Differences and Applications of Langostino and Crawfish

Things might become a little complicated in the wide and varied world of seafood. It is quite easy to confuse one type of water dwelling with another. One such example is the mix-up between langostino and crawfish. Both phrases allude to crustaceans, which are prominent in the restaurant business. But are they the same creature? What is the difference between langostino and crawfish?

Langostino are saltwater crustaceans, while crawfish are freshwater crustaceans. Crawfish refers to a particular superfamily of crustaceans, while langostino mostly refers to Galatheidae crustaceans. Langostinos are leaner and longer than crawfish.

Several species of crustaceans might be difficult to distinguish due to similar evolutionary features. The differences are further blurred by the way many restaurants advertise these animals.

Hence, in this post, we’ll look more closely at two popular crustaceans used for food, crawfish and langostino, to see how they’re similar and different.

Langostino vs. Crawfish: Differences

I’ll go through their look, taste, culinary use, habitat, nutrition, and other characteristics so you can tell them apart. Initially, I’ll provide you a table to use as a cheat sheet.

Taxonomy

Langostino

There are several misunderstandings regarding the word langostino. Squat lobsters are most typically referred to as langostino in the restaurant sector in the United States. Squat lobsters, however, are not the same as genuine lobsters or crabs. They are in the same order as crabs and lobsters and are classified as Decapods.

Nonetheless, langostinos are members of the Anomura suborder and the Galatheidae crustacean family. The American lobster, on the other hand, belongs to the infraorder Astacidea, whereas real crabs belong to the infraorder Brachyura.

Crawfish

Crawfish are members of the Decapod crustacean order. Nevertheless, they belong to a separate suborder known as the Astacidea, which is related to American lobsters rather than langostinos.

Taste 

Langostinos or langostino lobsters taste extremely similar to ordinary lobsters in terms of flavor. As a result, since langostinos are almost half the price of American lobsters, many restaurants will serve langostino flesh instead. Langostinos tail flesh is sweet and delicate, comparable to lobster tail meat but with a slightly different texture.

Similarly, crawfish tastes similar to lobster but has a sweeter flavor. This is because crawfish are only found in freshwater, while most lobsters are found in saltwater.

Appearance

Langostinos are crustaceans found in the Anomura suborder. These creatures have a crab-like appearance. Yet, its carapace conceals their dorsal or final set of legs. This provides the impression that they only have four legs. They really have five pairs of legs, since the whole order of Decapods is named after these characteristics.

Langostino resembles short, stubby lobsters. They have distinct purple racing stripes that crawfish lack totally. Crawfish lack such striped or speckled patterns on their bodies.

Crawfish are likewise decapods, although their bodies are shorter and stouter than langostinos’.

Size

In the United States, langostinos are crustaceans that are little longer than 8 cm (or 3 inches) in length and weigh less than 200 grams. These are substantially smaller than regular lobsters, more like prawns in size.

Crawfish resemble lobster’s shorter, stubbier relatives. Because of their similar look, these species are sometimes referred to as freshwater lobster. True lobsters are all ocean creatures, for reference. Crawfish may reach 17.5 cm (almost 7 inches) in length, which is substantially longer than langostinos.

Habitat

Langostinos are crustaceans that live in seawater. They are from various nations. Chile exports two species of langostinos, both of which are members of the Galatheidae family. Two more species are native to New Zealand. These creatures may be pelagic (live in the middle of the sea) or benthic (live on the seafloor) (bottom dwellers).

Crawfish and crayfish are freshwater invertebrates that dwell only in rivers and lakes. They may also be found in wetlands and wet paddy fields. These are typically benthic creatures, living towards the bottom of bodies of water to feed on plants, rotting animals, and debris.

Popularity

Langostinos are a popular seafood in many regions of the globe. They are typically imported from the Chilean and New Zealandan areas. The demand for langostinos has risen considerably in recent years, particularly in the American market.

This is due to the lower cost of employing langostino lobsters over standard American or spiny lobsters. This is why numerous restaurants, including Rubio and Long John Silvers, have swapped this kind for traditional lobsters. In such situations, the law mandates the market to label the crustacean as langostino lobster or something similar to emphasize the distinction.

Crawfish have been popular for a considerably longer period and in more places than langostinos. They are abundant in Northern America, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and South Africa. As a result, these species are a mainstay of all of these areas’ seafood.

Nutrition

To make things simpler for you, I created a table that compares the nutritional content of langostino with crawfish.

Culinary Use

Langostinos are prepared in the same manner as lobsters and prawns. In the United States, these creatures are often grilled or fried and served on top of pizza. They are also commonly served with spaghetti. In a more straightforward preparation, the langostinos are boiled or sautéed in wine and garlic and served with a lemon slice and chopped herbs.

Langostinos tails, in particular, are frequently utilized and sought after. They provide the ideal bite-sized serving for foods such as pizza, spaghetti, and soup.

Crawfish may be eaten and presented in a variety of ways. Just boil or sauté them, then serve hot with a touch of lemon. You may also serve them with spaghetti or pizza. Crawfish pot pies and crawfish boils are both popular foods in the United States.

Price

A pound of whole langostino sells for $15 to $16 in the United States. Nevertheless, if you purchase them in volume, you may acquire them at a lower price. A 5 pound bag of langostino, for example, may cost between $13 and $14. In the US, IQF langostino tails may be purchased for $7 to $8. Its price is approximately half that of lobster tails, which explains why langostinos are becoming more popular.

Live Louisiana crawfish may cost between $4 and $5 per pound. Depending on the season, fresh boiled crawfish might retail for $5 to $6 per pound.

Are Langostino and Crawfish the Same Thing?

Despite they may seem identical on a seafood plate, langostinos and crawfish are not the same species. Langostino crustaceans are decapods of the Anomura infraorder. Crawfish, on the other hand, is a member of the decapod family Astacidea. A decapod is a creature with 10 legs.

Can You Substitute Langostino with Crawfish?

Because of their similar look and texture, langostino and crawfish may be substituted. They will not, however, taste the same in a meal.

Crawfish and langostino have a similar flavor to lobster. Yet, since crawfish are freshwater animals, their flesh tastes somewhat sweeter. Since they are saltwater crustaceans, Langostino has a higher salinity. Crawfish flesh is somewhat more soft than langostino meat.

Hence, although you may substitute crawfish for langostino, the flavor will be different.

Can You Substitute Crawfish with Langostino?

For the same reason, you may use langostino for crawfish if you choose or are compelled to. You can get away with it since they are similar in flavor and feel. A skilled eater, however, will be able to distinguish between the two.

Is Langostino a Scampi?

Scampi, often known as Norwegian lobster, is a Nephropidae family edible crustacean. Langoustine is just a regional term for this crab family. Langostino, therefore, is not a scampi.

Does Langostino Taste Like Lobster?

Most individuals believe that langostino flesh tastes just like lobster meat. They’re tasty, though not as tasty as freshwater crabs or crawfish. Langostinos have a lower meat content than lobsters.

To summarize, both crawfish and langostino are excellent substitutes for lobster at a lower cost. Hence, if you want lobster or other similar seafood, you may substitute these crustaceans without sacrificing flavor.