Cajun-Spiced Po’Boy Sandwich with Crispy Fried Shrimp

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic New Orleans po’boy sandwich loaded with crispy fried shrimp tossed in Cajun spices, dressed with lettuce, tomato, and a zesty remoulade. This creole-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 35 minutes pairs large, peeled and deveined shrimp, Cajun seasoning, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Creole cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornmeal, 1 tsp baking powder, and 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Pour in 1 cup buttermilk and stir until smooth to make the batter.
  2. Step 2: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F.
  3. Step 3: Dip 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp into the batter, then carefully drop into hot oil. Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy; drain on paper towels.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Creole mustard, 1 tsp hot sauce, and 1 tbsp lemon juice to create the sandwich sauce.
  5. Step 5: Spread sauce evenly on the inside of 4 split French baguette rolls. Layer each with 1/4 cup shredded romaine lettuce, 3-4 tomato slices, 1/4 cup sliced pickles, and a generous portion of fried shrimp.
  6. Step 6: Close sandwiches, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately while shrimp are hot and crispy.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Spiced Po’Boy Sandwich with Crispy Fried Shrimp take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cajun-Spiced Po’Boy Sandwich with Crispy Fried Shrimp?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cajun seasoning from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Po’Boy Sandwich with Crispy Fried Shrimp?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cajun-Spiced Po’Boy Sandwich with Crispy Fried Shrimp for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cajun-Spiced Po’Boy Sandwich with Crispy Fried Shrimp?

Creole sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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