This Trader Joe’s Langostino Tails recipe is a quick and easy recipe, which is made with tender langostino tails and a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, the perfect weeknight dinner ready in just 10 minutes.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joe’s Langostino Tails Ingredients
A simple list for a luxurious and quick seafood dinner.
- 1 lb frozen langostino tails, thawed
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic (about 1-2 cloves)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp minced fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How To Make Trader Joe’s Langostino Tails
A step-by-step guide to this incredibly fast and elegant meal.
- Thaw the Langostinos: Make sure your frozen langostino tails are completely thawed before you begin. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water. Pat them dry.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Cook the Langostinos: Add the thawed langostino tails and the butter to the pan. Cook, stirring, for just 2-3 minutes. They are already cooked, so you just need to heat them through.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the fresh parsley and the juice of one lemon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pull the pan off the heat and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips
For the most tender, juicy langostinos every time.
- How to avoid overcooking? This is the #1 rule for langostinos! The frozen ones from Trader Joe’s are already cooked. You are simply reheating them. A minute or two in the hot pan is all they need. If you cook them for too long, they will become tough and rubbery.
- What are langostinos? Often called “squat lobsters,” langostinos have a sweet, delicate flavor and a tender texture that is very similar to lobster or shrimp. They are a fantastic and affordable luxury.
- Can I make this spicy? Yes! For a delicious kick of heat, add a pinch (or more) of red pepper flakes to the pan along with the garlic.
- Can I use a different herb? While parsley is classic and fresh, finely chopped chives or a little bit of fresh tarragon would also be beautiful complements to the rich butter and lemon sauce.
What To Serve With Langostino Tails
Simple sides to complete this delicious meal.
This quick and versatile dish is fantastic served in a variety of ways, as suggested in the original recipe notes:
- Tossed with hot pasta, like linguine or angel hair
- Served over a bed of fluffy white rice
- As a delicious and easy filling for shrimp or lobster-style tacos
- Piled onto a slice of crusty, toasted bread for a gourmet appetizer
How To Store Langostino Tails
This dish is best enjoyed immediately.
- Best Eaten Fresh: For the best tender texture, this dish should be assembled and eaten right away.
- Refrigerate: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat leftovers very gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, just until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it can easily overcook the delicate langostinos.
Trader Joe’s Langostino Tails Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 22 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Yes, it is highly recommended. Thawing them first ensures that they all heat through evenly and quickly in the pan without overcooking. A quick way to thaw them is to place them in a colander and run cold water over them for a few minutes.
Yes! For a grilled version, thread the thawed langostinos onto skewers. Grill over high heat for just 1-2 minutes per side. While they grill, prepare the garlic butter sauce in a small pan on the side of the grill, then toss the cooked skewers in the sauce before serving.
Yes, this recipe is already non-alcoholic! If you wanted to add wine (as the original recipe did), a dry white wine would be added after the garlic. However, this version is perfect as is.
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Trader Joe’s Langostino Tails Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy3
servings5
minutes5
minutes350
kcalAn incredibly quick, easy, and elegant recipe for cooking Trader Joe’s Langostino Tails in a rich and flavorful garlic butter, lemon, and parsley sauce. Perfect for a restaurant-quality meal in minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb frozen langostino tails, thawed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1-2 cloves minced garlic
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp minced fresh parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Ensure the langostino tails are fully thawed and patted dry.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the langostino tails and the butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, just until the langostinos are heated through.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Notes
- The key to this recipe is speed! Do not overcook the langostinos, as they are already cooked and will become rubbery.
- A hot pan is essential for a quick sauté that just heats the langostinos through.
- This is a perfect “pantry” recipe to have on hand for a last-minute elegant dinner.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a spicy kick.
