In 2011, two college friends and I journeyed to the magical city of New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Let me tell you, it was quite the life experience. I loved the architecture, the brightly colored homes, and, of course, the Hurricanes + po’ boys.
On our second day in NOLA, my friends and I met up with other college friends to watch a parade. It was a hoot and a half to see the over-the-top costumes and the impromptu dance parties that seemed to pop up every other minute. After the parade, we decided we should probably grab a bite before heading to the hotel so we popped into a small restaurant. I didn’t even look at the menu, promptly ordering a shrimp po’ boy. And a Diet Coke.
Guys, this shrimp po’ boy was killer. I think I finished the whole thing in about 4 bites. Or, as my friend put it, “Did you just unhinge your jaw?”
The good news: This po’ boy tasted like happiness. The bad news: My jubilant self was high on po’ boy-induced ecstasy and I have NO idea what the restaurant’s name is. Not a clue.
Luckily, DC’s Cajunators food truck makes a mean oyster po’ boy and their Cajun fries…(Insert OK Sign Emoji Here) are on point so I can get some po’ boy redemption.
In the spirit of Mardi Gras, I hacked a shrimp po’ boy recipe with Trader Joe’s 14-Shrimp Nuggets. I picked up a mini baguette from Radici in Eastern Market for $1.50 and my god, this baguette cannot be beat. It took all of my willpower not to just eat the baguette as soon as I got home. But I’m an adult(ish) and sucked it up. I whipped up remoulade and let it chill in the fridge as I heated the nuggets in a skillet. Pile the remoulade, nuggets, lettuce + tomato and your po’ boy craving will be history.
Bonus points if you concoct a Hurricane! I still have my Pat O’ Brien’s glass…but that’s a story for another day.
Remoulade Ingredients
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon horseradish sauce
2 finely chopped scallions
Couple dashes of hot sauce
Remoulade Directions
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine. Cover and let it chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
Po’ Boy Ingredients
1 mini baguette
3-4 Trader Joe’s 14-Shrimp Nuggets
Cajun seasoning (optional)
Remoulade
Arugula or lettuce
Sliced tomatoes
Po’ Boy Directions
1. Prepare the nuggets according to the directions on the package (it takes less than 5 minutes on the stovetop).
2. Slice the baguette and spread the remoulade on one half. For good measure, I sprinkled Cajun seasoning on the remoulade.
3. Layer the shrimp nuggets, arugula and tomatoes and top with the other baguette half. Enjoy!
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