Shrimp Po' Boys Recipe

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these are the star of the sandwich, providing a succulent and flavorful bite.

Buttermilk: Used for marinating the shrimp, it helps to tenderize and add a rich, tangy flavor.

Cornmeal: Combined with flour, it creates a crispy coating for the shrimp.

Flour: Mixed with cornmeal to form the dredging mixture for the shrimp.

Cajun seasoning: Adds a spicy, flavorful kick to the shrimp.

French rolls: Soft and airy, perfect for holding all the delicious fillings.

Lettuce: Shredded for a fresh, crunchy layer in the sandwich.

Tomato: Sliced for a juicy, refreshing addition.

Mayonnaise: Mixed with hot sauce to create a creamy, tangy sauce.

Hot sauce: Adds heat and flavor to both the marinade and the sauce.

When marinating the shrimp in buttermilk and hot sauce, ensure they are fully submerged to absorb maximum flavor. For an extra crispy coating, double-dredge the shrimp by dipping them back into the buttermilk mixture and then into the flour mixture again before frying.

• shrimp - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can mimic the texture of shrimp when marinated and cooked properly, making it a great vegetarian alternative.

• buttermilk - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt provides a similar tangy flavor and consistency, perfect for marinating.

• cornmeal - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs offer a similar crunch and can be seasoned to match the flavor profile.

• flour - Substitute with rice flour: Rice flour is a gluten-free option that provides a similar texture for coating.

• cajun seasoning - Substitute with creole seasoning: Creole seasoning has a similar spice blend and can be used interchangeably with cajun seasoning.

• french rolls - Substitute with hoagie rolls: Hoagie rolls have a similar texture and size, making them a suitable replacement.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with shredded cabbage: Shredded cabbage provides a similar crunch and can hold up well in a sandwich.

• tomato - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers offer a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor, making it a healthier alternative.

• hot sauce - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha offers a similar heat level and adds a bit of garlic flavor to the mix.

• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the shrimp soggy.

• Store the fried shrimp separately from the french rolls and other sandwich components. Place the shrimp in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

• For the french rolls, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain their freshness.

• Keep the shredded lettuce and sliced tomato in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This ensures they stay crisp and fresh.

• The mayonnaise and hot sauce mixture can be stored in a small, airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before using it again.

• When ready to reassemble, reheat the shrimp in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until they are crispy again. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

• If you need to freeze the shrimp, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months.

• To reheat frozen shrimp, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy.

• Avoid freezing the french rolls, lettuce, and tomato, as they do not freeze well and can lose their texture and flavor.

• Assemble the shrimp po' boys just before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Reheat for about 10 minutes or until they are crispy and heated through. This method helps maintain the shrimp's crunchiness.

• For a quicker option, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the shrimp on a tray. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway to ensure they don't overcook.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method will keep the shrimp crispy without drying them out.

• To reheat the french rolls, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will make them warm and slightly crispy.

• For the lettuce and tomato, it's best to use fresh ones when assembling your leftover Shrimp Po' Boys. Reheating these ingredients can make them soggy and less appetizing.

• If you need to reheat the assembled Shrimp Po' Boys, wrap the entire sandwich in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will warm the sandwich without making the shrimp soggy.

• Avoid using the microwave for reheating the shrimp as it can make them rubbery and lose their crispy texture.

• Bowl: Used for mixing the buttermilk and hot sauce to marinate the shrimp.

• Bowl: Used for mixing the flour, cornmeal, and cajun seasoning.

• Frying pan: Used for heating the oil and frying the shrimp.

• Paper towels: Used for draining the fried shrimp to remove excess oil.

• Knife: Used for slicing the tomato.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface for slicing the tomato.

• Spoon: Used for mixing the mayonnaise and hot sauce to make the sauce.

• Tongs: Used for handling the shrimp while frying and assembling the sandwiches.

• Measuring cups: Used for measuring the buttermilk, cornmeal, flour, and mayonnaise.

• Measuring spoons: Used for measuring the cajun seasoning and hot sauce.

• Plates: Used for assembling the sandwiches and serving.

Marinate in advance: Prepare the shrimp in the buttermilk and hot sauce mixture the night before to save time.

Pre-mix dry ingredients: Combine the flour, cornmeal, and cajun seasoning ahead of time and store in an airtight container.

Pre-slice vegetables: Slice the tomato and shred the lettuce in advance and keep them in the fridge.

Make sauce ahead: Mix the mayonnaise and hot sauce to create the sauce and refrigerate it until needed.

Use pre-cleaned shrimp: Buy shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to cut down on prep time.