Shrimp Po' Boy
Cuisine: American Type: Sandwich/Wrap

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Shrimp
1 pound (453.592)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (240)
Lettuce
1 head (500)
Tomato
2 slices (100)
Pickles
4 slices (60)
Baguette
1 loaf (500)
Cornmeal
1 cup (120)
Flour
1 cup (120)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5.69)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (2.84)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (2.84)
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (2.84)
Onion Powder
1 teaspoon (2.84)
Cayenne Pepper
1 teaspoon (2.84)
Vegetable Oil
2 cups (480)
Hot Sauce
2 teaspoons (9.28)
Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons (30)
Totals
93 oz
(2,633 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Shrimp
150
Baguette
180
Mayonnaise
90
Lettuce
5
Tomato
25
Pickles
10
Onion
10
Hot Sauce
0
Salt
0
Black Pepper
0
Paprika
0
Garlic Powder
0
Cayenne Pepper
0
Vegetable Oil
120
Totals
590 kcal
Steps
1. Start by preparing the shrimp. Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary, leaving the tails intact.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, and any desired spices (such as paprika or cayenne pepper) to create a dredging mixture.
3. Dip each shrimp into the dredging mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
5. Carefully place the coated shrimp into the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
6. Fry the shrimp until they turn golden brown and crispy, usually about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Now, it's time to assemble the po' boy. Slice a French baguette or a hoagie roll lengthwise, but not all the way through, creating a pocket for the fillings.
8. Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise or remoulade sauce on the inside of the bread.
9. Layer the shrimp on top of the sauce, followed by sliced tomatoes, pickles, and shredded lettuce.
10. Optionally, you can add hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
11. Close the sandwich and press it gently to help the ingredients meld together.
12. Serve the shrimp po' boy immediately, optionally with a side of coleslaw, potato chips, or French fries. Enjoy!
Substitutions
Substitutions/alterations for Shrimp Po Boy:
1. Shrimp:
- Substitute with chicken breast or tofu cubes.
- Adjust cooking time accordingly based on the alternative ingredient chosen.
2. French bread:
- Substitute with hoagie rolls, baguette, or ciabatta bread.
3. Lettuce:
- Substitute with spinach, arugula, or mixed greens.
4. Tomatoes:
- Substitute with sliced cucumbers or bell peppers.
5. Mayonnaise:
- Substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option.
6. Hot sauce:
- Substitute with sriracha sauce, Tabasco sauce, or cayenne pepper.
7. Pickles:
- Substitute with sliced dill pickles or pickled jalapenos.
8. Cornmeal:
- Substitute with breadcrumbs or panko crumbs for coating the shrimp or alternative ingredient.
9. Buttermilk:
- Substitute with regular milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar (1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar).
10. Cajun seasoning:
- Substitute with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
11. Lemon juice:
- Substitute with lime juice or white wine vinegar.
12. Garlic:
- Substitute with garlic powder or granulated garlic.
Note: Adjust seasoning quantities to taste and based on personal preference.
Pairings
- Coleslaw
- Pickles
- French fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Corn on the cob
- Macaroni and cheese
- Hush puppies
- Fried green tomatoes
- Remoulade sauce
- Tartar sauce
- Hot sauce
- Lemonade
- Iced tea
- Beer (such as a light lager or pale ale)
- Sparkling water with lemon or lime
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Serve the Shrimp Po Boy on a wooden cutting board or slate for a rustic and elegant touch.
- Garnish the plate with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or microgreens for a pop of color.
- Use a squeeze bottle to drizzle a zigzag pattern of remoulade sauce over the sandwich for an artistic touch.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a crunchy element by topping the Shrimp Po Boy with thinly sliced pickles or crispy fried onions.
- Enhance the flavor by marinating the shrimp in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and Cajun spices before cooking.
- Toast the bread lightly to add a crispy texture to the sandwich.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use jumbo or tiger shrimp instead of regular shrimp for a more indulgent experience.
- Substitute regular mayonnaise with homemade aioli for a richer and more gourmet flavor.
- Add a touch of decadence by incorporating a slice of creamy avocado or a few slices of ripe heirloom tomatoes to the sandwich.
Diet Restrictions
1. Replace white bread with whole grain or gluten-free bread for those with gluten intolerance or looking for a healthier option.
2. Use a lighter cooking method like grilling or baking the shrimp instead of deep frying to reduce the overall fat content.
3. Opt for a low-fat or light mayonnaise instead of regular mayonnaise to reduce the calorie and fat content.
4. Increase the amount of vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions to add more fiber and nutrients to the sandwich.
5. Consider using a low-sodium seasoning or marinade for the shrimp to reduce salt intake for individuals with high blood pressure or heart conditions.
6. Serve the po boy with a side of fresh salad or fruit instead of fries to make it a more balanced meal.
7. If trying to reduce calorie intake, consider using a smaller portion of shrimp or replacing some of the shrimp with a lean protein like grilled chicken or tofu.
8. For individuals with seafood allergies, substitute the shrimp with a plant-based protein like grilled portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu.
9. Offer a variety of condiments, such as hot sauce or salsa, to add flavor without adding excessive calories or fat.
10. Provide the option of a lettuce wrap or a whole grain wrap instead of bread for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
Healthy Choices
- Use whole wheat or multigrain bread instead of white bread to increase fiber content.
- Opt for grilled or baked shrimp instead of fried shrimp to reduce unhealthy fats.
- Replace mayonnaise-based dressings with a lighter alternative like Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette for a healthier spread.
- Load up on fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions to add nutrients and crunch.
- Consider using avocado slices instead of cheese to add creaminess and healthy fats.
- Limit the amount of high-sodium condiments like pickles, and instead, season with herbs, spices, or a squeeze of lemon for flavor.
- Serve with a side of baked sweet potato fries or a salad to increase the nutritional value of the meal.
Shortcuts
1. Use frozen shrimp: Opt for frozen shrimp instead of fresh ones to save time on cleaning and deveining. Thaw them before cooking.
2. Pre-cut vegetables: Purchase pre-cut lettuce, tomatoes, and onions to save time on chopping and slicing.
3. Skip the breading: For a quicker version, skip breading the shrimp and instead sauté or grill them with your preferred seasoning.
4. Use pre-made sauce: Save time by using store-bought remoulade or tartar sauce instead of making it from scratch.
5. Substitute baguette with rolls: Use pre-cut rolls or sub-style bread instead of a traditional baguette to save time on slicing and to reduce cost.
6. Opt for a simpler batter: If you prefer a light coating on the shrimp, use a simple mix of flour, salt, and pepper instead of a more elaborate batter.
7. Make it open-faced: Instead of assembling a full sandwich, consider serving the shrimp on a single slice of bread or toast to save time on layering and cutting.
8. Bulk purchase shrimp: Buy shrimp in larger quantities and freeze them in portion-sized bags to reduce cost per serving.
9. Use a grill pan: If you don't have a grill, use a grill pan to achieve the charred flavor without the need for an outdoor grill setup.
10. Serve with homemade pickles: Make quick pickles by slicing cucumbers and onions, and marinating them in vinegar, sugar, and salt for a tangy addition without the need for lengthy fermentation.
Remember, these alterations aim to save time and reduce costs while maintaining the essence of a Shrimp Po Boy.