A traditional Southern food that originated in Louisiana is the shrimp po’ boy sandwich. This dish is tasty and filling, with crispy fried shrimp tucked within a soft French bread or baguette and topped with vibrant sauce and fresh vegetables. You can make your own wonderful Po’ Boy in your kitchen by following this recipe.
Tasting Notes
The combination of crispy shrimp, soft bread, and tangy sauce creates a harmony of flavors and textures in every bite. The crunch of the shrimp contrasts beautifully with the pillowy bread, while the sauce adds a zingy kick that elevates the dish to new heights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 baguette or French bread, cut into sandwich-sized portions
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced pickles
- Sliced red onion
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Louisiana-style)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Kitchen Equipment
- Deep fryer or large pot for frying
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Paper towels
- Knife
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dredge the shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture until evenly coated, shaking off any excess flour.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice the baguette or French bread horizontally. Spread a generous amount of the sauce on both sides of the bread. Layer shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, red onion, and fried shrimp on the bottom half of the bread. Top with the other half of the bread.
- Serve: Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwiches!
Pro Tips
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the shrimp to achieve a crispy exterior.
- Don’t overcrowd the frying pot or fryer to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Variations
- Substitute the shrimp with oysters or catfish for a different twist on the classic Po’ Boy.
- Experiment with different sauces such as remoulade or tartar sauce for a unique flavor profile.
- Add additional toppings like avocado slices or crispy bacon for extra indulgence.
FAQs
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
While frying gives the shrimp that classic crispy texture, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
You can, but the shrimp won’t have the same crispiness as freshly fried shrimp. If using pre-cooked shrimp, simply warm them through in the oven before assembling the sandwiches.
Shrimp Po' Boy Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 baguette or French bread, cut into sandwich-sized portions
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced pickles
- Sliced red onion
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Louisiana-style)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dredge the shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture until evenly coated, shaking off any excess flour.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice the baguette or French bread horizontally. Spread a generous amount of the sauce on both sides of the bread. Layer shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, red onion, and fried shrimp on the bottom half of the bread. Top with the other half of the bread.
- Serve: Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Po' Boy Sandwiches!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4 servingsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 450Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 1100mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 25g
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