Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich Recipe

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The Shrimp Po'Boy Sandwich is a Louisiana classic that packs a flavor punch in every bite. Featuring crispy, golden-fried shrimp nestled in a toasted French roll and topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles, this sandwich is a perfect blend of textures and tastes. The homemade sauce adds a tangy kick, making it an irresistible choice for lunch or dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a quick and satisfying meal that brings the soul of Southern cuisine right to your table.

Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich

Note from Ana

 

Hello, sandwich lover!

The Po' Boy sandwich, a staple of Louisiana cuisine, has a rich and fascinating history that is deeply intertwined with the culture of New Orleans. Its origin dates back to the 1920s and is a tale of community, generosity, and innovation.

The story begins with the Martin brothers, Benny and Clovis, who were former streetcar conductors and opened a restaurant in New Orleans. During a four-month-long strike by the streetcar workers in 1929, the Martin brothers vowed to support their former colleagues, who were struggling without pay.

In a gesture of solidarity, they created an inexpensive, hearty sandwich to feed the striking workers. They used loaves of French bread, a common staple in New Orleans due to its French heritage, and filled them with whatever meat was available, often gravy and roast beef trimmings. This generous act made the sandwich a symbol of the community's unity and support during hard times.

The term "Po' Boy" is believed to have stemmed from the phrase "poor boy," referring to the impoverished workers who benefited from the Martins' kindness. The sandwich was an instant hit, not just among the strikers but also throughout the city, for its affordability and filling nature.

Over time, the Po' Boy evolved, with shrimp and oysters becoming popular fillings, especially given New Orleans' proximity to the Gulf Coast and its rich seafood resources. Today, Po' Boys come in endless varieties, including fried seafood, hot roast beef with gravy, ham and cheese, and more, each served with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayonnaise.

The Po' Boy is more than just a sandwich; it's a testament to New Orleans' spirit of resilience, community, and culinary innovation. It reflects the city's unique cultural melting pot, combining French influence with Southern flavors, and remains a beloved and iconic dish in Louisiana and beyond.

Here's why you're going to love this recipe:

  • Quick and Easy: In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality Po'Boy right in your own kitchen. How good's that?
  • Flavor Explosion: With spices like paprika and garlic powder, plus a kick from the hot sauce, each bite is a flavor adventure.
  • Versatile: Whether it's lunch, dinner, or a weekend treat, this sandwich fits the bill. It's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for any occasion.
  • Southern Charm: This recipe brings the heart and soul of Louisiana cuisine to your table. It's comfort food with a Southern twist.
  • Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or sauces to make this Po'Boy your own.

Enjoy the delicious flavors, and don't hesitate to share this dish with friends and family. After all, good food is meant to be shared!

 

Best,

Ana

How to Prepare Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich

Ingredients:

For the shrimp:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup buttermilk or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice (as a buttermilk substitute)
  • Oil for frying

For the sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For assembling:

  • 4 French bread rolls, split and toasted
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Sliced pickles

 

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and set aside.
  2. Make the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Dip in Buttermilk: Dip each shrimp into the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
  4. Fry the Shrimp: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous amount of sauce on the toasted French bread rolls. Layer with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and pickles.
  7. Add the Shrimp: Place the fried shrimp on top of the vegetables.
  8. Serve: Close the sandwich and serve immediately.
  9. Dobar tek!

How to Serve and Pair:

Serving options: The Shrimp Po'Boy Sandwich is best served immediately while the shrimp are still crispy. You can serve it with a side of coleslaw or a fresh green salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider offering additional sauces like remoulade or tartar sauce for extra flavor. The sandwich also goes well with sweet potato fries or seasoned potato wedges.

Pairing options: For drinks, a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade complements the sandwich well, especially on a hot day. If you prefer something alcoholic, a light beer or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully.

Dietary Information:

  • This recipe contains seafood (shrimp), gluten (bread and flour), and dairy (buttermilk, mayonnaise).
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread and gluten-free flour for the coating.
  • To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free milk alternative for the buttermilk and a vegan mayonnaise.

Make-Ahead Tips:

  • You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • The shrimp can be breaded ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a few hours before frying. Ensure they're kept in a single layer to avoid the coating from getting soggy.
  • While the sandwich is best eaten fresh, you can toast the bread and prepare the lettuce and tomatoes ahead of time for quick assembly.

Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich

Frequently Asked Questions for Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich

 

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before frying.

Is there a healthier cooking method than frying?

If you're looking to cut down on calories, you can try air frying or baking the shrimp instead of deep frying.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I make the sauce spicier?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more hot sauce or even some cayenne pepper to kick up the heat.

How do I store leftovers?

It's best to store the fried shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Can I use other types of bread?

While French rolls are traditional, you can use any sturdy bread that can hold the fillings well, such as ciabatta or baguette.

Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich Recipe

Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich

Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich

Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich

The Shrimp Po'Boy Sandwich is a Louisiana classic that packs a flavor punch in every bite. Featuring crispy, golden-fried shrimp nestled in a toasted French roll and topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles,  this sandwich is a perfect blend of textures and tastes. 
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Sandwich
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the shrimp:

  • 500 g large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup buttermilk or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice (as a buttermilk substitute)
  • Oil for frying

For the sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp hot sauce or to taste
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

For assembling:

  • 4 French bread rolls split and toasted
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Sliced pickles

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and set aside.
  • Make the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Dip in Buttermilk: Dip each shrimp into the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
  • Fry the Shrimp: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
  • Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
  • Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous amount of sauce on the toasted French bread rolls. Layer with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and pickles.
  • Add the Shrimp: Place the fried shrimp on top of the vegetables.
  • Serve: Close the sandwich and serve immediately.
  • Dobar tek!
Keyword easy, sandwich, shrimp
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Welcome to my culinary haven! My name is Ana, and I'm the passionate voice behind World Cuisines Network. Here, I share recipes that have not only won the approval of my family but have also stood the test of time in our kitchen. My goal is to introduce the rich tapestry of global flavors right to your family table. Thank you for dropping in! We're thrilled to have you join us.
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