Shrimp Po’ Boy

The Shrimp Po’ Boy is a true taste of New Orleans bold, crispy, and packed with Cajun flavor. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch from the golden-battered shrimp, followed by the creamy kick of Cajun remoulade and the freshness of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy pickles. The sandwich is served on toasted French bread, which soaks up all the delicious flavors while maintaining the perfect balance of softness and crunch.

This iconic Louisiana sandwich is not just a meal it’s an experience. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick lunch or serving it up for a weekend feast, the Shrimp Po’ Boy brings Southern hospitality to your plate. Pair it with a side of seasoned fries or coleslaw, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds peeled and deveined 16/20 or 26/30 shrimp
• 4 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons stone-ground or Creole mustard
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups cornmeal
• ½ cup softened unsalted butter
• 4 (6-8 inch) loaves of French bread
• 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• ½ cup sliced dill pickles
• ½ cup Cajun remoulade
• Hot sauce to taste
• Sea salt to taste
• Vegetable or peanut oil for frying

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, mustard, hot sauce, buttermilk, and eggs until combined.
2. Add the shrimp to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a large frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornmeal, remaining 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, and salt.
5. Remove shrimp from the marinade and dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
6. Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
7. Spread butter on the sliced French bread and toast it in a pan until golden brown.
8. Assemble the sandwich: Layer shredded lettuce on the bottom half of the toasted bread, followed by tomato slices, pickles, and fried shrimp.
9. Spread a generous amount of Cajun remoulade on the top half of the bread and place it on top of the sandwich.
10. Serve immediately with extra hot sauce, if desired.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 9 minutes | Total Time: 39 minutes

Kcal: 907 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Ultimate Guide to the Classic Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich

The Shrimp Po’ Boy is a beloved staple of New Orleans cuisine, known for its crispy, golden-fried shrimp nestled inside a fluffy French bread roll, topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and a flavorful Cajun remoulade sauce. This sandwich captures the essence of Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage, blending bold spices, fresh seafood, and simple yet delicious ingredients to create an unforgettable eating experience.

Whether you’ve visited the streets of New Orleans or just crave a taste of the South, the Shrimp Po’ Boy is a dish that delivers on all fronts. In this guide, we’ll dive into the history, variations, serving suggestions, and cultural significance of this iconic sandwich.

A Brief History of the Po’ Boy Sandwich

The Po’ Boy sandwich traces its origins back to 1929, during the Great Depression, when it was created by the Martin brothers, Clovis and Bennie, in New Orleans. The brothers, who owned a French market restaurant, wanted to support striking streetcar workers by providing them with free meals. They crafted a large, inexpensive sandwich using French bread and fillings like roast beef, seafood, and other local ingredients. When the hungry strikers came to eat, the restaurant workers would call out, “Here comes another poor boy!”, which eventually evolved into the name “Po’ Boy.”

Over the years, the Po’ Boy has become a signature dish of Louisiana cuisine, with variations that feature fried oysters, catfish, roast beef with gravy, and even soft-shell crab. However, the Shrimp Po’ Boy remains one of the most popular versions, thanks to Louisiana’s abundant supply of fresh shrimp and the deep-frying techniques that define Southern cooking.

What Makes the Shrimp Po’ Boy So Special?

The Shrimp Po’ Boy is more than just a sandwich it’s a flavor explosion. Several key elements contribute to its distinctive taste and texture:

1. Crispy, Seasoned Shrimp
   The shrimp are coated in a flavorful Cajun-spiced cornmeal batter before being deep-fried to perfection. The result is a crunchy, golden exterior that contrasts beautifully with the juicy, tender shrimp inside.

2. Traditional New Orleans French Bread
   Authentic Po’ Boys are made with light and airy French bread that has a crispy crust but remains soft inside. This texture ensures that the sandwich is substantial but still easy to bite into.

3. Bold Cajun and Creole Flavors
   The sandwich is infused with the spicy, tangy, and slightly smoky flavors of Louisiana cooking, thanks to ingredients like Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, and Creole mustard.

4. Cajun Remoulade Sauce
   Unlike a simple mayonnaise spread, the Cajun remoulade used in a Shrimp Po’ Boy is a flavor-packed sauce made with mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, capers, hot sauce, and spices. It adds a creamy, zesty kick that perfectly complements the fried shrimp.

5. Fresh Toppings for Balance
   The combination of shredded iceberg lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and tangy dill pickles adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the shrimp and remoulade sauce.

Variations of the Shrimp Po’ Boy

While the classic Shrimp Po’ Boy remains the most popular version, there are several regional and modern variations that offer a unique twist:

• Grilled Shrimp Po’ Boy – Instead of fried shrimp, some opt for grilled or blackened shrimp for a lighter, healthier alternative. The smoky flavor from grilling enhances the overall taste.
• Buffalo Shrimp Po’ Boy – Fried shrimp are tossed in Buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy kick. This version pairs exceptionally well with blue cheese or ranch dressing.
• Asian-Inspired Po’ Boy – Some chefs incorporate sriracha mayo, pickled vegetables, and sesame slaw for a fusion twist that blends Southern and Asian flavors.
• Vegan Po’ Boy – For a plant-based alternative, crispy fried oyster mushrooms or battered eggplant slices can be used as a substitute for shrimp.

How to Serve and Enjoy a Shrimp Po’ Boy

A Shrimp Po’ Boy is best enjoyed fresh and hot, straight from the fryer. Here are some classic sides and beverages that complement this delicious sandwich:

Side Dishes:

• French Fries or Cajun Wedges – Crispy fries seasoned with Cajun spices make a perfect side.
• Coleslaw – A tangy, creamy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the fried shrimp.
• Hush Puppies – These fried cornmeal bites are a Southern classic that pair beautifully with seafood.
• Red Beans and Rice – A New Orleans staple, this dish adds a hearty, comforting touch.

Best Drinks to Pair With a Po’ Boy:

• Sweet Tea – A classic Southern beverage that complements the sandwich’s spicy flavors.
• Cold Beer – A light lager or pilsner pairs wonderfully with fried shrimp.
• Hurricane Cocktail – If you want to go full New Orleans-style, this rum-based cocktail is a fun choice.
• Lemonade – Refreshing and slightly tart, it helps cut through the richness of the sandwich.

Tips for Making the Best Shrimp Po’ Boy at Home

1. Use Fresh or High-Quality Frozen Shrimp – The key to a great Shrimp Po’ Boy is plump, juicy shrimp with a mild sweetness. Look for wild-caught Gulf shrimp if possible.
2. Season Every Step of the Way – From the marinade to the dredging mixture, seasoning is essential for bold, authentic flavors.
3. Fry in Small Batches – To achieve crispy, golden shrimp, fry in small batches and avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures even cooking.
4. Toast the Bread – A lightly toasted French bread roll prevents sogginess and adds an extra layer of crunch.
5. Serve Immediately – Po’ Boys taste best when fresh, so assemble and serve right away for the best texture and flavor.

Conclusion

The Shrimp Po’ Boy is more than just a sandwich it’s a culinary tradition that embodies the heart and soul of New Orleans. With its crispy fried shrimp, fresh toppings, and bold Cajun flavors, it delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes in every bite.

Whether you’re making it at home for the first time or reminiscing about a trip to Louisiana, the Shrimp Po’ Boy is a true Southern classic that everyone should try at least once. With endless variations and ways to customize it, this sandwich remains a timeless favorite in the world of comfort food.

So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy one of the best sandwiches ever created the legendary Shrimp Po’ Boy!