Cajun Shrimp Po' Boys

It's Fat Tuesday, meaning that Mardi Gras is in full swing! My mind started dreaming of creole, King Cakes, colorful beads, parades, and cocktails on Bourbon street. Although, I will not be there to partake in the craziness that is Mardi Gras, I was in the mood to make something full of bold Cajun flavor and packed with a little heat. I'm usually not one who goes for spicy food since I used to consider medium salsa my breaking point, but having broadened my horizons since living with the hot sauce king (my husband), I have come to appreciate a bold and spicy dish every now and then. The flavors in this dish are just that - spicy, robust and full of flavor! The spicy remoulade sauce has just enough mayonnaise base that it cuts the heat perfectly!

Adapted from Ezra Pound Cake

You Will Need for the Po' Boys
Makes 2 large sandwiches

• 1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp Creole seasoning
• 1 French baguette
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 large ripe tomato, thinly sliced
• Spicy Remoulade Sauce (recipe bellow; make several hours ahead for best flavor)

Here We Go:

• Toss the shrimp with the olive oil and Creole seasoning
• Heat a grill pan to medium-high, and grill the shrimp for about 3 minutes each side
• Remove the shrimp from the pan, and set aside
• Split the baguette horizontally, scoop out some of the bread (if desired), and spread the spicy remoulade sauce on both sides of the bread
• Place the shrimp on the bottom half of the baguette
• Then pile on the shredded lettuce and tomato slices
• Place the top half of the bread onto the sandwich, and divide the sandwich in half vertically to make two sandwiches

You Will Need for Spicy Remoulade Sauce
Makes 1 /2 cups

• 1 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup stone-ground mustard (preferably Creole)
• 1 clove garlic clove, smashed
• 1 Tbsp pickle juice
• 1 Tbsp capers
• 1 tsp prepared horseradish
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp hot paprika
• Dash of hot sauce

Here We Go:

• Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth (or if you do not have a food processor, blend in a bowl with spoon)
• Chill until ready to serve

Happy Feasting!