Lobster is one of the most storied and famous seafood delicacies on Earth. This is for a good reason – it’s incredibly versatile in how it can be prepared and served, and the richness of the meat makes it a desirable meal for all seafood connoisseurs. If you know anything about the world of seafood cuisine, it’s that there aren’t one universal species of lobster. In fact, there are a ton of little and lesser-known ones that are rarer delicacies! Langostino is a dish that is commonly mistaken for one of these variants, but the two types of seafood are less alike than you might think. We explain everything you need to know about langostino below!
Defining Langostino
Langostino is a particular type of crustacean that looks like a small lobster. Many people assume that langostino are small lobsters. But langoustine belongs to a different species than lobster. In appearance, they look like lobsters, but they are about the size of a large prawn. They have purple racing stripes on their sides which disappear after they are cooked. Langostino takes less time to cook. Because they are more plentiful than lobster and easier to catch, they are often much less expensive than lobster, even though the taste of the meat is similar.
Comparing Langostino and Lobster
The FDA doesn’t allow langostino to be called or labeled lobster because it technically isn’t a lobster. It’s a different creature from a lobster, even though it’s similar. The primary difference between the two is size. Langostinos only grow to a maximum length of 10 inches. Langostino can only legally be called lobster if it has some kind of modifier in the name like “langostino lobster” or “squat lobster”.
If you see langostino or squat lobster on a restaurant menu or in a store, you should know that langostino isn’t really lobster. But if you’re on a budget, you don’t have a lot of time, and you want something that tastes like lobster, langostino is an excellent option.
The Squat Lobster Nickname
Why are langostino called squat lobsters? It seems like an odd name, but it’s true. The squat lobster’s name comes from the shape and appearance of the langostino. It has a square body that looks rectangular due to the crustacean’s small size. There are actually more than 1000 types of squat lobsters, although not all squat lobsters are langostino.
Try Langostino For Yourself Tonight!
Are you feeling adventurous? Do you want to try some langostino for yourself? You can make a reservation at Mare Oyster Bar online right now to try some langostino. At Mare Oyster Bar, you’ll find plenty of langostino to try along with other raw and cooked seafood delicacies. For the freshest seafood in Boston’s North End, make a reservation at Mares Oyster Bar today.