This Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich is a tasty treat packed with crispy shrimp, fresh lettuce, and zesty sauce all piled high in a soft roll. It’s like a party in your mouth!
When I make these, I’m always ready for seconds because they’re just that good! A little crunch, a little spice, and you’ll be smiling like a shrimp on a bun! 🦐
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp are best. If you can’t find fresh, frozen shrimp works too—just thaw them properly before cooking. I prefer using larger shrimp for these sandwiches, as they offer a nice bite.
Cajun Seasoning: This blend adds fantastic flavor! If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, try a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to mimic the taste. Adjust the spice level to your liking!
Hoagie Rolls or French Bread: Choose crusty rolls for extra texture. If you can’t find them, use sub rolls or even small baguettes. Just avoid soft bread that won’t hold the filling well.
Mayonnaise: Using regular mayo gives a creamy base, but feel free to swap with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. If you like a kick, add more horseradish to the mayo mix!
How Do I Cook Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but the goal is to achieve that beautiful pink color and just a slight firmness. Here’s how to get it right:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high. Too hot, and the shrimp can overcook quickly!
- Coat the shrimp well with olive oil and seasoning before adding to the skillet.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary!
Remove them from the heat as soon as they’re done. Overcooked shrimp can be rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
How to Make a Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 4 hoagie rolls or French bread
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon horseradish sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and tasty meal that you’ll love making!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Shrimp:
In a bowl, take your cleaned shrimp and toss them with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the shrimp are well coated in the seasoning mixture.
2. Cooking the Shrimp:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. When they’re done, remove the skillet from heat.
3. Making the Spicy Mayo:
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, horseradish sauce (if you’re using it), and lemon juice. Stir well to mix everything together and create a tasty spicy mayo.
4. Preparing the Rolls:
Take your hoagie rolls or French bread and slice them lengthwise, making sure you don’t cut all the way through—leave a hinge on one side. This will help hold all the filling inside.
5. Assembling the Sandwiches:
Spread a good amount of the spicy mayo inside each prepared roll. Then, place a layer of shredded lettuce inside each roll. Now, add the cooked shrimp evenly across the sandwiches.
6. Adding the Finish:
Top your shrimp with the sliced tomatoes for an extra fresh bite. Your Shrimp Po Boy Sandwiches are almost ready to eat!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the sandwiches immediately while they’re warm, and don’t forget to add some lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over your sandwich. Enjoy your tasty Shrimp Po Boy!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place them in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also submerge them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Just be sure to pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning to avoid excess water during cooking!
What Can I Substitute for Cajun Seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can create your own mix! Combine equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes will give it that extra heat. Alternatively, store-bought Creole seasoning works perfectly as a substitute too!
Can I Prepare the Spicy Mayo Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The spicy mayo can be made up to 2 days in advance. Simply combine the mayonnaise, horseradish sauce, and lemon juice in a sealed container and store it in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before using to ensure the flavors are well mixed!
How Do I Store Leftover Po Boy Sandwiches?
Leftover sandwiches are best stored separately. Keep any uneaten shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain freshness, store the bread and toppings (like lettuce and tomatoes) separately. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet and assemble your sandwich fresh!
