How do I master the art of frying seafood for my po boy?

Get your frying skills on point with our expert tips and tricks! Become a seafood frying pro and create the most delectable Po' Boy sandwich ever.

You'll need

Items needed to answer the question, How do I master the art of frying seafood for my Po Boy. Items include: Shrimp Oysters Soft-Shell Crab Salt Pepper Flour Cornmeal Cajun Seasoning Old Bay French Roll Mayo Remoulade Sauce Lettuce Tomato Pickles

Shrimp 1 pound
Oysters 1 pint
Soft-Shell Crab 4 pieces
Salt 1 teaspoon
Pepper 1/2 teaspoon
Flour 1 cup
Cornmeal 1/2 cup
Cajun Seasoning 2 teaspoons
Old Bay 2 teaspoons
French Roll 1
Mayo 2 tablespoons
Remoulade Sauce 2 tablespoons
Lettuce A handful
Tomato 1
Pickles A few slices

Take note
Caution: Frying seafood can be addictive! You may find yourself wanting to fry everything that comes your way. Proceed with caution and make sure to fry in a well-ventilated area to avoid setting off smoke alarms. And remember, hot oil can be dangerous, so keep a watchful eye and use caution while frying.

1

Prep the Seafood

Start by choosing your seafood of choice for your Po' Boy. Shrimp, oysters, or soft-shell crab are popular options. Make sure they're fresh and properly cleaned. Season them with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Set aside.

2

Heat the Oil

Pour a generous amount of oil into a deep skillet or deep-fryer. Heat the oil to around 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature and avoid any hot oil mishaps.

3

Prepare the Coating

In a bowl, mix together flour, cornmeal, and your favorite seasonings. Cajun seasoning or Old Bay are great choices for that authentic Po' Boy flavor. Dip each seasoned seafood piece into the coating mixture until fully coated. Shake off any excess.

4

Fry to Perfection

Gently place the coated seafood into the hot oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, as it can lower the oil temperature and make the food greasy. Fry each piece until golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the seafood.

5

Drain and Rest

Once the seafood is beautifully fried, remove it from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. This will help keep your Po' Boy light and crispy.

6

Build Your Po' Boy

Now comes the fun part! Grab a crusty French roll and slice it lengthwise. Spread a generous layer of mayo or remoulade sauce on both sides of the bread. Layer the fried seafood, along with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Don't be shy with the hot sauce. Close the sandwich, give it a gentle press, and get ready for a flavor explosion!