Shrimp Po'boy
Crispy, golden-fried shrimp piled high on a crusty French baguette, slathered with a zesty remoulade sauce and dressed with fresh lettuce and tomato. A true taste of New Orleans street food.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Remoulade Sauce
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Creole mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
- c.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can be made a day ahead.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Set Up the Breading Station
- b.Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels; this is crucial for a crispy coating.
- c.Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first, combine the all-purpose flour with 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- d.In the second dish, whisk the egg and milk together to create an egg wash.
- e.In the third dish, combine the cornmeal with the remaining 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Shrimp
- b.In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350-360°F (175-180°C).
- c.Working in batches of 5-6 shrimp to avoid overcrowding the pot, dredge each shrimp first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
- d.Next, dip the floured shrimp into the egg wash, allowing the excess to drip off.
- e.Finally, press the shrimp firmly into the seasoned cornmeal mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
- f.Carefully lower the coated shrimp into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- g.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried shrimp to a wire rack to drain. Immediately sprinkle with a little extra salt.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Po'boys
- b.Split the baguette sections lengthwise, but don't cut all the way through, leaving one side as a hinge.
- c.Generously spread the chilled remoulade sauce on both cut sides of the bread.
- d.On the bottom half of each baguette, layer a bed of shredded lettuce, followed by tomato slices and dill pickles.
- e.Pile the hot, crispy fried shrimp on top of the vegetables.
- f.Close the sandwich, press down gently to secure the contents, and serve immediately for the best texture.
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 is known for its crispy crust and fluffy interior.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pot when frying. Cooking in small batches ensures the oil temperature stays high, resulting in perfectly crispy shrimp.
- 3Ensure the shrimp are completely dry before breading. Any moisture will prevent the coating from adhering properly and result in a soggy crust.
- 4The remoulade sauce develops more flavor if made at least an hour, or even a day, in advance.
- 5To test if the oil is ready without a thermometer, drop a small cube of bread into it. If it turns golden brown in about 30-40 seconds, the oil is at the right temperature.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Try this recipe with fried oysters, catfish fillets, or even crispy chicken tenders for a different take on the classic po'boy.
Spice LevelSpice Level
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce in the remoulade to your preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne to the flour mixture for extra heat.
Healthier OptionHealthier Option
For a lighter version, season and grill or pan-sear the shrimp instead of deep-frying. Use a whole wheat baguette and a Greek yogurt-based remoulade.
Deluxe ToppingsDeluxe Toppings
Add other toppings like sliced red onions, avocado, or a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles for a gourmet twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Shrimp is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting muscle mass.
Rich in Selenium
This recipe provides a significant amount of selenium from the shrimp. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, supports immune function, and is crucial for thyroid health.
Provides Key Vitamins
Shrimp is a good source of several vitamins, including Vitamin B12, which is vital for nerve function and the production of DNA and red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
A Po'boy is a traditional sandwich from New Orleans, Louisiana. It almost always consists of meat or fried seafood served on New Orleans French bread, which has a crisp crust and a soft, fluffy center.