Tangy Shrimp Po Boy Recipe: A Crispy Seaside Sandwich Delight

Tucked away in the vibrant streets of New Orleans, this authentic shrimp po boy recipe captures the heart of Louisiana’s culinary magic.

Crispy, golden-battered shrimp nestled between soft, pillowy bread creates a sandwich that sings with bold Southern flavors.

Fresh gulf shrimp shine in this classic street food masterpiece, promising a taste of coastal comfort.

Every bite delivers a perfect crunch and zesty kick that transports you straight to the French Quarter.

The secret lies in the perfectly seasoned breading and tangy remoulade sauce that dance together.

Locals swear by this generations-old technique that turns simple ingredients into a mouthwatering feast.

Prepare to savor a slice of New Orleans right from your own kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 850 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Shrimp Po Boy Recipe

• Shrimp: Fresh, wild-caught gulf shrimp provide the most vibrant ocean flavor and tender texture.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes shrimp and adds subtle tangy richness to enhance coating adherence.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates crispy, golden exterior with perfect light crunch.
• Cornmeal: Adds extra crispiness and rustic texture to coating.
• Paprika: Introduces warm, slightly sweet color and mild pepper essence.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated savory undertones without raw garlic bite.
• Onion Powder: Contributes deep, rounded aromatic background notes.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings subtle heat and vibrant reddish undertone.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and balances flavors.
• Black Pepper: Provides sharp, spicy kick to coating.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures even, high-temperature frying for perfect golden shrimp.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that binds and smooths sauce components.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy, sharp flavor profile.
• Hot Sauce: Introduces zesty, spicy kick.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens umami and provides complex flavor layers.
• Garlic: Brings fresh, pungent aromatic dimension.
• Herbs: Contribute fresh, bright herbal notes.

• French Rolls: Soft interior with crusty exterior perfect for po boy structure.
• Lettuce: Adds fresh, crisp texture and cooling element.

Kitchen Tools For Shrimp Po Boy Recipe

• Large bowl: For soaking shrimp and mixing dry ingredients.
• Whisk: To blend remoulade sauce smoothly.
• Cutting board: For slicing tomatoes and preparing vegetables.
• Chef's knife: To chop and slice ingredients precisely.
• Deep frying pan or cast iron skillet: For frying shrimp at 350F.
• Tongs: To safely handle and turn shrimp while frying.
• Paper towels: To drain excess oil from crispy shrimp.
• Small bowl: For preparing remoulade sauce.
• Plate: To serve and assemble po boy sandwich.

Steps To Make Shrimp Po Boy Recipe Crisp

• Marinate Seafood

Soak succulent shrimp in tangy buttermilk to enhance flavor and tenderness for 10-15 minutes.

• Create Crispy Coating

Mix a zesty blend of flour, cornmeal, and spices to craft a crunchy exterior for the shrimp.

• Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil until sizzling hot, then carefully dredge each shrimp and fry until they transform into crispy, golden delights.

• Whip Up Creamy Sauce

Blend together a quick and zingy remoulade sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

• Build Your Sandwich

Toast soft rolls, slather with creamy sauce, layer with fresh crisp vegetables, and pile on the crunchy shrimp for a mouthwatering feast.

• Serve and Enjoy

Plate your masterpiece immediately, adding a side of crispy fries or tangy coleslaw to complete this flavor explosion.

Spicy Twists For Shrimp Po Boy Recipe

• Perfect Crispy Technique: Pat shrimp completely dry before buttermilk soak to ensure maximum crunch and prevent soggy breading.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with a blend of rice flour and cornmeal for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same crispy texture.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to make the recipe mild for kids or extra hot for spice lovers – start with half the recommended amount and taste test.
• Air Fryer Alternative: Replace deep-frying with air fryer method at 375F for 6-8 minutes, using a light spray of oil to achieve similar golden crispiness with less fat.
• Seafood Swap Option: When shrimp isn't available, substitute with tender white fish like cod or catfish for an equally delicious po boy experience that maintains the classic Southern sandwich profile.

Serve Shrimp Po Boy Recipe With Crunch

• Seafood Fiesta Feast: Pair the shrimp po boy with crispy sweet potato fries for a delightful texture contrast that elevates the entire meal experience.
• Southern Comfort Combo: Serve alongside tangy coleslaw and a cold beer to capture the authentic New Orleans street food vibe with refreshing side accompaniments.
• Picnic Perfect Plate: Create a casual outdoor dining setup with checkered tablecloth, extra napkins, and a zesty lemon wedge to brighten up the presentation and add a fresh citrus touch.
• Party Platter Presentation: Arrange multiple po boys on a large wooden board with small dipping sauce bowls, allowing guests to build their own sandwiches and enjoy interactive dining.

Store Shrimp Po Boy Recipe The Right Way

• Quick Chill Technique: Store leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven at 375F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
• Smart Sauce Storage: Keep remoulade sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Stir well before using as ingredients might separate during storage.
• Advance Prep Magic: Prepare flour mixture and remoulade sauce a day ahead. Store flour blend in a sealed container at room temperature and sauce in the refrigerator to streamline cooking process.
• Freezer Friendly Option: Freeze uncooked breaded shrimp on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll stay fresh for 1 month. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time.

Authentic Shrimp Po Boy Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic New Orleans shrimp po’ boy sandwiches showcase Louisiana’s culinary heritage with crispy fried shrimp nestled in crusty French bread. Zesty remoulade sauce and fresh toppings complete this iconic Southern sandwich that will transport you straight to the Gulf Coast.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 French sandwich rolls or baguettes, split and toasted
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• 1 tomato, sliced
• ¼ cup sliced pickles
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp Cajun seasoning

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Immerse shrimp in buttermilk to tenderize and enhance their delicate flavor profile.
2. Season: Craft a vibrant coating by blending flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper into a uniform mixture.
3. Prepare Frying Station: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to a precise 350°F, creating the ideal environment for crispy, golden shrimp.
4. Coat and Fry: Thoroughly dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, then carefully lower into the hot oil in small batches to maintain optimal temperature and prevent overcrowding.
5. Cook to Perfection: Fry shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they achieve a rich, golden-brown exterior, ensuring a crisp texture and succulent interior.
6. Drain and Rest: Transfer fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess oil to drain while maintaining their crunch.
7. Prepare Remoulade: Whisk sauce ingredients until smooth, then refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
8. Assemble Sandwich: Toast rolls to a light golden-brown, spread chilled remoulade on both interior sides, then layer with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and tangy pickle rounds.
9. Finish and Serve: Pile crispy shrimp atop the vegetable layers, optionally drizzle with additional remoulade, and serve immediately with french fries or coleslaw for a complete, mouthwatering meal.

Notes

• Buttermilk Tenderizing Trick: Marinate shrimp for 15-30 minutes maximum to enhance tenderness without making texture mushy.
• Perfect Frying Temperature: Use a candy/deep-fry thermometer to maintain exact 350°F for consistent golden-brown crispy coating.
• Batch Frying Technique: Never overcrowd the skillet, keeping 4-5 shrimp per batch ensures crispier exterior and prevents oil temperature drop.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour, adding extra cornmeal for crunch and maintaining crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Cajun/Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 850
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 34 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 90 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg