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
Prepare the Remoulade Sauce
1.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.2.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can be made a day ahead.Set Up the Breading Station
1.Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels; this is crucial for a crispy coating.2.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.3.In the second dish, whisk the egg and milk together to create an egg wash.4.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.Fry the Shrimp
1.In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350-360°F (175-180°C).2.Working in batches of 5-6 shrimp to avoid overcrowding the pot, dredge each shrimp first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.3.Next, dip the floured shrimp into the egg wash, allowing the excess to drip off.4.Finally, press the shrimp firmly into the seasoned cornmeal mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.5.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.6.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried shrimp to a wire rack to drain. Immediately sprinkle with a little extra salt.Assemble the Po'boys
1.Split the baguette sections lengthwise, but don't cut all the way through, leaving one side as a hinge.2.Generously spread the chilled remoulade sauce on both cut sides of the bread.3.On the bottom half of each baguette, layer a bed of shredded lettuce, followed by tomato slices and dill pickles.4.Pile the hot, crispy fried shrimp on top of the vegetables.5.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.
