Classic Po' Boy Sandwich

Ingredients

• Shrimp or roast beef (1 pound, peeled and deveined shrimp or sliced roast beef)
• French bread rolls (4 rolls, preferably crusty french or new orleans-style)
• Vegetable oil (for frying, about 2 cups)
• Cornmeal (1 cup)
• All-purpose flour (1 cup)
• Cajun seasoning (2 tablespoons)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Black pepper (1 teaspoon)
• Lettuce (1 cup, shredded)
• Tomato (1 large, sliced)
• Pickles (1/2 cup, sliced)
• Remoulade sauce (1 cup)

Instructions

1. Prepare the remoulade sauce by combining 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of hot sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the cornmeal, flour, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Dredge the shrimp or slices of roast beef in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure even coating.
4. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, ensuring enough oil to submerge the shrimp or beef halfway.
5. Carefully add the shrimp to the skillet and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. If using roast beef, cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until crispy. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
6. Remove the fried shrimp or beef from the skillet and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
7. Slice the French bread rolls in half lengthwise and spread a generous amount of remoulade sauce on the cut sides.
8. Layer the bottom halves of the rolls with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and the crispy fried shrimp or roast beef.
9. Top with the other halves of the rolls, press gently to secure, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.