The pros: Trader Joe's Langostino Tails are frozen, precooked, and ready to be added to a dish where you might use shrimp or another seafood. This also requires less prep as they are already cooked.
The cons: I think too many people pass these buy because they don't know what to do with them. That's a shame because this is a good product. If you really, really like these then buy them at Costco because they'll work out much cheaper.
The verdict: I've only seen Langostino Tails sold in two places: Costco and Trader Joe's. For the uninitiated, Langostinos are actually called Squat Lobster. Yes, not the most appealing name. So Langostino is actually Spanish for little lobster. But don't think that a place can sell this to you as lobster. Long John Silvers used to sell lobster bites, but the FTC ruled that Langostinos cannot be sold as just lobster. They have to add the word langostino or squat in front of lobster otherwise it would create customer confusion between what many associate with lobster, like Maine lobster for example. So while, this is called squat lobster, it's not really lobster but not really prawn either.
So, if you've never picked up a bag of these, then you are in for a treat. If you like the taste of lobster but the texture of shrimp then that is what you are getting here. These are frozen individually, but this does not come in a resealable bag which is kind of a bummer. Otherwise, don't be afraid to experiment with these. I've used them in a ceviche or in place of shrimp. The only thing you'll have to do differently is treat this like cooked shrimp. You'll just need to adjust any cooking times, or enjoy these cold in a seafood salad or Langostino Roll. I opted to make mine into a ceviche where I did not have to worry about eating anything that was raw.
For $12.99 for a twelve ounce package, these aren't terribly overpriced, but they aren't the best price around either. I've seen them sold at Costco with the seafood. It's a larger package, but isn't too much more expensive. But if the thought of going to Costco makes you cringe, then it's not a bad deal either. If you've been hesitating on trying this, then don't be afraid of what to do with it. I like these, I've bought them several times.
Here is the visual run down of what you get if you buy this product:
The bag of Trader Joe's Langostino Tails:
The nutritional information and the ingredients:
After being prepared in a ceviche you get something that looks like this (and yes, the recipe is posted at the bottom of the page):
Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Langostino Tails again. I enjoy both the taste and texture of shrimp and lobster. Plus, they are already cooked so I can put together a quick dinner in almost no time.
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe’s for a searchable list.
Here is my recipe for Langostino Ceviche
Langostino Ceviche
Ingredients
- 12 ounce package of Trader Joe's Langostino Tails defrosted
- 3 Limes juiced
- 1 Small Shallot chopped fine
- 1 Garlic Clove chopped
- ½ Jalapeno seeds removed and chopped fine more if you like heat
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Handful of fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Defrost bag of Langostino Tails in the refrigerator overnight. Drain to remove excess water and set aside.
- In a small mixing bowl mix the rest of the ingredients
- Add the Langostino tails to the mixing bowl or move it into a decorative serving bowl
- Allow to sit for 30 minutes to marinate in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Yummy! Haven't had those in over 30 years - since having left Florida.
Virtual hugs,
Judie
That sounds tasty – I will give it a try!
"if the thought of going to Costco makes you cringe." What's that about! Julia bought her meat at COSTCO.
Sometimes the line at Costco can be pretty crazy. I love Costco and used to go their frequently. But never on a weekend. Thanks so much for asking for clarification.
I recently found langostinos at Wegmans it was $36 for 2 lbs. I find them to be much more lobster like in consistency and flavor. They are amazing and I just love them on a salad or tossed in garlic butter over rice or pasta. I’ve even made mini lobster roll sliders.
Hey Lisa! Thanks so much for sharing this!
My wife just “discovered” these at TJ’s, had no idea what they were, but thought that they looked good. She made a simple angel hair GF pasta, added some herbs & spice, ready in less than 10 minutes. And, the leftovers made for a great lunch a few days later. Definitely going to check out the price at Costco.
Hi Ray! I think the per pound price is cheaper overall at Costco but it is a much larger package. Thanks for stopping by and sharing!
This is the first recipe I clicked on, as I just bought my first bag of Langostino Tails (12oz. for $10.99 at Aldi) yesterday. Not sure if I'll make this particular recipe because I try and stay under 23g carbs a day.
I enjoyed looking around your pages though. Grocery shopping is my happy place as well! I'd rather shop for groceries than any other shopping.
Anyway, if I make this, I'll come back to let you know.
Thanks Beth! Hope you come back!
I have bought these at Costco for years, but the last time I found them there was late 2020. I purchased them at Trader Joe's today. They had a good supply, and were $14.99 for 12oz. I use them in fettuccine.
Hey Carol! Thanks for sharing this cooking idea. Thanks also for stopping by!
I have been looking for langostino tails for or over 6 months. TJ, Costco, Restruant Depot, succulent Sea Food, and more. No one who has carried them, has had them forever. What is causing the drought? Where can I find them in the Chicago area? Thank you.
Hey FRR! I've noticed these are back at my local Costco and I've seen them again at Trader Joe's. Not sure why they went off the shelves. I hope that helps!