I love making this shrimp po boy recipe. I infuse succulent shrimp with Cajun spices and finish them with a tangy, creamy sauce that elevates the crunchy veggies nestled between perfectly toasted rolls. Every bite is a burst of savory, zesty delight; it’s fast, fun, and pure satisfaction absolutely delightful.

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I recently whipped up a Shrimp Po Boy With Creamy Cajun Sauce and it turned out to be a game changer. I started with 1 lb of medium shrimp, tossed in 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, then drizzled 2 tablespoons olive oil before frying them to perfection.

The whole process took only about 15 minutes and I was blown away by how simple it was. I served the shrimp on a soft po boy roll with shredded lettuce, thinly sliced tomato, and some sliced pickles layered on top.

I also mixed up a killer creamy Cajun sauce with 1/2 cup mayonnaise, a teaspoon of lemon juice, a pinch of Cajun seasoning and a bit more garlic powder which tied everything together. This one is perfect when you’re craving a shrimp dish that’s loaded with flavor and a kick reminiscent of a great brunch buffet.

Enjoy every bite!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because the Cajun spices give my shrimp such an awesome kick, like, I can really taste every bit of flavor. I also dig how quick it is to make—even with all the seasoning and veggies, i can have a full meal in only 15 minutes. The creamy Cajun sauce is another big plus for me; it ties everything together and adds a rich, tangy twist that i can never resist. Plus, i enjoy how the fresh veggies and the soft roll mix up the textures. Overall, it’s a fun meal that packs a lot of flavor without being too complicated.

Ingredients

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Shrimp provides loads of protein and gives the dish a fresh, briny taste.
Cajun seasoning adds spice, smoky flavor and a little kick to the dish.
Olive oil is a healthy fat that helps sear the shrimp and enrich the sauce.
Mayonnaise creates the creamy Cajun sauce, lending tang and moisture to every bite.
Tomato and lettuce provide vitamins and crunch while balancing the spiciness of the sauce.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 po boy or French rolls

1 cup shredded lettuce

1 large tomato, thinly sliced

1/4 cup sliced pickles

For the creamy Cajun sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

How to Make this

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1. Start by tossing the shrimp in a bowl with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until they are well coated.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the shrimp.

3. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque then remove them from the heat.

4. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder to make your creamy Cajun sauce.

5. Cut the po boy or French rolls in half and, if you like, toast them lightly in the skillet.

6. Spread a bit of the creamy sauce on the bottom half of each roll.

7. Layer on the shredded lettuce, followed by the tomato slices and the sliced pickles.

8. Pile the warm shrimp on top of your veggies.

9. Drizzle extra sauce over the shrimp for that extra kick.

10. Serve your shrimp po boy right away and enjoy this zesty, quick meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl – for coating the shrimp with spices
2. Measuring spoons – for accurately portioning Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and other spices
3. Large skillet – for cooking the shrimp and toasting the rolls
4. Spatula or tongs – for flipping the shrimp in the skillet
5. Small bowl – for mixing the creamy Cajun sauce
6. Knife – for slicing the tomato and cutting the rolls if necessary
7. Cutting board – for preparing the tomato and any additional veggies

FAQ

Q: Can I substitute the po boy rolls with another type of bread?

Yup, you can use French baguettes or even ciabatta rolls if you cant get po boy rolls, but they might change the overall texture a bit.

Q: Do I have to use medium shrimp, or can I use large ones?

You can use large shrimp, but adjust cooking time accordingly so they dont get overcooked and rubbery.

Q: Can I prepare the creamy Cajun sauce ahead of time?

Sure thing, the sauce works great if you make it a few hours earlier. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container.

Q: What if I dont have smoked paprika?

If you dont have smoked paprika, regular paprika works fine, though you may lose a bit of that smoky flavor.

Q: How spicy will this dish be?

It has a bit of heat thanks to the Cajun seasoning, but it isnt overly spicy. Adjust seasoning to your liking if you need it milder.

Shrimp Po Boy With Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have Cajun seasoning, try mixing equal parts smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper
If po boy or French rolls are hard to find, a baguette or sub roll works just as well
For the olive oil, you can use avocado oil or even vegetable oil if you need a substitute
If shrimp aren’t available, consider using white flaky fish or even chicken strips for a different twist

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your skillet is really hot before addin the shrimp so they sear properly and don’t just steam in their own juices.
2. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the shrimp in batches if needed, that way they get that nice, even brown coating.
3. Toast the rolls lightly before adding the ingredients. It gives extra crunch and helps stop the bread from gettin all soggy.
4. Feel free to tweak the sauce by addin a bit more spice if you like it extra zesty; a pinch of cayenne or more Cajun seasoning can really kick things up a notch.