Shrimp Po'boy
Crispy fried shrimp piled high on a crusty French baguette with a zesty remoulade sauce, shredded lettuce, and juicy tomatoes. A classic New Orleans sandwich that brings the taste of the Big Easy to your kitchen.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Remoulade Sauce
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Creole mustard, ketchup, lemon juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, celery, green onion, and paprika.
- c.Season with 1/4 tsp of the salt and 1/4 tsp of the black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- d.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can be made a day ahead for even better flavor.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Set Up the Breading Station
- b.In a wide, shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, the remaining 3/4 tsp salt, and the remaining 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- c.In a second shallow dish, whisk the egg and buttermilk together until smooth.
- d.Thoroughly pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a crispy coating.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Shrimp
- b.In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- c.Working in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, dip each shrimp into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- d.Immediately dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure it's fully coated on all sides.
- e.Carefully place the coated shrimp into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- f.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried shrimp to a wire rack to drain. Do not place them on paper towels, as this can make them soggy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Po'boys
- b.Cut the French baguette into four equal 6-inch sections. Slice each section lengthwise, but not all the way through, leaving a hinge on one side.
- c.For extra texture, you can lightly toast the cut sides of the bread.
- d.Generously spread the chilled remoulade sauce on the inside of each piece of bread.
- e.Layer the bottom half with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and dill pickles.
- f.Pile the hot, crispy fried shrimp onto the dressed bread.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve Immediately
- b.Close the sandwiches and serve immediately while the shrimp is hot and the bread is crusty. Enjoy with a side of chips or coleslaw.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic Po'boy, use New Orleans-style French bread, which has a crackly crust and a fluffy interior.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan when frying. Frying in small batches keeps the oil temperature high, ensuring the shrimp get crispy, not greasy.
- 3Ensure your shrimp are completely dry before breading. Moisture is the enemy of a crispy coating.
- 4The remoulade sauce develops more flavor as it sits. Making it a few hours or even a day in advance is highly recommended.
- 5Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) for perfect results.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace the shrimp with fried oysters, catfish fillets, or even fried chicken tenders for a different style of Po'boy.
Healthier VersionHealthier Version
Grill or pan-sear the shrimp with Cajun seasoning instead of deep-frying. Use a whole wheat baguette and a lighter remoulade made with a Greek yogurt base.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the remoulade. You can also add sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños as a topping for more heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Shrimp provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Selenium
This dish is a good source of selenium from the shrimp, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system and thyroid function.
Provides Key Nutrients
Beyond protein and selenium, shrimp offers other important nutrients like Vitamin B12, iron, and phosphorus, which are vital for energy production, red blood cell formation, and bone health.
Frequently asked questions
A typical homemade Shrimp Po'boy can range from 800 to 1200 calories per sandwich, depending on the size of the bread, amount of remoulade sauce, and how much oil the shrimp absorbs during frying.