Old Fashioned Homemade Po’ Boy Sandwich

The Old Fashioned Homemade Po’ Boy Sandwich is a classic Southern dish that’s been a staple in New Orleans for generations. This crispy, flavorful sandwich is packed with golden fried shrimp, fresh veggies, and a zesty sauce, all tucked into a soft, crusty French bread roll. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal or want to introduce your family to the flavors of Louisiana, this Po’ Boy sandwich is sure to satisfy. The key to a perfect Po’ Boy is the combination of crispy shrimp, tangy sauce, and fresh toppings, creating a delicious contrast of textures and flavors. The sandwich can be customized to suit your tastes, but its rich history and iconic taste make it a beloved choice for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, the Old Fashioned Homemade Po’ Boy is a great way to bring a taste of New Orleans to your home kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy and Flavorful Shrimp

The fried shrimp in this Po’ Boy are perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, creating a satisfying texture with every bite.

2. Tangy, Zesty Sauce

The homemade sauce made with mayonnaise, hot sauce, and lemon juice adds a creamy and tangy kick to the sandwich, balancing the richness of the shrimp.

3. Quick and Easy to Make

With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious Po’ Boy in 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.

4. Customizable to Your Taste

Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients, or swap out the shrimp for other fillings like fried oysters, chicken, or fish to suit your preferences.

5. A Taste of New Orleans at Home

This sandwich brings the flavors of the Gulf Coast into your kitchen, allowing you to enjoy a taste of New Orleans no matter where you are.

Ingredients

• French bread loaf
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Flour
• Cornmeal
• Eggs
• Mayonnaise
• Hot sauce
• Lemon juice
• Lettuce, tomato, pickles (for serving)

Variations

• Fried Oysters: Swap the shrimp for oysters for a more traditional Po’ Boy filling.
• Chicken Po’ Boy: Use crispy fried chicken tenders in place of the shrimp for a chicken Po’ Boy version.
• Vegetarian Po’ Boy: For a vegetarian option, try using fried green tomatoes or eggplant slices in place of shrimp.
• Spicy Sauce: Add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce to give your Po’ Boy an added kick of heat.
• Po’ Boy with Gravy: For a variation, top your Po’ Boy with brown gravy, known as a “Roast Beef Po’ Boy,” for an extra hearty meal.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Cut the French bread into sandwich-sized pieces and slice them open lengthwise. Set aside.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour and cornmeal. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each shrimp into the egg, then coat it evenly with the flour-cornmeal mixture.

Step 3: Fry the Shrimp

Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once fried, transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, hot sauce, and lemon juice until well combined. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your desired level of heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich

Spread the sauce generously on the inside of the French bread. Add the fried shrimp, then layer with lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the Po’ Boy sandwich immediately, and enjoy the delicious, crispy goodness!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp that’s been properly deveined and peeled.
• Fry in Small Batches: To ensure the shrimp cook evenly and become crispy, fry them in small batches rather than overcrowding the pan.
• Bread Selection: Choose a good quality French bread that’s soft on the inside with a slightly crispy crust to hold up to the fillings.
• Make the Sauce Ahead of Time: Prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours to allow the flavors to blend.
• Drain the Shrimp: After frying, make sure to drain the shrimp on a paper towel to remove any excess oil for a crispier finish.

How to Serve

Serve the Po’ Boy sandwich on its own or with a side of crispy fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad. For a more authentic experience, pair with an iced tea or a cold beer. This sandwich is perfect for a casual lunch, dinner, or as part of a larger spread for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Po’ Boy sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, store the fried shrimp separately from the bread and vegetables to maintain the crispiness. Keep the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.

Freezing

It’s best not to freeze the fully assembled Po’ Boy sandwich, as the bread can become soggy. However, you can freeze the fried shrimp for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for the best texture before assembling the sandwich.

Reheating

To reheat leftover fried shrimp, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before frying to avoid excess moisture.

2. Can I make the Po’ Boy with other seafood?

Absolutely! You can replace the shrimp with oysters, fried catfish, or other seafood of your choice.

3. How can I make the Po’ Boy spicier?

Add extra hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or even chopped jalapeños to the sauce to give it a spicier kick.

4. Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

5. What kind of bread should I use for a Po’ Boy?

The best bread for a Po’ Boy is soft French bread with a crispy crust. If you can’t find Po’ Boy bread, a French baguette is a good substitute.

6. How do I keep the shrimp crispy?

To keep the shrimp crispy, drain them on a paper towel after frying, and avoid assembling the sandwich too early. You can also reheat the shrimp in the oven to retain their crispiness.

7. Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the sauce?

You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free mayonnaise if you prefer a lighter or vegan option.

8. Can I make a Po’ Boy with grilled shrimp instead of fried?

Yes, for a healthier version, you can grill the shrimp instead of frying them. The sandwich will still be delicious.

9. How can I make the sandwich less spicy?

Reduce the amount of hot sauce in the sauce or eliminate it entirely for a milder version of the sandwich.

10. Can I make the Po’ Boy without the sauce?

Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the sauce and just enjoy the fried shrimp with the other sandwich toppings.

Conclusion

The Old Fashioned Homemade Po’ Boy Sandwich is a true Southern classic that brings together crispy shrimp, fresh veggies, and a zesty sauce in a perfectly soft French bread roll. It’s a simple yet flavorful sandwich that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re craving a taste of New Orleans or just looking for a satisfying meal, this Po’ Boy sandwich is sure to deliver. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a fun gathering, it’s a timeless dish that everyone will love.

Print