Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich Imagine biting into a warm, crispy, golden-fried shrimp nestled in a soft, fluffy French baguette, slathered with creamy remoulade sauce, and topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. That’s the magic of a Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich!
This New Orleans classic isn’t just a sandwich—it’s a bite of Southern tradition, packed with flavor and history. But what makes it truly special? The contrast of textures (crispy shrimp, soft bread, creamy sauce) and the burst of Cajun spices make it an unforgettable experience.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into:
✅ The history of the Shrimp Po’Boy
✅ How to make the best Shrimp Po’Boy at home
✅ Common mistakes (and how to avoid them!)
✅ Perfect pairings and where to find the best Shrimp Po’Boys
So grab your apron and let’s get started!
Table of Contents
A Brief History of the Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich
The Origins: A New Orleans Classic
The Po’Boy sandwich dates back to the 1920s in New Orleans when it was created to feed striking streetcar workers. Legend has it that local restaurant owners, Benny and Clovis Martin, gave away free sandwiches to the “poor boys” (hence the name “Po’Boy”).
While roast beef Po’Boys were among the first variations, seafood quickly took over, and fried shrimp became a fan favorite.
How the Po’Boy Got Its Name
The term “Po’Boy” comes from the way the sandwiches were handed out to struggling workers. Whenever a striking worker walked into their shop, the Martins would say:
“Here comes another poor boy!”
Eventually, the name stuck, and the Shrimp Po’Boy became one of the most popular variations in Louisiana cuisine.
Evolution of the Recipe Over Time
While the classic Shrimp Po’Boy remains fried shrimp, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and remoulade sauce on French bread, variations have emerged:
Spicy Shrimp Po’Boy – Tossed in Buffalo sauce for an extra kick! (Try this Buffalo Chicken Dip for sauce inspiration)
Grilled Shrimp Po’Boy – A healthier take, with marinated and grilled shrimp.
Gourmet Po’Boy – Avocado, slaw, or even different types of seafood (like crawfish) make appearances.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Shrimp Po’Boy
Choosing the Right Shrimp: Fresh vs. Frozen
💡 Tip: Always go for fresh Gulf shrimp if possible—they have a sweet, briny flavor that frozen shrimp just can’t match!
But if you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to:
✔ Thaw them properly (never microwave—soak in cold water).
✔ Pat them dry before seasoning to get that crispy texture.
The Best Bread for an Authentic Po’Boy
A Shrimp Po’Boy lives and dies by its bread. The ideal choice? New Orleans-style French bread. It’s:
Crispy on the outside
Soft and airy on the inside
If you can’t find it, a French baguette or hoagie roll is the next best option.
Classic Toppings and Condiments
The beauty of a Shrimp Po’Boy is in its simplicity. Here’s what you need:
✔ Shredded lettuce – Iceberg or romaine for a crisp bite
✔ Sliced tomatoes – Adds juiciness
✔ Dill pickles – Brings the tang!
✔ Remoulade sauce – A creamy, slightly spicy sauce that takes it to the next level
(Stay tuned for a homemade remoulade sauce recipe later!)
How to Make the Best Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich at Home
Here’s where the magic happens!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Remoulade Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For Assembly
- 2 French baguettes (cut into halves)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- Pickles (optional but recommended!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
- Soak the shrimp in buttermilk for 15 minutes—this helps keep them tender and juicy!
Step 2: Dredge & Fry
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, and seasonings.
- Remove shrimp from buttermilk, dredge in the flour mixture, and coat evenly.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Make the Remoulade Sauce
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
- Spread remoulade sauce on both sides of the bread.
- Add lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles.
- Pile on crispy shrimp, top with extra sauce, and enjoy!
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even the best home cooks can mess up a Po’Boy if they’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes and how to fix them before your sandwich turns into a soggy disappointment!
Mistake #1: Overcooking or Undercooking the Shrimp
Shrimp cook FAST—too long, and they turn rubbery; too short, and they stay mushy.
✅ Fix:
✔ Fry for only 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
✔ Watch for the perfect curl—a “C” shape means just right; an “O” means overcooked!
Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Type of Bread
A Po’Boy on soft sandwich bread? That’s just sad. The bread needs to be sturdy yet airy, or it’ll turn into a soggy mess.
✅ Fix:
✔ Use New Orleans-style French bread for authenticity.
✔ Can’t find it? Try a crispy baguette or even hoagie rolls.
(Related Read: Looking for another amazing sandwich? Check out this Classic Roast Beef Sandwich.)
Mistake #3: Not Seasoning the Shrimp Properly
Shrimp love seasoning, and Cajun spices are the secret to the best Po’Boy!
✅ Fix:
✔ Season the shrimp before and after frying.
✔ Add a little extra Cajun seasoning right when they come out of the oil for max flavor!
Variations of the Shrimp Po’Boy
The classic Shrimp Po’Boy is unbeatable, but sometimes, you want to switch things up! Here are three fun variations to try:
Spicy Cajun Shrimp Po’Boy
Love heat? This one’s for you!
🌶 Toss the fried shrimp in a mix of Buffalo sauce and Cajun seasoning before assembling your sandwich.
(Want to make your own Buffalo sauce? Check out this Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe for inspiration!)
Healthier Grilled Shrimp Po Boy Sandwiches
Skip the fryer and go for grilled shrimp instead!
🍋 Marinate the shrimp in olive oil, garlic, Cajun seasoning, and lemon juice, then grill for 2-3 minutes per side.
Vegan & Vegetarian Po’Boy Alternatives
Who says Po’Boys have to be shrimp-based? Try these plant-based alternatives:
Crispy Fried Oyster Mushrooms – Same crunchy texture, no seafood!
Fried Green Tomato Po’Boy – A Southern twist on the classic.
Cauliflower Po’Boy – Breaded and fried cauliflower florets work surprisingly well!
Pairing Your Po’Boy: The Best Sides and Drinks
A Shrimp Po’Boy is amazing on its own, but the right side dish makes it even better!
Classic Southern Side Dishes
- Cajun Fries – Crisp, golden, and seasoned with Cajun spice!
- Coleslaw – A creamy, tangy slaw balances out the richness of the fried shrimp.
- Hush Puppies – Fried cornmeal balls that are crunchy on the outside and soft inside.
- Mac and Cheese – Creamy, cheesy goodness that pairs perfectly!
(Craving comfort food? Try this Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe for another Southern classic!)
Best Drinks to Complement Your Meal
- Sweet Tea – The ultimate Southern drink to wash it all down.
- Abita Beer – A Louisiana-brewed beer that pairs beautifully.
- Hurricane Cocktail – A fruity rum-based cocktail straight from New Orleans!
- Homemade Lemonade – Sweet, tart, and refreshing.
Where to Find the Best Shrimp Po’Boys in the U.S.
While making a homemade Shrimp Po’Boy is an amazing experience, sometimes you just need to try the real deal. If you’re ever in these cities, don’t miss these legendary Po’Boy spots:
New Orleans, Louisiana – The Birthplace of the Po’Boy
If you want the most authentic Shrimp Po’Boy, New Orleans is the place to go. Here are the top spots:
✔ Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar – A local institution since 1918, known for its perfectly fried shrimp and buttery bread.
✔ Parkway Bakery & Tavern – A favorite for both locals and tourists, their Shrimp Po’Boy is a must-try.
✔ Johnny’s Po-Boys – One of the oldest Po’Boy shops, serving up massive, overstuffed sandwiches.
Other U.S. Cities with Top-Tier Po’Boys
🔹 New York City, NY: Try Cheeky Sandwiches for a Big Easy-style Shrimp Po’Boy.
🔹 Houston, TX: The Boot serves spicy Cajun-style Po’Boys with incredible seasoning.
🔹 Los Angeles, CA: Little Jewel of New Orleans has an authentic NOLA taste in the heart of LA.
🔹 Atlanta, GA: Crawfish Shack Seafood makes one of the best Shrimp Po’Boys in the South outside of Louisiana.
(Looking for a different Southern favorite? Try this Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits recipe!)
FAQs: Answering Your Top Shrimp Po’Boy Questions
1. What’s the difference between a Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich and other seafood sandwiches?
The main difference is the bread and seasoning. A Shrimp Po’Boy is served on crusty French bread, while other seafood sandwiches may use soft buns. Plus, Cajun seasoning makes a Po’Boy stand out!
2. Can I make a Shrimp Po’Boy without deep frying?
Yes! Try a grilled shrimp version instead. Just marinate and grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side. It’s a lighter but still flavorful option.
3. How do I store and reheat a Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich?
To keep it crispy:
✔ Store the shrimp separately from the bread and toppings.
✔ Reheat shrimp in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or air fryer for 3-4 minutes.
4. What are the best sauces for a Shrimp Po’Boy?
The classic sauce is remoulade, but you can also try:
✔ Spicy mayo – Mix mayo with hot sauce and garlic.
✔ Buffalo sauce – For a spicy kick (like this Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe).
✔ Garlic butter sauce – Adds richness and flavor.
conclusion : Why You Need to Try a Shrimp Po’Boy Today!
If you haven’t tried a Shrimp Po’Boy yet, what are you waiting for? It’s:
✔ Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor
✔ A true taste of New Orleans
✔ Easy to make at home with simple ingredients
Whether you’re frying up shrimp from scratch or hunting down the best Po’Boy spot near you, this sandwich is an absolute must-try for any seafood lover.
So, are you ready to cook up your own Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich
? Grab some shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and crusty bread, and let’s get started!