Shrimp Po Boy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Shrimp Po Boy is a flavorful, crispy delight that perfectly balances crunchy fried shrimp with fresh, tangy toppings and a zesty sauce. The shrimp are coated in a seasoned batter that gives them a satisfying crunch, while the remoulade sauce adds a creamy and spicy kick. The sandwich is easy to assemble, yet impressively delicious, making it perfect for a casual dinner or even a special gathering. It’s a quick, satisfying, and flavorful way to enjoy a taste of Louisiana at home.

Ingredients

For the shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup cornmeal

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the remoulade sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For assembling:

• 4 crusty hoagie rolls or French baguettes

• Shredded lettuce

• Sliced tomatoes

• Pickles (preferably dill or bread-and-butter)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the shrimp:

1. In a medium bowl, soak the shrimp in the buttermilk for about 15-20 minutes. This helps tenderize the shrimp and allows the batter to stick.

2. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat.

4. Dredge the shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to coat each shrimp evenly.

5. Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Make the remoulade sauce:

6. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, hot sauce, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Set aside.

Assemble the Po Boys:

7. Slice the hoagie rolls or baguettes lengthwise, but not all the way through.

8. Spread a generous amount of remoulade sauce on both sides of the rolls.

9. Layer a handful of shredded lettuce on the bottom half of each roll, followed by a few slices of tomatoes and pickles.

10. Pile the crispy shrimp on top of the vegetables.

11. Close the sandwich and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Shrimp Po Boy: Add extra hot sauce to the remoulade sauce or sprinkle more cayenne pepper on the shrimp for an added kick.

• Grilled Shrimp Po Boy: For a lighter version, grill the shrimp instead of frying them. Simply season and grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through.

• Vegetarian Po Boy: Replace the shrimp with crispy fried green tomatoes or a plant-based protein to make a vegetarian version of this sandwich.

• Shrimp and Oyster Po Boy: For a classic New Orleans twist, add fried oysters to the sandwich along with the shrimp for a seafood duo.

• Avocado Shrimp Po Boy: Add sliced avocado to the sandwich for a creamy, rich flavor to balance the spicy shrimp and tangy remoulade.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: The shrimp is best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the fried shrimp separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The remoulade sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

• Reheating: Reheat the shrimp in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp soggy. The sandwich is best when assembled fresh.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before soaking them in the buttermilk. Excess moisture can affect the batter and frying process.

2. Can I make the remoulade sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the remoulade sauce can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It allows the flavors to meld and develop, making it even tastier.

3. Can I make the Po Boy with other types of seafood?

Absolutely! You can use other seafood like fried fish fillets, scallops, or even crab cakes in place of the shrimp for a variation of the Po Boy.

4. Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour and gluten-free buns to make this sandwich gluten-free. Make sure to use a certified gluten-free bread and flour blend.

5. How can I make the shrimp extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, double dredge the shrimp. After dipping them in the buttermilk, coat them in the flour mixture, dip them back into the buttermilk, and coat them again in the flour mixture before frying.

6. Can I skip the frying and bake the shrimp instead?

Yes, you can bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. Coat the shrimp with a light layer of oil or cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.

7. Can I add cheese to the Po Boy?

While cheese isn’t traditional for a Po Boy, you can add slices of provolone, cheddar, or American cheese if you like a cheesy twist.

8. How do I keep the Po Boy from getting soggy?

To avoid a soggy Po Boy, make sure to toast the bread slightly before assembling and use a thick layer of remoulade sauce. It’s also important to avoid overfilling the sandwich with too much sauce or wet ingredients.

9. Can I use a different sauce instead of remoulade?

Yes, you can use tartar sauce, spicy mayo, or a simple lemon aioli as an alternative to the remoulade.

10. Can I make the shrimp Po Boy without pickles?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of pickles, you can omit them or substitute them with something else like fresh cucumber slices or coleslaw for added crunch.

Conclusion

Shrimp Po Boy is a delicious and satisfying sandwich that brings the bold flavors of New Orleans into every bite. With crispy shrimp, tangy remoulade sauce, and fresh toppings, this sandwich is the perfect choice for a flavorful lunch or dinner. Whether you’re serving it for a crowd or enjoying it as a solo treat, these Shrimp Po Boys will quickly become a favorite that everyone will love!