This Classic New Orleans Fried Shrimp Po-Boy is a crispy, golden seafood sandwich piled high on crusty French bread and dressed with fresh toppings and a creamy sauce. It’s a Southern favorite that delivers bold flavor, satisfying crunch, and authentic deli-style comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This shrimp po-boy brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen. The shrimp are marinated in tangy buttermilk, coated in seasoned flour, and fried until perfectly crisp. Combined with crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and zesty sauce, every bite is balanced and flavorful.

It’s easy to prepare, uses simple pantry ingredients, and comes together quickly. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a casual gathering, this sandwich is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
vegetable oil for frying (about 3 cups for deep frying)
4 French bread rolls or 1 large baguette cut into 4 portions
1 cup shredded lettuce
2 medium tomatoes, sliced
1/2 cup sliced dill pickles
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
2. Place the shrimp in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for at least 20 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the shrimp.
5. Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres well.
6. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.
7. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, hot sauce, and lemon juice to create the sandwich sauce.
9. Slice the French bread rolls lengthwise, leaving one side attached if desired. Lightly toast the bread for extra texture.
10. Spread the prepared sauce generously on both sides of the bread. Layer with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and a generous portion of fried shrimp.
11. Serve immediately while the shrimp are hot and crispy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 sandwiches

Prep time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: approximately 50 minutes

Variations

For extra crunch, add a tablespoon of cornmeal to the flour mixture.

If you prefer a spicier sandwich, increase the cayenne pepper or add sliced jalapeños.

You can swap the shrimp for fried catfish or oysters for a different Southern-style po-boy experience.

For a lighter version, air fry the shrimp at 400°F for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Add sliced avocado for a creamy twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the bread and toppings separate to prevent sogginess.

To reheat, place the shrimp in an oven at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soft.

Assemble the sandwich fresh just before serving for best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before soaking in buttermilk.

What type of bread works best?

A crusty French baguette or soft French rolls are traditional and provide the best texture contrast.

How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?

Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small pinch of flour into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.

Can I make the shrimp ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but you can fry them a few hours ahead and reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.

What does “dressed” mean in a po-boy?

“Dressed” typically means the sandwich includes lettuce, tomato, pickles, and sauce.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 425°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, though the texture will be slightly less crispy than frying.

How do I prevent the coating from falling off?

Make sure the shrimp are dry before soaking, allow excess buttermilk to drip off, and press the flour coating firmly onto each shrimp.

What oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils with a high smoke point such as vegetable or canola oil work best.

Can I make it less spicy?

Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and hot sauce for a milder flavor.

What sides go well with shrimp po-boys?

Crispy fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob pair perfectly with this sandwich.

Conclusion

This Classic New Orleans Fried Shrimp Po-Boy combines crispy seafood, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauce inside crusty French bread for a sandwich that’s both hearty and flavorful. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can recreate this Southern classic at home anytime. Serve it hot, dress it generously, and enjoy every crunchy, satisfying bite.

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