When I think of the first time I bit into a classic shrimp po’boy, I remember the crunch of perfectly fried shrimp nestled into a soft, pillowy baguette, and the tangy zip of remoulade sauce mingling with the fresh crunch of lettuce.
It was a sunny afternoon in New Orleans, and the sandwich felt like a love letter to the city’s vibrant culinary soul. Now, I’m thrilled to share my version of this iconic dish, a recipe that brings the Big Easy right into your kitchen.
The beauty of a shrimp po’boy lies in its simplicity—crispy, golden shrimp seasoned with a hint of Cajun spice, paired with a no-fuss assembly of fresh ingredients. The combination of textures and flavors is unbeatable.
And here’s a bonus: shrimp is a lean, protein-packed seafood that makes this indulgent sandwich surprisingly nutritious. Did you know that just three ounces of shrimp pack over 18 grams of protein with fewer than 100 calories?
This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner that feels like a treat. Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, swap the shrimp for crispy oysters or fried green tomatoes for a fun twist!
So, grab your apron, channel your inner Louisianan, and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen!
Flavor Bomb Alert!
- The crunch factor: The shrimp fry up to crispy perfection with just the right balance of spice. You’ll want to eat them straight from the pan!
- Versatile toppings: I’ve tried everything from classic lettuce and tomato to adding pickles and spicy slaw—it’s endlessly customizable.
- A quick weekday win: It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when I’m craving something satisfying but easy.
- Authentic flavors at home: This recipe nails that classic New Orleans vibe without requiring a trip to the French Quarter.
- Light and filling: Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, it satisfies without leaving you feeling weighed down.
Classic Po’Boy Sandwiches With Shrimp Recipe
Equipment
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Large frying pan
- Large bowl
- Small bowl for egg wash
- Knife for slicing bread
Ingredients
Remoulade
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 large clove garlic, minced and smashed
- 2 tsp prepared horseradish
- ¼ cup mustard, preferably Creole mustard
- 1 tsp pickle juice or vinegar
- 1¼ cups mayonnaise
Shrimp
- Peanut oil for frying
- 4 small French sandwich rolls
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 3 tomatoes, sliced about 1/4 inch thick
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup fine cornmeal
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup head iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1 lb medium shrimp, shelled, deveined, and tails removed
Instructions
- For the remoulade sauce, mix all the ingredients in a bowl and set aside for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Heat peanut oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Ensure the oil is about 1/4 inch deep.
- The oil is ready when a small amount of flour sizzles upon contact.
- In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, Cajun seasoning, and salt.
- Dip shrimp into the beaten egg, then coat them in the cornmeal-flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Fry the shrimp in the hot oil, cooking for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.
- Set the fried shrimp aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Slice the sandwich loaves almost all the way through, leaving them attached at the bottom.
- Spread remoulade sauce generously on both the top and bottom of the bread.
- Layer shredded lettuce on the bottom of the bread, followed by the crispy shrimp.
- Top the shrimp with 3-4 slices of tomato and gently press the sandwich to compress it.
- Serve immediately with hot sauce and a cold beer, if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, let the remoulade sit in the fridge overnight before using.
- The shrimp can be fried in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring they cook evenly.
Nutrition | Value |
Calories | 881kcal |
Carbohydrates | 81g |
Fibre | 9g |
Fat | 43g |
Protein | 42g |
Cholesterol | 344g |
Tips To Ease Your Job!
- Stay Organized: Keep a clean workspace, make to-do lists, and prioritize tasks to stay on track.
- Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: If a project feels overwhelming, divide it into manageable steps to avoid burnout.
- Set Clear Goals: Establish short-term and long-term objectives to give direction to your work.
- Use Time Management Tools: Tools like calendars, timers, or project management apps can help you stay on top of deadlines.
- Take Breaks: Short breaks throughout the day can boost productivity and reduce stress.