read all the posts to know if the "where can I get them" mystery was solved, but you have a lot of Trader Joe's Markets nearby in Chicago and it's a regularly stocked item. A 12oz. bag (frozen), product of Chile (real langoustino) was around $8.00 if I recall correctly and yummy. In any case it wasn't $16/lb. Product UPC: 0098 5413