Introduction

The Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich is a classic Louisiana delicacy that embodies the bold flavors and culinary charm of New Orleans. Crispy, golden-fried shrimp are nestled into a soft French baguette or hoagie roll, complemented by a zesty spicy remoulade sauce that delivers the perfect balance of heat, tang, and creaminess. Crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and pickles finish off this indulgent sandwich, making every bite a symphony of texture and flavor.

This recipe brings the authentic Cajun-Creole experience to your kitchen. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or casual gatherings, these sandwiches are both satisfying and shareable, guaranteed to impress seafood lovers and sandwich enthusiasts alike.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s crispy, flavorful, and indulgent while still being approachable for home cooking. The shrimp are perfectly seasoned and fried, and the spicy remoulade adds a bold, tangy kick that complements the seafood beautifully.

What sets it apart is the balance of textures: crunchy shrimp, crisp veggies, soft bread, and creamy sauce. It’s comfort food elevated with Cajun flair—perfect for when you want a restaurant-quality sandwich at home.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Authentic flavor: Captures the essence of New Orleans’ cuisine.
• Perfect balance: Crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings.
• Crowd-pleaser: Great for family meals, parties, or casual gatherings.
• Customizable: Adjust spice level, toppings, or bread to your preference.
• Quick to prepare: Ready in about 45 minutes, yet impressive in taste.

Preparation and Cooking Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~550 kcal per sandwich

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course / Sandwich
• Cuisine: Cajun / Creole / Southern American

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust for spice)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Spicy Remoulade Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

• 4 French baguettes or hoagie rolls, split lengthwise
• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices
• Pickles
• Optional: sliced onions

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Remoulade Sauce

1. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until smooth and refrigerate while preparing shrimp.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

1. In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
2. In another bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk.
3. Dip each shrimp in the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour-cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to coat.

Step 3: Fry the Shrimp

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Fry shrimp in batches 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Spread a generous amount of spicy remoulade sauce on both sides of each baguette.
2. Layer lettuce, tomato, pickles, and fried shrimp inside the rolls.
3. Add extra sauce on top if desired.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve immediately while shrimp are warm and crispy.
2. Pair with French fries, coleslaw, or potato chips for a complete meal.

How to Serve

• Serve as a main course for lunch or dinner.
• Ideal for party platters; cut sandwiches into smaller portions for sharing.
• Pair with a cold beverage like iced tea, beer, or a crisp white wine.

Recipe Tips

• Oil temperature: Maintain 350°F for crisp, non-greasy shrimp.
• Make it healthier: Bake shrimp at 400°F for 12–15 minutes instead of frying.
• Bread choice: Use soft, slightly crusty bread to hold fillings without becoming soggy.
• Prep ahead: Remoulade can be made a day in advance to develop flavor.
• Keep shrimp warm: Place fried shrimp on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while frying in batches.

Variations

1. Cajun-spiced: Add extra cayenne or Creole seasoning to shrimp for more heat.
2. Fish Po’ Boy: Replace shrimp with fried catfish or cod.
3. Grilled Option: Grill shrimp instead of frying for a lighter version.
4. Vegetarian: Use crispy tofu strips seasoned with Cajun spices.
5. Extra toppings: Add sliced avocado, coleslaw, or pickled jalapeños for different flavors.

Freezing and Storage

• Shrimp: Cooked fried shrimp are best eaten immediately; freezing is not recommended for maintaining crispiness.
• Remoulade Sauce: Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Assemble just before serving to ensure freshness and crunch.

Special Equipment Needed

• Deep skillet or frying pan for shrimp
• Shallow bowls for dredging
• Whisk and mixing bowls for sauce
• Paper towels for draining
• Knife and cutting board for vegetables and bread

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but coat lightly in dredge and pan-fry briefly to crisp.

Q2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour or cornmeal blend and gluten-free bread.

Q3. Can I prepare the remoulade ahead?
Yes, it keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Q4. Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes for a healthier version.

Q5. Can I use different seafood?
Catfish, cod, or even calamari can be substituted for shrimp.

Conclusion

The Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich with Spicy Remoulade is a bold, flavorful, and indulgent Southern classic that brings the taste of New Orleans right to your kitchen. Crispy, perfectly seasoned shrimp combined with a creamy, zesty remoulade sauce and fresh vegetables make every bite irresistible.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or gatherings, this sandwich is a must-try for anyone who loves Cajun flavors and crispy seafood.