A classic New Orleans sandwich, the Shrimp Po’ Boy offers a tantalizing mix of crispy shrimp, fresh toppings, and a tangy remoulade sauce all nestled in a soft French baguette. Originating in the early 20th century, this dish is a symbol of Southern hospitality and hearty street food.
½cupmayonnaisepreferably homemade or a high-quality brand
1tbspDijon mustard
1tbsphot saucesuch as Tabasco, adjust to taste
1tspgarlic powder
0.5tsppaprika
Shrimp
1lblarge shrimppeeled and deveined
1cupbuttermilkfor marinating
1cupcornmealpreferably stone-ground
½cupall-purpose flour
1tspCajun seasoning
2cupsvegetable oilfor frying
Assembly
4mediumFrench baguettessplit and lightly toasted
1cupshredded lettucepreferably iceberg
1mediumtomatosliced
1piecepicklesliced
Instructions
Prepare the Remoulade Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp hot sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 0.5 tsp paprika until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste. Chill until ready to use.
Prepare the Shrimp: Marinate 1 lb of shrimp in 1 cup of buttermilk for 20 minutes. In another bowl, mix 1 cup of cornmeal, 1/2 cup of flour, and 1 tsp of Cajun seasoning.
Dredge marinated shrimp in this mixture ensuring an even coat. Heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat (about 175°C or 350°F). Fry shrimp in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Assemble the Sandwich: Spread remoulade sauce generously on the toasted baguettes. Layer with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles. Top with crispy shrimp. Serve immediately while the shrimp are warm and crispy.
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Notes
For a lighter variation, consider baking the shrimp instead of frying. Simply coat the shrimp with the buttermilk mixture and bake on a well-oiled rack at 200°C (390°F) for about 10-12 minutes.