Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Po’ Boy with Remoulade

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic New Orleans sandwich featuring crispy Cajun-spiced shrimp tucked into a soft French roll with tangy remoulade sauce and fresh lettuce. This caribbean-inspired mardi gras ready in about 35 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, Cajun seasoning, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb large shrimp with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup buttermilk and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour to create a batter.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat to 350°F. Dip each shrimp into the batter, then carefully fry in hot oil for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  3. Step 3: To make the remoulade, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp hot sauce, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Slice 4 French rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Spread 2 tbsp of remoulade inside each roll, layer with shredded lettuce (about 1/4 cup per sandwich), sliced tomato, and 4-5 fried shrimp. Serve immediately while shrimp are hot and crisp.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Po’ Boy with Remoulade 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 Shrimp Po’ Boy with Remoulade?

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 Remoulade?

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 Remoulade 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 Remoulade?

Caribbean mardi gras 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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