Message 588 of 4687

Langostinos - Shrimp or Lobster?

Just bought a bag of these frozen babies with a garlic butter dish in mind. Any good recipes out there that you've tried and liked? Don't want to experiment with this expensive a seafood. Thanks.

"Langostinos are shellfish that can easily be substituted for shrimp or crayfish in just about any recipe. The word, "langostino," technically means "prawn." Because of this, there has been a lot of confusion over whether the langostino is actually a relative of the shrimp or the lobster.

Langostinos are small, crayfish-sized shellfish that look and taste like a cross between a shrimp and a lobster, though to me, at least, more like a tiny lobster. To add to the confusion is the fact that they are a substitute for shrimp, but rarely for lobster.

Langostinos, as they're usually called, is the Spanish name for these small shellfish. In France, where they're also used extensively, they're called langoustine, very similar, but a little harder for an American to pronounce. They are also known as Dublin Bay prawns and Danish lobsters. Is it any wonder people are confused?

Langostinos are definitely a member of the lobster family. Usually, these fascinating shellfish are about seven inches long and have light red bodies and darker tails. Their abdomens are more narrow than those found on shrimp and their legs are longer.

Langostinos are becoming increasingly available in worldwide markets. They make an interesting and fascinating substitute in many recipes that call for shrimp, crayfish, and yes, sometimes even lobster."
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acatslady's profile
Shrimpster or lobimp.
eagles02's profile

over 2 years ago
Langostino, shrimp, prawns, gambretti all cook very quickly. A lot of prawns come from fish farms in Taiwan or Thailand, at least for consumption here in the West Coast. There is still a lot of harvesting of wild shrimp and prawns in the Gulf of Mexico though they cannot compete with less expensive Asian farmed varieties.

Shell and cut out the fecal vein, thus almost butterflying them. Rinse them in fresh water. Mince a lot of garlic and heat some extravirgin olive oil in a saucepan. Add the garlic along with red pepper flakes (to taste) and then add the shrimp or whatever and quickly saute. They will quickly turn pink or orange (I'm not sure of the colour as I'm a wee bit colour blind.) But as the start to change colour had some minced flat leaf parsley and a splash of a dry white wine--preferably the same label you will be drinking. Saute for a minute more and then serve in a bowl with slices of bruschetta (grilled rounds of Italian bread that has been rubbed with a garlic clove and a drizzle of olive oil)
Ghostdancer's profile

over 2 years ago
Ghostdancer, that is just what I was planning to do with them. Thanks for the affirmation. These are actually shelled and cleaned (frozen) and I will probably serve them over linguine instead of with the bread but that sounds great, too. Thanks..
acatslady's profile

over 2 years ago
Have never prepared them at home, but we have ordered them out in seafood restaurants as an inexpensive alternative to lobster, usually served over pasta. Red Lobster chain used to have them on the menu, not sure, lately.
JimmyD57's profile

over 2 years ago

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