
Every bite of a proper shrimp po' boy should tell a story - the crunch of perfectly fried shrimp, the tang of remoulade sauce, the crusty French bread that's somehow both crisp and tender. After spending time in New Orleans and countless attempts in my own kitchen, I've learned that a great po' boy isn't just a sandwich - it's a piece of Louisiana history served between two slices of bread.
Last week, my friend from New Orleans tried my version and said it reminded her of home. Sometimes the highest praise comes from those who grew up with the real thing.
Essential Ingredients
- Fresh Shrimp: Large, peeled and deveined
- French Bread: Needs that crispy crust and tender interior
- Homemade Remoulade: Don't even think about using plain mayo
- Buttermilk: Creates the perfect coating
- Seasoned Panko: For that essential crunch

Building Your Po' Boy
- The Shrimp Setup:
- Start by getting your breading station ready - flour mixture, buttermilk bath, and seasoned panko. Think of it as a spa day for your shrimp.
- Perfect Frying:
- Heat that oil to exactly 350°F - too hot and they burn, too cool and they get greasy. Each shrimp needs just enough space to dance in the oil.
- Sauce Magic:
- While your shrimp cool, slather both sides of that bread with remoulade. Don't be shy - a proper po' boy should be messy.
- The Build:
- Layer those crispy shrimp on thick. Then "dress" it if you want - that's NOLA talk for lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
First time I made these, I used regular sandwich bread. My Louisiana-born neighbor just shook his head and drove me to the bakery for proper French bread.
Getting It Right
The key is the three-step breading process. Each layer builds flavor and ensures that perfect crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve while the shrimp are still hot, with extra remoulade on the side. Some crystal hot sauce nearby wouldn't hurt either.
Make It Yours
Try it with different seasoning blends, add pickled onions, or spice up your remoulade. Just don't call it a po' boy if you use regular mayo.
Storage Success
These are best eaten fresh - the magic is in that contrast between hot crispy shrimp and cool toppings.

From backyard parties to quick weeknight dinners, this po' boy brings a taste of New Orleans to any occasion. Just remember - if you're not making a mess while eating it, you're probably doing it wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this in an air fryer?
- Yes, air fry at 360°F for about 8 minutes, turning halfway through. Work in batches for best results.
- → What can I substitute for buttermilk?
- You can make your own by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- → What's a good substitute for Frank's seasoning?
- Old Bay Seasoning works great as an alternative for authentic seafood flavor.
- → How do I know when the shrimp are done?
- They should be golden brown and crispy, taking 1-2 minutes per side when pan-frying or 8 minutes in the air fryer.
- → Can I prepare the shrimp ahead of time?
- They're best served fresh and hot, but you can prep the breading ingredients and toppings ahead of time.