Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Po’boy with Pickled Slaw
A Southern-inspired sandwich featuring spicy Cajun shrimp nestled in a toasted baguette with tangy pickled slaw for contrast. This southern-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 30 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, Cajun seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1, about 12 inches French baguette
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb large shrimp with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning and 2 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated. Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the pickled slaw by combining 2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a separate bowl. Toss well and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften.
- Step 3: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred, then remove from heat.
- Step 4: Slice the 12-inch French baguette lengthwise without cutting all the way through, then toast it lightly under a broiler or in a toaster oven until golden, about 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1 tbsp lemon juice to make a tangy sauce. Spread this evenly on the inside of the toasted baguette.
- Step 6: Layer the cooked Cajun shrimp on the bottom half of the baguette, then top with generous amounts of the pickled slaw. Close the sandwich, slice into portions, and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Po’boy with Pickled Slaw take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Shrimp Po’boy with Pickled Slaw?
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 Shrimp Po’boy with Pickled Slaw?
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 Shrimp Po’boy with Pickled Slaw 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 Shrimp Po’boy with Pickled Slaw?
Southern 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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