Easy Po Boy Sandwich
Make crispy Po Boy sandwiches at home with shrimp, fresh toppings, and easy techniques. Restaurant-quality Louisiana sandwich recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for shallow frying
- 2 sub rolls or French bread loaves
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 large ripe tomato, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1/2 cup dill pickle chips
- 1/4 cup fresh scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce, optional
Instructions
- 1
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps them cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
- 2
Mix together the flour, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
- 3
Whisk the eggs and buttermilk together in another shallow bowl until well combined.
- 4
Dip each shrimp into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl.
- 5
Coat the wet shrimp thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently so the seasoning adheres properly, then place on a plate.
- 6
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
- 7
Working in batches to avoid crowding, place the breaded shrimp in the hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- 8
Transfer the cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- 9
Whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl to create the signature sauce.
- 10
Slice the sub rolls or bread lengthwise and lightly toast them in the skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until they're warm and slightly crispy on the edges.
- 11
Spread the lemon garlic mayo generously on both sides of each toasted roll.
- 12
Layer the shredded romaine lettuce evenly across the bottom half of each sandwich.
- 13
Arrange the tomato slices in a single layer over the lettuce.
- 14
Place the warm crispy shrimp on top of the tomatoes, dividing evenly between both sandwiches.
- 15
Top the shrimp with a generous handful of dill pickle chips and fresh scallions.
- 16
Close the sandwiches with the top halves of the rolls and serve immediately while the shrimp are still warm and crunchy.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 pound shrimp | 1 pound skinless white fish fillets, cut into strips | Fish provides lean protein with omega-3 fatty acids while maintaining the classic Po Boy experience |
| 2 tablespoons olive oil for shallow frying | air fryer cooking spray with 1 teaspoon olive oil | Air frying reduces total fat and calories by up to 75% while still achieving that signature crispness |
| 1/2 cup mayonnaise | 1/4 cup mayonnaise mixed with 1/4 cup Greek yogurt | Greek yogurt adds protein and probiotics while reducing saturated fat and calorie content |
| 2 sub rolls or French bread loaves | 2 whole wheat sub rolls or sprouted grain bread | Whole grains provide more fiber and nutrients, creating better blood sugar control |
| 1 cup all-purpose flour | 3/4 cup all-purpose flour mixed with 1/4 cup chickpea flour | Chickpea flour adds plant-based protein and fiber while reducing refined carbohydrates |
| 1 tablespoon hot sauce, optional | 1 tablespoon sriracha or fermented hot sauce | Fermented hot sauce provides beneficial probiotics and anti-inflammatory compounds |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 2)
| Calories | 625 |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 185mg |
| Sodium | 1120mg |
| Carbohydrates | 62g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 40g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
