What is langostino lobster, and how does it differ from regular lobster?

Langostino lobster, often called "little lobster," is actually a member of the prawn family, sometimes referred to as squat lobster. They have a tender, sweet flavor and texture similar to true lobsters but are smaller and more affordable. Langostino works well as a substitute in various seafood dishes at a fraction of the cost.

How do I make homemade langostino bisque?

Start by sautéing aromatic vegetables like onions, celery, carrots, and garlic in butter. Add tomato paste and seasonings, then thicken with flour. Pour in white wine and stock, simmer until vegetables are tender, blend the soup smooth, and stir in cream. Finally, add thawed pre-cooked langostino meat and heat through before serving. For a silky texture, blend carefully and finish with fresh herbs.

Where can I buy langostino tails for bisque?

Pre-cooked frozen langostino tails are commonly available at grocery stores such as Trader Joe's and Costco. Purchasing pre-cooked tails helps reduce prep time while maintaining flavor. Fresh seafood markets may also carry langostino, but availability varies by location.

Can I use raw langostino tails instead of pre-cooked ones?

Yes, raw langostino tails can be used. Thaw them properly, remove shells, and sauté briefly in butter until tender before adding to your bisque. This allows more control over cooking and helps infuse flavor.

Langostino Lobster Bisque: Easy And Creamy Soup Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups diced onions
3/4 cup diced celery
3/4 cup peeled and diced carrots
3–4 cloves minced garlic
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups seafood or fish stock
1 to 1.5 cups dry white wine
1/4 cup dry sherry (optional)
2–3 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme or tarragon
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 pound frozen, pre-cooked langostino tail meat, thawed
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives or green onion for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Thaw langostino tail meat by placing it in a bowl of cold water, replacing the water until fully defrosted, then pat dry.
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and carrots, and sauté for about 5 to 10 minutes until tender.
Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Stir in tomato paste, thyme or tarragon, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, and sauté for 2 minutes.
Sprinkle in flour and stir until the mixture forms a paste.
Pour in wine and sherry (if using) and bring to a simmer.
Add stock and bay leaves, and let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until vegetables are soft.
Carefully blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or by transferring to a blender. Stir in heavy cream.
Add langostino tails and simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Serve immediately, garnished with chives or green onion.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Notes

🫕 Handle blending hot soup carefully; leave blender lid slightly open to allow steam to escape.
🦐 Using pre-cooked langostino is convenient, but if using raw, thaw and cook in butter before adding to the bisque.
🥄 For an elegant touch during special occasions, serve in wide shallow bowls and drizzle with a few drops of cream for presentation.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Simmering and Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: French
Diet: Pescatarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 475
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 1083mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 21g
Cholesterol: 144mg