Shrimp Po Boys are the ultimate sandwich for seafood lovers! Tender shrimp drizzled with creamy, spicy sauce topped with crunchy cabbage on a soft roll.
Want a quick lunch or supper that will have your family singing your praises? Look no further than these Shrimp Po Boys. The spicy, buttery shrimp cooks up in just a couple of minutes and the sauce couldn’t be simpler to mix together. These sandwiches practically make themselves, yet they pack such a flavorful punch they’re sure to become a family favorite!
What is a Shrimp Po Boy?
This Southern favorite originated in Louisiana in the late 1920s. Workers who were on strike against a streetcar company were given free sandwiches by a local restaurant. The restaurant employees nicknamed the strikers “poor boys”and the name “Po Boy” caught on.
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How Do I Prepare the Shrimp for a Po Boy Sandwich?
Traditionally, this classic sub sandwich is served on a soft baguette roll with meat, usually fried seafood (oysters, shrimp, catfish, etc.) or sometimes beef or chicken. Typically, the seafood is breaded and deep fried. For this recipe however, we just grilled up some shrimp using garlic and a spicy kick of Creole seasoning (our favorite is Tony Chahere’s Creole Seasoning). Grilled or fried, these sensational sandwiches reign supreme!
The Secret’s in the Sauce
Smooth, creamy sauce atop the tender shrimp takes these sandwiches to the next level. All it takes are just a few pantry staples like mayo, horseradish sauce, Creole seasoning and a couple other spices. You won’t believe how delicious! Serve this sandwich alongside some Baked Potato Wedges and use the scrumptious sauce to dip. This meal is out of this world!
Other Favorite Recipes from New Orleans
We are big fans of the delicious flavors in the deep South; try some of our yummy copycat recipes from our visits there:
- Mini Beignets
- Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Mint Juleps
- Cajun Chicken Po’ Boys
- Pecan Pralines
- Creole Butter Shrimp
- Jambalaya
- Cajun Style Grill Foil Packets
- One Pot Jambalaya Pasta
- Red Beans and Rice
How to Make Shrimp Po Boy Sandwiches
Shrimp Po Boys with Creamy Cajun Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise Best Foods or Hellmann's
- 2/3 cup ketchup
- 3-4 tablespoons horseradish sauce
- 1/2 to 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning depending on how spicy you like it
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound shrimp medium to large, uncooked, peeled and deveined
- Creole seasoning to taste
- 4 hoagie rolls Bratwurst buns work great too
- shredded cabbage lettuce, or spinach - to taste
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Combine sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl until smooth and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, add butter and garlic. When butter is hot and melted, add shrimp.
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Sprinkle Creole seasoning over the shrimp (remember it can be a little spicy so only sprinkle to your personal taste).
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When shrimp is pink all the way through (DO NOT OVERCOOK.. remove from heat as soon as it is just cooked through).
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Split rolls open and divide shrimp evenly between each roll. Top with the creamy Cajun sauce and shredded cabbage, to taste. ENJOY!
Kathy says
I made this last weekend and it was delicious! The sauce was great and can be used as a dipping sauce.
Danette says
This was fabulous! We used the sauce for dipping and cut the bread! Was outstanding…definitely a keeper!
Shannon says
Made these for my husband’s birthday last night. They were excellent! Thank you for sharing such a delicious recipe!
Kayla says
I tried these tonight and they are beyond fantastic! My family loved the sauce! We paired them with homemade potato wedges and it was heaven! Earned an A from everybody! 🙂
Erica says
So happy to hear it!!!! Great idea to pair them with potato wedges! Thanks for the comment!
Alistair says
I made this! Great sauce. It’s the good balance but I’ve also made it with half the amount of Mayo and it was just as good. Also the second time around I used more garlic in the pan on the shrimp and rolled the shrimp in breadcrumbs. Thanks for sharing this recipe!!
Echo says
Great tips! Thanks for sharing!
Melody says
Made these for supper last night and my 20 year old son, who is my worst food critic, LOVED them and thought they were fantastic! Thanks for a great recipe, as my son said, this is a keeper.
Echo says
Thanks for sharing your success! That is quite a compliment!
Chloe says
Thanks for this recipe…my family loved it, especially the sauce!!
Echo says
I’m so glad you liked it! Thank you for sharing your success with one of our recipes!
Dave says
Made this tonight, very tasty! Will make again.
Erica says
So glad you liked it! Thank you for taking the time to comment!
KImberly G. says
I made this tonight and it was delicious! I cooked the shrimp in olive oil and added some onion, and it was wonderful! It was a winner for sure! I toasted the bread as well.
Echo says
Thanks for sharing Kimberly! I’m glad it was a winner for you!
Beth says
Oh.My.Goodness!! This was awesome! The sauce is so so good! Quick and easy to make anytime….. it’s a recipe that is outside of the usual quick dinner meals….I will definitely be making this more often…..it will become a regular dinner meal!
Favorite Family Recipes says
Hi Beth- so glad you liked the Po’ Boys! So easy, right?? Thanks for taking the time to come back and comment!