Langoustines have long been one of the less-than-popular seafoods, and we don’t really understand why. Langoustines are tasty, sustainably fished, and healthy for the body.
We think it comes down to the fact that not many people know about langoustines and how delicious they are. So, if that’s you, then keep reading as we cover everything you need to know about langoustines in this article.
What Are Langoustines?
Langoustines are a types of sea dwelling creature which has an appearance similar to a small lobster or a large shrimp. Despite common belief, the langoustine is neither, as they are actually their own species. While this bottom-dweller does share the same genus as the lobster, these two are completely different creatures.
Langoustines are notably smaller than lobsters, topping out at 10 inches in length. They are also bright orange in color—and stay that way even during boiling and cooking. The smaller the langoustine, the sweeter the meat, though the large ones can also be tasty when properly prepared.
Are Langoustines a Baby Lobster?
Although there is a rumor going around that langoustines are baby lobsters, this is not the truth. Langoustines are their own species, although they are genetically related to lobsters and there are theories that hundreds of years ago they were the same creature—though they have grown apart in recent millennia.
Where Do Langoustines Come From?
Langoustines are fished off the course of Norway in both the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, which is one of the reasons they have the nickname Norway lobster. Langoustines have long been popular in Scottish and Irish culture as well leading to a second nickname, Dublin Bay prawns, though they are mostly widely known by their real name, langoustines.
Are Langoustines Healthy?
Choosing to eat langoustine is considered a healthy choice. Langoustine is loaded with a variety of vitamins, namely vitamin B12, vitamin E, copper, selenium, and iodine. Not only that, but they also contain a fair amount of protein and low levels of fat, making them a good option for those on a diet. One serving of langoustine also contains your daily value of omega-3 oils.
Eating langoustines regularly can help keep your bones strong, keep your skin healthy, and even reduce your risks of contracting various diseases. The only exception to this is if you have a shellfish allergy because, in these instances, consuming langoustine should be avoided.
Are Langoustines Expensive?
Langoustines are expensive, mostly because they are much rarer than their lobster counterparts. While langoustines were once plentiful, they have recently experienced a population decline and, as a result, are fished in smaller numbers.
Plus, they are mostly fished in the EU and Great Britain, which have strict quotas to protect local wildlife populations. While langoustine isn’t currently endangered, the quotas have been enacted to ensure they don’t become endangered in the future.
As if that weren’t enough, langoustines are also quite difficult to fish, as the North Sea is a very dangerous place. Langoustines must be frozen immediately after being caught, meaning any boats fishing for these tasty morsels must have freezing equipment on board. They are also smaller than lobsters, and therefore, special equipment must be used to catch them.
Additionally, if you don’t live near where they are fished, you’ll likely pay shipping as part of the cost.
Despite their high price tag, langoustines are very tasty and considered a delicacy in many countries around the world. In fact, many people love langoustines so much that they are willing to pay the high price tag to buy langoustines over lobster.
What is the Differences Between Langoustine and Lobsters
As we mentioned above, lobsters and langoustines are not the same creatures. Below are the most notable differences between these two sea animals.
The Size
Langoustines are smaller than lobster, topping out at 10 inches in length. Lobsters, on the other hand, can grow quite large, depending on the breed.
The Color
Langoustines are orange and remain that color even after cooking. Lobsters come in a variety of dark brown colors, turning bright red during the cooking process. Some breeds of lobster can even be albino or blue prior to cooking.
The Taste
There is no doubt about it: langoustines are far tastier than lobster. The meat is sweeter, more tender, and just generally more desirable.
The Price Tag
Because langoustines are more rare and tastier than lobster, they carry a much higher price tag. Despite the high price, they are a highly desired food and served in many five-star restaurants around the world.
Where You Can Find Them
It isn’t too hard to locate a lobster in the wild on your own, and because they are in so many oceans, they are available at most grocery stores and butchers. Langoustines are rarer and must usually be special ordered.
How Do You Cook Langoustines?
Langoustines, unlike lobsters, are difficult to keep alive during transit, therefore many are frozen the minute they are caught to keep them fresh. Usually they are sold whole, though it is possible to just buy the tails from time to time.
Langoustines should not be defrosted until it is time to cook them, and you can simply toss them in the pot to boil them whole. They can also be baked like lobster, but we find this to be a bit unnecessary since they are so delicious when boiled.
The meat is delicious on its own but can also be dipped in garlic mayo or clarified butter.
Those who are serving them with pasta can sauté them in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the dish. Either way, the result is absolutely deductible, and you will love it!
Where Can You Buy Langoustines?
Langoustines can be hard to come by, especially if you don’t live near the North Sea. We recommend heading over to the Stone Crab Club website, which is one of the few premium seafood suppliers we have found to carry delicious langoustines almost year round. You can also order some delicious shrimp and Spanish red prawns from the Stone Crab Club to make a complete seafood platter for your next event!