Spiced Cajun Shrimp Po'Boy with Remoulade Sauce

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

A classic New Orleans sandwich featuring crispy Cajun-seasoned shrimp, crunchy lettuce, and tangy remoulade sauce on a fresh French baguette. This louisiana creole-inspired mardi gras ready in about 35 minutes pairs large 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 480 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 Louisiana Creole cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp prepared horseradish, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp hot sauce, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp paprika to make the remoulade sauce; refrigerate.
  2. Step 2: Toss 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning thoroughly.
  3. Step 3: In one bowl, pour 1 cup buttermilk; in another bowl, mix 3/4 cup all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup cornmeal, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and salt to taste.
  4. Step 4: Dip each shrimp first into the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour-cornmeal mixture, coating evenly.
  5. Step 5: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F. Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy; drain on paper towels.
  6. Step 6: Split 1 French baguette loaf into 4 portions, then slice lengthwise without cutting through completely; toast lightly if desired.
  7. Step 7: Spread a generous amount of remoulade sauce inside each baguette portion.
  8. Step 8: Layer 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce and slices from 1 large ripe tomato inside each sandwich.
  9. Step 9: Fill each po'boy with crispy Cajun shrimp, close sandwiches, and serve immediately for a crunchy, spicy bite.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Cajun Shrimp Po'Boy with Remoulade Sauce 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 Spiced Cajun Shrimp Po'Boy with Remoulade Sauce?

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 large shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Cajun Shrimp Po'Boy with Remoulade Sauce?

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 Spiced Cajun Shrimp Po'Boy with Remoulade Sauce 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 Spiced Cajun Shrimp Po'Boy with Remoulade Sauce?

Louisiana Creole 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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