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Crispy Shrimp Po’ Boy: A Southern Classic Sandwich


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  • Author: Julie
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Description

A Crispy Shrimp Po’ Boy is a classic Southern sandwich that features crispy, golden-fried shrimp stuffed into a soft, crusty baguette or roll. The shrimp are lightly battered and fried until perfectly crunchy, while the sandwich is topped with fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles, adding a satisfying crunch and freshness. Often dressed with a tangy remoulade or spicy mayo sauce, this Po’ Boy offers a delicious contrast of flavors: the rich, crispy shrimp, the crisp veggies, and the creamy sauce all come together in a flavorful, mouthwatering bite. It’s a satisfying and indulgent sandwich, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or frozen shrimp work well. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk: The buttermilk helps tenderize the shrimp and adds flavor to the batter.
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This will form the base of the coating for the shrimp.
  • 1/2 cup cornmeal: Adds extra crispiness to the shrimp coating.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a hint of garlic flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds smokiness and a mild kick.
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Optional, but adds a bit of heat to the shrimp coating.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste: To season the shrimp and batter.

For the Remoulade Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise: This acts as the base for the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Adds tang and flavor to the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup: Gives the sauce a subtle sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and adds acidity.
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce: Optional, for some added spice.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds depth and flavor to the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon capers, finely chopped: For a briny, savory note.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For extra flavor.

For the Po’ Boy Sandwich:

  • 4 Po’ Boy rolls or French baguettes: The bread should be soft on the inside with a crispy crust.
  • Lettuce, shredded: Iceberg lettuce is traditional for its crunch, but you can use other types of lettuce as well.
  • 2 medium tomatoes, sliced: Fresh, juicy tomatoes are essential for the sandwich.
  • Pickles, sliced: Dill pickles add a nice tang and crunch to the sandwich.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Remoulade Sauce

  1. Make the Remoulade: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, lemon juice, hot sauce, smoked paprika, chopped capers, and garlic powder. Stir until all ingredients are well-combined and the sauce has a smooth consistency.
  2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as necessary. If you like it spicier, you can add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of hot sauce and cayenne.
  3. Refrigerate: Let the remoulade sauce sit in the refrigerator while you prepare the shrimp. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

  1. Clean the Shrimp: If your shrimp are not already peeled and deveined, do so now. Make sure to remove the shells and veins, and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
  2. Soak the Shrimp: In a shallow bowl, pour the buttermilk over the shrimp, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them soak for 10 minutes to tenderize and flavor the shrimp.
  3. Make the Coating: In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. Coat the Shrimp: Once the shrimp have soaked in the buttermilk, dredge them in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure they are fully coated. Shake off any excess coating.

Step 3: Fry the Shrimp

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). The oil should be enough to cover the shrimp, but not too much that it overflows during frying.
  2. Fry the Shrimp: Working in batches, carefully drop the coated shrimp into the hot oil. Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet to ensure the shrimp cook evenly.
  3. Drain the Shrimp: Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.

Step 4: Assemble the Po’ Boy Sandwich

  1. Prepare the Rolls: Slice the Po’ Boy rolls or French baguettes in half lengthwise. If desired, you can lightly toast the bread in the oven or on a grill to add an extra crunch.
  2. Spread the Remoulade: Spread a generous amount of remoulade sauce on both the top and bottom halves of each roll.
  3. Assemble the Sandwich: On the bottom half of each roll, layer a few pieces of shredded lettuce, followed by a few slices of tomato. Add the fried shrimp on top, ensuring they are evenly distributed across the bread.
  4. Add Pickles: Top with sliced pickles, then place the top half of the bread on the sandwich.
  5. Serve: Serve immediately, with extra remoulade sauce on the side for dipping if desired.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Protein: 32g