Crispy Fried Shrimp Po Boy (Printable)

Golden cornmeal-crusted shrimp on French rolls with crisp vegetables and tangy mayo

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# How-To 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 the shrimp into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge in the flour-cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating. Shake off any excess breading.
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 batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
06 - Slice the French rolls open lengthwise, leaving one side attached to form a hinge. Lightly toast if desired.
07 - In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with hot sauce until combined. Spread generously on both cut sides of each roll.
08 - Layer shredded lettuce on the bottom roll, followed by tomato slices and fried shrimp. Add pickle slices if using. Close with the top of the roll.
09 - Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The shrimp stay impossibly crispy even after sitting for 15 minutes
  • That Cajun-spiced cornmeal crust makes everything else taste boring
02 -
  • Overcrowding the oil drops the temperature fast and you will end up with soggy shrimp
  • Let the fried shrimp rest for at least 2 minutes before assembling so the coating sets properly
03 -
  • Mix Creole mustard into your mayo for an authentic tangy kick
  • Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes if you want to skip the deep frying
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