Home / Lunch / Classic Po’Boy Sandwich

Classic Po’Boy Sandwich

Crispy cornmeal-fried shrimp are piled onto a crusty French loaf with lettuce, tomato, and a zesty remoulade for the classic New Orleans po’boy.

⏱ 20 minPrep time
🔥 10 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 LunchCategory
☆☆☆☆☆No ratings yet

The po’boy sandwich was created in New Orleans in 1929 by brothers Benny and Clovis Martin, who served free sandwiches to striking streetcar workers, whom they affectionately called ‘poor boys.’ The sandwich, traditionally filled with fried seafood or roast beef on a crusty French loaf, has remained a beloved New Orleans institution ever since.

Crusty bread piled high with crispy fried shrimp

Crispy cornmeal-fried shrimp are piled onto a crusty French loaf with lettuce, tomato, and a zesty remoulade for the classic New Orleans po’boy.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Soak the shrimp in buttermilk for 15 minutes.
  2. Mix the cornmeal, flour, and Cajun seasoning in a shallow dish.
  3. Heat oil in a skillet and dredge the shrimp in the cornmeal mixture.
  4. Fry the shrimp 2-3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  5. Mix the mayonnaise with Cajun seasoning for a quick remoulade.
  6. Split the rolls, spread with remoulade, and fill with lettuce, tomato, and fried shrimp.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, which drops the oil temperature and leads to soggy breading. A crusty French roll is essential for the authentic po'boy texture.

Rate this recipe

☆☆☆☆☆No ratings yet
Sign in to rate this recipe.

Recipe details

Prep20 min
Cook10 min
Servings4
CategoryLunch
PublishedAugust 12, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →