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The Recipe · No.242 · Shrimp Po' Boy

Shrimp Po' Boy, and where to source it

Shrimp Po' Boy — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Shrimp Po' Boy Cajun 5best2buy.com

The bread is non-negotiable: a crackly-crust, soft-inside New Orleans loaf that shatters when you bite it. Fry the shrimp hot and fast so they stay juicy, and build a real remoulade instead of plain mayo.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep25 min
Cook10 min
Makes4 sandwiches
CuisineCajun
Cost$$$
Dairy-free
Contains  gluten · shellfish
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 sandwiches
Gulf shrimp
Fresh shrimp fry up sweet and snappy; previously frozen ones cook mealy and bland.
1 lb
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French bread loaf
A soft-crumb, crackly-crust loaf is the whole point of a po' boy; a baguette is too dense.
1
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All-purpose flour
Mixed with cornmeal for the dredge that gives the signature gritty crunch.
1 cup
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Creole mustard
The backbone of the remoulade; its coarse heat is what makes the sauce.
2 tbsp
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Hot sauce
A few dashes in the remoulade and on the shrimp for Louisiana heat.
to taste
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Lettuce and tomato
Shredded lettuce and sliced tomato are the dressing; add them cold at the end.
to taste
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
Air fryer
The Method
  1. Make remouladeStir mayo with Creole mustard, hot sauce, minced pickle, and paprika; chill while you fry.
  2. Dredge the shrimpToss shrimp in seasoned flour and cornmeal, pressing so the coating sticks.
  3. Fry hotFry at 375F for 2-3 minutes until golden and floating; drain and salt right away.
  4. Dress and buildSplit and toast the loaf, spread remoulade, pile shrimp, and top with lettuce and tomato.
The Toolkit

Cast iron dutch oven · Frying thermometer · Spider skimmer · Serrated bread knife

Straight Answers
Can you make Shrimp Po' Boy in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Shrimp Po' Boy? — Not ideal

Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.

Can you make Shrimp Po' Boy ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it needs the chill time to set, so making it ahead is the whole point.

Is Shrimp Po' Boy gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).

Is Shrimp Po' Boy vegan? — No

No — it contains seafood, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.242

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