Tropical Shrimp Po Boy with Pineapple Slaw

Experience a delightful culinary journey with our **Shrimp Po Boy with Pineapple Slaw**, a contemporary twist on the beloved traditional New Orleans sandwich. This recipe masterfully marries the bold kick of perfectly seasoned spicy shrimp with the refreshing sweetness and tangy crunch of a vibrant pineapple slaw, all nestled within a soft, toasted roll. It’s an unexpectedly harmonious blend of flavors that promises to become a new favorite for your weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings.

If you’re a fan of succulent shrimp with a spicy kick, you’ll also adore our Cajun Shrimp or this hearty Spicy Shrimp Bowl.

Journey to the Heart of Flavor: The Po Boy’s Legacy and Our Modern Twist

New Orleans, a city pulsating with vibrant culture, rich history, and soul-stirring music, has long captivated the imaginations of travelers. But for many, including myself, the truest allure lies in its legendary culinary scene. The mere thought of savoring fluffy beignets at Cafe Du Monde, indulging in an exquisite dinner at Commander’s Palace, or biting into a classic muffuletta from Central Grocery is enough to spark a deep desire to visit. Amidst this gastronomic paradise, one sandwich reigns supreme: the Po Boy.

The Po Boy sandwich is more than just a meal; it’s an icon of Louisiana cuisine, deeply rooted in the state’s working-class history. Legend has it that the sandwich originated in the 1920s, served by former streetcar conductors during a streetcar strike to “poor boys” – the striking workers. These hearty sandwiches were designed to be filling, affordable, and easily portable, packed with whatever fried seafood or roast beef was available, dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayonnaise, all on crisp, airy French bread.

While I haven’t yet had the pleasure of experiencing an authentic New Orleans Po Boy on its home turf (a primary motivation for my future travels!), this recipe offers a delicious and exciting interpretation. It respects the spirit of the original while introducing a refreshing, contemporary flair that promises an explosion of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. The creamy sauce, the kick from the seasoned shrimp, and the bright, zesty pineapple slaw come together in such a way that you’ll undoubtedly find yourself craving this innovative version time and again.

Essential Ingredients for a Standout Shrimp Po Boy

Crafting this exceptional Shrimp Po Boy with Pineapple Slaw relies on a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

For the Creamy Sandwich Sauce:

Our delectable sauce, a quick and easy homemade tartar-style spread, comes together with ingredients you likely already have on hand. It forms the rich, tangy base that complements the spicy shrimp beautifully:

• Mayonnaise: The essential creamy base, providing a smooth texture and rich flavor.
• Pickle Relish: Adds a delightful tang and subtle crunch, a signature component of many sandwich spreads.
• Prepared Mustard: A touch of mustard contributes a sharp, piquant note that cuts through the richness.
• Onion Powder: Infuses a gentle onion flavor without the raw intensity, blending seamlessly into the sauce.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper to taste, for a hint of warmth.

For the Crispy, Spicy Shrimp:

The star of our Po Boy, these shrimp are baked to perfection, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fried versions without sacrificing crispiness or flavor. The key lies in the seasoning and preparation:

• Large Uncooked Shrimp: Opt for 31-40 count per pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed for ease of eating. Fresh or frozen (thawed) works well.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Unlike regular breadcrumbs, Panko provides an unparalleled light and airy crispiness, crucial for that satisfying bite.
• Creole Seasoning: This is where the spice comes in! However, a critical note: **always use reduced-sodium Creole seasoning.** Traditional blends, like Tony Chachere’s original, are notoriously high in sodium, which can make your shrimp overwhelmingly salty. If reduced-sodium isn’t available, drastically cut the amount of traditional seasoning by at least half, or consider making your own salt-free blend.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping the Panko and seasoning adhere perfectly to the shrimp. A splash of water helps create the ideal consistency.

For the Refreshing Pineapple Slaw:

This sweet and tangy slaw is the cooling counterpoint to the spicy shrimp, adding a burst of freshness and texture that elevates the entire sandwich. It’s incredibly simple to prepare:

• Broccoli Slaw Mix: A convenient mix of shredded broccoli stems, carrots, and red cabbage, providing a hearty crunch and vibrant color.
• Canned Crushed Pineapple: The star of the slaw, offering natural sweetness and juicy texture. Remember to drain it well, but reserve some of the juice for the dressing.
• Green Onions (Scallions): Finely chopped, they add a mild, fresh onion flavor and a touch of color.
• Mayonnaise: Binds the slaw together, creating a creamy dressing that perfectly coats the vegetables and fruit.
• Reserved Pineapple Juice: A few tablespoons of the pineapple juice lend an extra layer of fruity tang and help thin the dressing to the right consistency.

For the Perfect Sandwich Assembly:

The bread is paramount for any Po Boy, and the finishing touches bring all the flavors together:

• Hoagie Rolls: While traditional New Orleans Po Boys use a specific light and airy French bread, good quality hoagie rolls are an excellent and more accessible substitute. Look for rolls that are soft on the inside with a slightly crisp crust. Split them lengthwise.
• Sliced Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes add a juicy, acidic counterpoint and a burst of color, providing essential freshness to the rich flavors.

Crafting Your Spicy Shrimp Po Boy with Pineapple Slaw: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delightful Shrimp Po Boy with Pineapple Slaw is a straightforward process, designed for efficiency without compromising on flavor. Follow these steps for a perfect meal:

1. Prepare the Signature Sauce: Begin by combining the mayonnaise, pickle relish, prepared mustard, and onion powder in a small bowl. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated and the sauce is smooth. Season with black pepper to taste. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen while you prepare the other components. Cover and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
2. Set Up for Shrimp Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by placing a cooling rack on top and lightly spraying it with cooking spray. This setup ensures even cooking and promotes a crispy exterior for the shrimp by allowing air to circulate all around them. Set this aside.
3. Season and Coat the Shrimp: In a shallow bowl, whisk one egg with a splash of water until lightly beaten. In a second shallow bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and the reduced-sodium Creole seasoning. Dip each peeled and deveined shrimp into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, transfer the shrimp to the breadcrumb mixture, using your hands to gently press the crumbs firmly onto all sides of the shrimp for a thorough coating. Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer on the prepared cooling rack over the baking sheet.
4. Bake to Crispy Goodness: Transfer the baking sheet with the shrimp to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 6 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked through and the Panko coating is golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become tough quickly.
5. Whip Up the Refreshing Slaw: While the shrimp are baking, prepare your pineapple slaw. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the broccoli slaw mix, well-drained crushed pineapple, and chopped green onions. Add the ½ cup of mayonnaise and 3 tablespoons of the reserved pineapple juice. Stir everything together thoroughly until the slaw is evenly coated. This bright and zesty slaw provides a crucial textural and flavor contrast.
6. Assemble Your Masterpiece: To serve, take each split hoagie bun and spread a generous amount of the homemade tartar-style sauce on the bottom half. Layer fresh sliced tomatoes on top of the sauce, followed by a handful of the warm, crispy baked shrimp. Finish with a generous scoop of the vibrant pineapple slaw. Close the sandwich or serve it open-faced, ready to enjoy immediately.

Explore More Delicious Creations

More Irresistible Sandwich Recipes:

If you love a good sandwich, be sure to try these other fantastic recipes that elevate the humble sandwich to a meal:

• Mini Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches
• Monte Cristo Sandwich
• Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
• Open Face Caprese Steak Sandwich
• Classic Club Sandwich

More Mouthwatering Shrimp Recipes:

For more ways to enjoy the versatility of shrimp, explore these enticing recipes:

• Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
• Fresh Summer Shrimp Rolls
• Coconut Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
• Sizzling Skillet Shrimp Fajitas
• Refreshing Shrimp Pasta Salad

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