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You are here: Home / Recipes / Main Dishes / Sandwiches / Po Boy Sandwich

Po Boy Sandwich

June 6, 2024 by Mahy 10 Comments

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Po Boy Sandwich Pin

Today’s Po Boy Sandwich is a recipe inspired by the New Orleans Shrimp Po’Boy and it’s SO GOOD! Crispy fried shrimp, oysters or clams in a sandwich with spicy mayo sauce flavored with cajun spice. This delicious sandwich is inspired by New Orleans famous Shrimp Po’Boy and it’s worth all the hype!

close up on a po boy sandwich cut in half , showing up close the fried shrimp and the sandwich toppings along with the sauce dripping on the sides of the bread

This sandwich recipe is certainly unique. We love it because it involves Seafood, specially Fried fish, and a delicious Spicy Mayo with a creole kick. Imagine all of this wrapped up in a sandwich–like how awesome would that taste?!!

If you’ve never had it before, here’s everything you need to know on making the best delicious Po Boy Sandwich, with many varieties.

 

What is a Po’Boy?

top view of Po Boy sandwiches scattered on a wooden board with dipping sauces, some fries, lemon slices, and french fries showing a feast of sandwiches for a crowd

Classically the Po Boy sandwich was a product of the French market restaurant in New Orleans back in the 1930’s. It was described as a long sandwich loaded with lettice, tomatoes, some pickles, fried fish and a sauce. It was created to feed striking streetcar workers, but evolved into many variations.

While usually the fried fish was shrimp, it can be made with any type of fried seafood. I can even imagine it so good with Air Fryer Fish for a lighter quicker version. 

Ingredients You’ll Need 

Ingredients to make a po boy sandwich including the foot long bread, the spicy remoulade sauce, some sliced pickles, some sliced tomatoes, lettuce and onions, and the battered shrimp on the side

  • The Shrimp. Anything battered works great for this recipe, you can source it as I have or make it from scratch. These are battered clams, and you can use oysters as well for an oyster Po Boy. Either way, make sure the seafood is fried. 
  • The foot long bread. This is the classic French loaf which is about a foot long, and it’s the best option for this recipe. If you can’t find it, use foot long bread with soft interior.
  • Spicy Mayo. We use our spicy mayo recipe as a base for the remoulade sauce, but we add a touch of creole seasoning or cajun spice to make it fitting for the recipe. 
  • Sandwich Toppings: Lettuce, tomatoes, Red onions and Pickles. These are classics. 

How to Make Po Boy Sandwich Step By Step

Fry the Fish

A hand holding a piece of battered shrimp up close to show the coating and it's ready for frying

  1. Start by sourcing the battered fish, whether shrimp, clams, oysters or follow this recipe for Fish Fry.
    The shrimp frying in the hot oil
  2. In a hot neutral tasting oil, fry the fish in small batches. Avoid having the temperature go above 375 degrees F as the outer coating will burn before the interior has cooked. Likewise avoid crowding the pan as the oil temperature will drop and the fish will absorb too much oil in order to cook. This leaves you with a greasy tasting fish.
    A hand holding a plate lined with paper towel and the fired fish is drying over the paper towels
  3. Once the fish is golden and crisp, remove it from the hot oil and let it drain on paper towels to soak any excess oil. Set it aside as you assemble the sandwich.

Assemble the Po’Boy Sandwich

A hand spreading the special remoulade mayo over the french foot long sandwich bread cut in half.

  1. Start by splitting the French loaf of bread in half and spread some of that flavored Spicy Mayo on both sides.
    piling up of sandwich ingredients over the bread. Lettice followed by onions, followed by pickles and tomatoes
  2. Start piling up the toppings beginning with the lettuce. we used iceberg lettuce for its impeccable crunch and we sliced it thinly to have it stick on to the sandwich. Sliced onions, pickles and sliced tomatoes go on top in that order.
    Fried shrimp or seafood is piled right ontop of the sandwich toppings
  3. Finish off with generous amount of the fried shrimp, fried clams or oysters right on top.
    A hand pressing in the other half of the sandwich bread over the fried fish to press in the Po Boy sandwich
  4. Press down the other half of the sandwich really well to seal the Po Boy.
    Po Boy Sandwich cut in half showing close u the texture and layers of sauce, lettuce tomatoes, pickles, onions and fried shrimp
  5. Then you can serve it as a foot long or cut each in half and serve it cut up.

Serve the Po Boy Sandwich

This luscious and tasty sandwich is PERFECT served on its own as it has all the components for a satisfying meal. We love adding some french fries on the side (cooked in our air fryer). You can try a healthier yet delicious side of Zucchini Fries too.

A hand dipping the po boy sandwich in extra spicy sauce

A good dip of that creole cajun Spicy Mayo for an extra saucy experience is always welcomed in our house 🙂 YUM

Po Boy Sandwich Recipe Tips and FAQ

  1. You can use any sixe shrimp for this recipe as long as you watch cooking times. Also try it with clams, oysters and use the guideline for Fish Fry to try it with any type of fish.
  2. For a lighter healthier version, try Air Fryer Fish recipe. It’s just as good, I promise!
  3. Use a high smoking il for frying like avocado oil or peanut oil. 
  4. The oil temperature ideally should be between the range of 350 – 375 degrees F. 
  5. Avoid over crowding the pan.
  6. Drain excess oil on paper towels always to prevent any greasy taste in your sandwich.
  7. We use our Spicy Mayo as a base, and add to it some creole seasoning and cajun seasoning. It’s the BEST!
  8. Try to source the French bread foot long, and if you can’t , look for a thin crust, fluffy interior type of bread.
  9. Your toppigs are your choice, classically they need to include lettuce, pickles, tomatoes and onions. Adjust that to your taste. 
  10. It’s best to cut the sandwich in half as it’s easier to eat. And don’t forget to keep some extra sauce in the side for dipping!

A large board with a few Po Boy Sandwiches cut up in half served along some french fries and a bowl of remoulade sauce for dipping

What is the type of Shrimp for Po Boy?

Basically any size shrimp would work for this recipe, as long as you coat it well and adjust frying time. If you like a “meaty’ tasting shrimp then you’ll need the larger size, but if you like the exra crisp coating taste, then go for smaller sizes. Make sure the shrimp is deveined with no tails on before frying. That makes them easier to eat.

How can I dress the Po’Boy Sandwich?

Use whatever sauce you prefer. Our Garlic Parmesan Sauce is another slurp worthy sauce!! Like SO GOOD! Especially if you add some spice and creole/cajun to it, then you can totally use it here. You can also add greens and fancy sandwich ingredients, however this is not meat to be a fancy sandwich. So basic simple iceberg,, tomatoes, pickles and some onions will be all you need! 

Can I Make Ahead this recipe?

Because the seafood is fried, this recipe is BEST made right before serving. I

Leftovers and Reheating

If you have leftovers, it’s best to keep the seafood in a glass container air tight in the fridge for 3 days or freezer for 30 days. To reheat any fried foods, my favorite way is to air fry it at 350 degrees F for 3-6 minutes depending  on the size. 

A board with a few Po Boy sandwiches surrounded by dipping sauce, lemon slices and close up of the fried shrimp showing the in front of the image

Fish Recipes

Fish Fingers
Shrimp Scampi
Fish Fry
Chili Lime Shrimp
Mediterranean Baked Fish
Grilled Shrimp
Crispy Fish Tacos
Ahi Tuna Salad

close up on a po boy sandwich cut in half , showing up close the fried shrimp and the sandwich toppings along with the sauce dripping on the sides of the bread
5 from 10 votes
Print

Po Boy Sandwich

Today's Po Boy Sandwich is a recipe inspired by the New Orleans Shrimp Po'Boy and it's SO GOOD! Crispy fried shrimp, oysters or clams in a sandwich with spicy mayo sauce flavored with cajun spice. This delicious sandwich is inspired by New Orleans famous Shrimp Po'Boy and it's worth all the hype!

Course Main Course, Main Dish, sandwich, street food
Cuisine American, New Orleans, Southern
Keyword Po Boy, Po Boy Sandwich, Po'Boy, Po'Boy Recipe, Shrimp Po Boy
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 1078 kcal
Author Mahy

Ingredients

Fried Seafood

  • 2 lbs Breaded shrimp clams or oysters Frozen
  • 3 cups oil for shallow frying use a high smoking point oil

Spicy Remoulade / Sauce

  • 1 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Assemble the Po'Boy Sandwich

  • 4 French Loaf Sandwich breads -- foot long
  • 2 cup shredded lettuce
  • 3 Tomatoes thinly sliced
  • 1 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Dill pickles

Instructions

  1. Start by making the sauce: Mix all ingredients in a small bowl, and set aside.
  2. Have all your sandwich ingredients sliced and ready such as lettuce, tomatoes and onions.
  3. Preheat a sauce pan with the oil over medium heat.
  4. If you have an oil thermometer, you’ll need the oil not to exceed the 375 degrees F.
  5. Alternatively you can use an electric deep fryer with controlled temperature.
  6. In small batches, deep fry the breaded bar clams in the hot oil for about 3 minutes until golden.
  7. Remove from the oil onto paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
  8. Repeat with the remaining breaded bar clams until they’re all cooked.
  9. Assemble the sandwiches by spreading a generous amount of the spicy mayo at the bottom and top of the sandwich bread.
  10. Layer the lettuce, onions, pickles and tomatoes on the bottom half of the sandwich.
  11. Top with the breaded bar clams and cover with the top half of the sandwich bread.
  12. Press the sandwich down to make sure the ingredients stick together.
  13. Serve with extra Spicy mayo for dipping and fries if you like.
  14. Enjoy

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Po Boy Sandwich Recipe Tips and FAQ

  1. You can use any sixe shrimp for this recipe as long as you watch cooking times. Also try it with clams, oysters and use the guideline for Fish Fry to try it with any type of fish.
  2. For a lighter healthier version, try Air Fryer Fish recipe. It's just as good, I promise!
  3. Use a high smoking il for frying like avocado oil or peanut oil. 
  4. The oil temperature ideally should be between the range of 350 - 375 degrees F. 
  5. Avoid over crowding the pan.
  6. Drain excess oil on paper towels always to prevent any greasy taste in your sandwich.
  7. We use our Spicy Mayo as a base, and add to it some creole seasoning and cajun seasoning. It's the BEST!
  8. Try to source the French bread foot long, and if you can't , look for a thin crust, fluffy interior type of bread.
  9. Your toppigs are your choice, classically they need to include lettuce, pickles, tomatoes and onions. Adjust that to your taste. 
  10. It's best to cut the sandwich in half as it's easier to eat. And don't forget to keep some extra sauce in the side for dipping!

What is the type of Shrimp for Po Boy?

Basically any size shrimp would work for this recipe, as long as you coat it well and adjust frying time. If you like a "meaty' tasting shrimp then you'll need the larger size, but if you like the exra crisp coating taste, then go for smaller sizes. Make sure the shrimp is deveined with no tails on before frying. That makes them easier to eat.

How can I dress the Po'Boy Sandwich?

Use whatever sauce you prefer. Our Garlic Parmesan Sauce is another slurp worthy sauce!! Like SO GOOD! Especially if you add some spice and creole/cajun to it, then you can totally use it here. You can also add greens and fancy sandwich ingredients, however this is not meat to be a fancy sandwich. So basic simple iceberg,, tomatoes, pickles and some onions will be all you need! 

Can I Make Ahead this recipe?

Because the seafood is fried, this recipe is BEST made right before serving. I

Leftovers and Reheating

If you have leftovers, it's best to keep the seafood in a glass container air tight in the fridge for 3 days or freezer for 30 days. To reheat any fried foods, my favorite way is to air fry it at 350 degrees F for 3-6 minutes depending  on the size. 

Nutrition Facts
Po Boy Sandwich
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1078 Calories from Fat 909
% Daily Value*
Fat 101g155%
Saturated Fat 11g69%
Trans Fat 0.3g
Polyunsaturated Fat 41g
Monounsaturated Fat 45g
Cholesterol 309mg103%
Sodium 1923mg84%
Potassium 618mg18%
Carbohydrates 11g4%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 33g66%
Vitamin A 1675IU34%
Vitamin C 17mg21%
Calcium 160mg16%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Filed Under: Air Fryer Recipes, American Recipes, Recipes, Sandwiches, Seafood, Videos

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Heather

    June 28, 2024 at 10:21 am

    5 stars
    Just tried this Po Boy Sandwich recipe, and I’m so impressed! The sandwich turned out incredibly crispy and packed with flavor, it’s a real treat! Thanks for sharing such a delicious recipe.

    Reply
  2. Ann

    June 28, 2024 at 9:43 am

    5 stars
    I love getting po boys at restaurants but never thought to make it at home. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
  3. Kate

    June 28, 2024 at 9:11 am

    5 stars
    Loved this sandwich. Such great texture and flavor.

    Reply
  4. Paula

    June 28, 2024 at 8:52 am

    5 stars
    This po boy sandwich was absolutely delicious! Loved the crispy seafood paired with the softest bread!

    Reply
  5. caroline

    June 13, 2024 at 3:05 am

    5 stars
    Wow, this recipe looks absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to try it out this weekend. Thanks for sharing🤗!I recently discovered FoodHub, and it’s been a game-changer for me! I love how easy it is to find new recipes, meal ideas, and even local restaurants all in one place. It’s like having a personal foodie guide at my fingertips!

    Reply
  6. Justine

    June 12, 2024 at 12:42 pm

    5 stars
    This may have been one of the best po boys I’ve ever had! The shrimp was so crispy, the sauce was so flavorful – yum!

    Reply
  7. Charah

    June 12, 2024 at 12:09 pm

    5 stars
    Another recipe that I want to try, adding this to my list now.Thanks for this

    Reply
  8. Kate

    June 12, 2024 at 12:06 pm

    5 stars
    Absolutely loved the crispy texture and great flavour!

    Reply
  9. Dina and Bruce

    June 12, 2024 at 9:27 am

    5 stars
    This recipe is perfect! Spicy mayo was so good!!

    Reply
  10. Sisley

    June 12, 2024 at 9:13 am

    5 stars
    I absolutely loved this recipe. I can’t wait to make it again.

    Reply
5 from 10 votes

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Mahy PicHi, I'm Mahy, a recipe developer, food stylist, culinary instructor, photographer, wife and busy mom! Welcome to my blog!...Read More

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