Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich (Printable Version)

Golden fried shrimp with fresh veggies and creamy sauce on a French roll

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Shrimp

01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 cup cornmeal
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1/2 cup buttermilk
06 - 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
07 - 1/2 tsp paprika
08 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
09 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
10 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
11 - Vegetable oil, for frying

→ For the Sandwich Assembly

12 - 4 soft French rolls or hoagie buns
13 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
14 - 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
15 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
16 - 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
17 - 1 tbsp dill pickle slices (optional)
18 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Steps:

01 - Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until well combined.
02 - In another bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
03 - Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge in the flour-cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating.
04 - Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Heat to 350°F, maintaining temperature throughout frying.
05 - Fry the shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
06 - Slice the French rolls open lengthwise, leaving one side attached as a hinge to create a sturdy base for filling.
07 - In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with hot sauce if using. Spread generously on both cut sides of each roll.
08 - Layer shredded lettuce and tomato slices on the bottom roll. Top with fried shrimp and add pickle slices if desired. Close sandwiches and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The cornmeal crust stays impossibly crispy even after the shrimp cool down
  • That spicy Cajun kick wakes up every single bite
  • Everything comes together in under 40 minutes, including the frying
02 -
  • Let the fried shrimp rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels—they stay crisper when air can circulate underneath
  • Don't skip the buttermilk soak, even if you're tempted—those 5 minutes make the coating actually stick
03 -
  • Double-frying makes the shrimp extra crispy—fry for 90 seconds, let them rest 2 minutes, then fry again for 60 seconds
  • Toast your cut sides of the bread in the oven for 3 minutes before assembling—it prevents that dreaded soggy bottom
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