This Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich brings the vibrant flavors of Louisiana straight to your kitchen. With crispy fried shrimp, fresh shredded lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty homemade remoulade sauce, this sandwich is a true taste of the Bayou. Perfectly paired with a cold beer, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and easy to make. Whether you’re a seafood lover or looking to try something new, this po boy will become a favorite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound medium shrimp, shelled, deveined, and tails removed
- 3/4 cup fine cornmeal
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Peanut oil for frying
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 2 to 3 tomatoes, sliced about 1/4 inch thick
- 4 small French sandwich rolls
For the Remoulade Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mustard, preferably Creole mustard
- 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice or vinegar
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Crystal or Tabasco)
- 1 large clove garlic, minced and smashed
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 to 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
Directions
- Make the Remoulade Sauce: In a bowl, mix all remoulade ingredients together and set aside for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, Cajun seasoning, and salt. Dredge shrimp in beaten eggs, then coat with the flour-cornmeal mixture.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat peanut oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp in batches for about 2 minutes, turning until golden and crispy. Remove shrimp from the oil and set them on paper towels to drain.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice the French rolls almost all the way through and spread the remoulade sauce on both sides of the bread. Layer shredded lettuce, fried shrimp, and sliced tomatoes. Close the sandwich and press down slightly.
- Serve: Serve immediately with extra hot sauce if desired and a cold beverage. Enjoy your authentic Louisiana po boy!
Nutrients
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 881
- Total Fat: 43g (55% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 8g (39% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 344mg (115% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 3286mg (143% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrate: 82g (30% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 9g (30% Daily Value)
- Total Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 42g
- Vitamin C: 26mg (128% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 232mg (18% Daily Value)
- Iron: 6mg (32% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 994mg (21% Daily Value)
The Appeal of Southern Cuisine
Southern cuisine is renowned for its deep flavors, bold spices, and comforting ingredients, and the Shrimp Po Boy embodies all these characteristics in a single sandwich. Born in Louisiana, the Po Boy is a sandwich that has become a symbol of the region’s rich culinary traditions. It’s both a comfort food and a street food, and it’s loved for its simple yet flavorful ingredients. The crispy fried shrimp are the star of this dish, and they’re complemented perfectly by the tangy and creamy remoulade sauce, which adds an extra layer of flavor. Whether you’re from the South or simply enjoying the food from afar, the Shrimp Po Boy offers a delicious glimpse into the heart of Southern cooking.
Crispy Fried Shrimp: The Star of the Show
At the core of any great Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich are the shrimp. The shrimp are coated in a seasoned cornmeal and flour mixture before being deep-fried to golden perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior with a juicy, tender interior. The use of cornmeal gives the shrimp a distinctive crunch, while the Cajun seasoning adds a depth of flavor with a spicy kick. The shrimp are perfectly cooked in hot peanut oil, ensuring that they remain tender and succulent. This crispy fried shrimp is what truly sets the Po Boy apart and gives it the satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread and the creamy remoulade sauce.
The Role of the Remoulade Sauce
No Shrimp Po Boy would be complete without the addition of a flavorful remoulade sauce. This tangy, creamy sauce is the perfect complement to the crispy shrimp, providing a burst of flavor that enhances the dish. Made with a base of mayonnaise and mustard, the sauce is further enriched with horseradish, pickle juice or vinegar, and hot sauce, giving it a balanced kick of heat and acidity. Garlic and sweet paprika round out the sauce, adding depth and complexity. The remoulade sauce is spread on the sandwich bread, where it acts as both a flavor enhancer and a creamy binding element that ties all the ingredients together. It also helps balance out the richness of the fried shrimp, ensuring that the sandwich isn’t overly heavy while still delivering bold, Southern flavors.
Shredded Lettuce and Sliced Tomatoes: Fresh and Crunchy Additions
While the fried shrimp and remoulade sauce are the primary flavors of the Shrimp Po Boy, the addition of fresh shredded lettuce and juicy tomatoes brings a much-needed freshness and balance to the sandwich. The shredded lettuce adds a cool crunch, which contrasts with the warm, crispy shrimp and creamy sauce. The tomatoes, sliced thick, provide a burst of juiciness and slight sweetness, cutting through the richness of the fried shrimp and bringing a refreshing touch to every bite. Together, these fresh ingredients help balance out the heaviness of the fried shrimp and sauce, creating a well-rounded sandwich that is satisfying yet refreshing.
The Perfect French Roll for a Po Boy
The bread used for the Shrimp Po Boy is just as important as the filling. A traditional Po Boy uses a French sandwich roll, which is light yet sturdy enough to hold all the fillings without falling apart. The roll has a soft, airy interior and a crisp crust that provides the ideal balance of texture. When assembled, the sandwich remains intact without becoming soggy, even with the addition of the remoulade sauce. The bread is substantial enough to support the fried shrimp and fresh vegetables, but it doesn’t overwhelm the flavors, allowing the shrimp and remoulade to shine. A good French roll elevates the entire sandwich, making every bite just as satisfying as the last.
Serving Suggestions: Pairing the Po Boy with a Cold Drink
A Shrimp Po Boy is the perfect meal to enjoy with a cold drink, and many people love to pair it with an ice-cold beer for the ultimate Southern experience. The crispness of the beer complements the crunchy fried shrimp, while its light flavor doesn’t overpower the bold, spicy remoulade sauce. If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a cold glass of iced tea with a slice of lemon is another classic Southern pairing that works wonderfully with this sandwich. Whether you’re having it as a casual lunch, a hearty dinner, or a weekend treat, a refreshing cold beverage enhances the meal, making it even more enjoyable.
Customizing the Po Boy to Your Taste
One of the best things about a Shrimp Po Boy is that it can easily be customized to suit your personal preferences. While the classic version calls for fried shrimp, you can swap the shrimp out for other proteins, such as grilled fish or chicken, for a different take on the sandwich. You can also adjust the heat level of the remoulade sauce by adding more or less hot sauce, depending on your preference. For those who like a little extra crunch, you can add pickles or sliced onions to the sandwich, bringing additional texture and flavor. Whether you prefer it spicier, milder, or with different toppings, the Shrimp Po Boy can be tailored to match your taste.
Why This Sandwich is Perfect for Any Occasion
The Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich is a versatile dish that works for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re having a casual lunch, hosting a dinner party, or serving it at a backyard barbecue, this sandwich is sure to be a hit with guests. Its vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch make it an excellent option for seafood lovers and anyone who enjoys Southern cuisine. The sandwich is also perfect for meal prepping, as you can make the shrimp and remoulade sauce ahead of time, then assemble the sandwiches just before serving. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a quick weeknight meal, the Shrimp Po Boy is a reliable and delicious option.
A Hearty and Satisfying Meal
While the Shrimp Po Boy is undoubtedly flavorful, it’s also a hearty and filling sandwich that can serve as a complete meal. The combination of the crispy fried shrimp, creamy remoulade sauce, fresh lettuce and tomatoes, and the soft French bread makes for a satisfying bite every time. With protein from the shrimp, fiber from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the oil used to fry the shrimp, this sandwich provides a balanced meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. Pair it with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad, and you’ve got a well-rounded meal that’s both comforting and delicious.
Conclusion
The Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich is the perfect combination of Southern flavors, crispy textures, and creamy sauce, making it a must-try for anyone who loves seafood or is looking to explore new culinary experiences. The crispy fried shrimp, fresh vegetables, and zesty remoulade sauce come together to create a sandwich that is hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cold beer, serving it at a gathering, or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, the Shrimp Po Boy will quickly become a favorite. It’s an easy-to-make, versatile, and crowd-pleasing dish that captures the essence of Louisiana cuisine and brings it straight to your table.