A classic New Orleans po boy loaded with crispy buttermilk-fried shrimp, tangy homemade remoulade, and cool lettuce and tomato on a crusty French loaf. This sandwich delivers the bold, bright flavors of the Crescent City in every messy, saucy bite.
Prep Time25 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings4
Yield4 sandwiches
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 710 kcalCalories
- 34 gFat
- 7 gSaturated Fat
- 62 gCarbs
- 3 gFiber
- 5 gSugar
- 38 gProtein
- 1280 mgSodium
- 520 mgPotassium
- 180 mgCalcium
- 5 mgIron
- 10 mgVitamin C
- 260 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the shrimp and marinade
- 1.5 lbs large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp Creole or Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp hot sauce (such as Crystal or Tabasco)
For the seasoned dredge
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup fine yellow cornmeal
- 2 tbsp Creole or Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- About 4 cups peanut or canola oil, for frying
For the remoulade sauce
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Creole mustard
- 2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles or cornichons
- 1 tbsp capers, drained and chopped
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp prepared horseradish
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 small clove garlic, grated
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For assembly
- 1 (12-inch) loaf soft French bread or New Orleans-style po boy bread, split
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 4 leaves green leaf or iceberg lettuce
- 1 large tomato, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- Dill pickle chips, for topping
Directions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, Creole seasoning, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Add the shrimp, toss to coat, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes and up to 1 hour.
- While the shrimp marinates, make the remoulade: in a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, Creole mustard, chopped pickles, capers, ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, garlic, and parsley until smooth. Cover and chill until ready to use.
- In a wide shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat about 1.5 inches of oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet to 350°F (175°C), monitoring with a thermometer.
- Working in batches, lift a handful of shrimp from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and drop them into the seasoned dredge. Toss gently to coat thoroughly, then shake off extra flour. Carefully lower 6 to 8 shrimp into the hot oil.
- Fry the shrimp, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Transfer to a wire rack set over a sheet pan and immediately sprinkle lightly with salt. Keep warm in a 200°F oven while you fry the rest.
- Split the French loaf into four equal sections and slice each open like a book. Butter the cut sides lightly and toast on a griddle or in a 375°F oven until just golden, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Spread a generous layer of remoulade on both sides of each toasted roll. Layer lettuce against the bottom, then fan the tomato slices on top, followed by a few onion rings if using.
- Pile the hot fried shrimp generously on top of the tomatoes, drizzle with more remoulade, and finish with a handful of pickle chips. Close the sandwich, press gently, and serve immediately with extra napkins.
Cook’s Notes
- For the crispiest crust, make sure the oil returns to 350°F between batches; too cool and the shrimp absorb oil, too hot and the coating burns before the shrimp cook.
- If you cannot find Creole mustard, substitute with a coarse-grain brown mustard plus a small pinch of horseradish to mimic the heat.
- True New Orleans po boy bread has a very crisp crust and an airy, soft interior; a soft Italian or French baguette is the closest substitute. Avoid dense, chewy baguettes.
- The remoulade tastes even better after resting for 30 minutes, so make it first while the shrimp marinates.
- For a lighter version, you can air-fry the dredged shrimp at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, spritzing with oil, though they will not be quite as crunchy.










