Surf and Turf Po’Boys are hearty , spicy and dripping with gravy and jalapeno mayo. It’s the perfect combination with the tender shrimp and hearty roast beef. This makes special appearances at my house and my family loves it. If you have never had a Louisiana style Po’Boy this is the perfect place to start. Unlike most Po’Boys this doesn’t have fried meat so it’s a bit easier . Depending on the part of Louisiana you visit the Po’Boys differ greatly . This is very typical of how you would get one in the Lake Charles area. I did get the inspiration for this from several local restaurants .
Po’boys are said to have originated in New Orleans during the 1920’s streetcar strike . Martin Brother’s Restaurant and Coffee stand in the French Market jokingly called the men striking “Poor Boys” when they stopped to get their “loaves” ( a hoagie type sandwich made on cut french loaves). Eventually the term was coined and shorten to Po’Boys. In modern day New Orleans when you order a Po’Boy most of them have either fried shrimp, fish or oysters with some type of remoulade. A little different from the Southwest corner where I am from , but believe me I love both . Did you know here in Louisiana there are restaurants that only serve Po’Boys ? Po’Boy shops are basically Louisana’s Deli .
What you will need to make this recipe :
- Po’Boy buns or French Bread sliced
- Deli Sliced Roast Beef and Provolone
- 1 lb peeled shrimp
- Creole or Cajun seasoning like THIS
- Brown Gravy Packet
- Garlic and onion Powder
- Beef Better than Bouillon
- Jalapeno Mayo
- Medium saucepan like THIS
- Medium Frying pan like THIS
- Baking Pan
Start by making the gravy first. Whisk together two cups of water, gravy packet , Better than bouillon and seasoning
Pour mixture into a medium saucepan and bring up to a boil and then simmer . Whisking occasionally until the gravy and simmer until the gravy is thickened.
While the gravy is simmering heat up a skillet with olive oil on medium heat. Pour the shrimp into the heated skillet and cook them until they turn pink and the tail curls. Heat up the roast beef in the microwave just long enough the take the chill off .
Assembly of the Po’Boy
- Split your buns if they aren’t split and cover one side with cheese then place it on a baking sheet
- Place them under the broiler in your oven just long enough for the cheese to melt
- Once the cheese is melted layer on top of the cheese Roast beef , a little Gravy, 4-5 Shrimp. then desired amount of gravy.
- On the plain side of the bun spread desired amount of jalapeno mayo
- Place the desired amount of lettuce and fold it together
Grab some napkins because it’s messy !
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Surf and Turf Po'Boys
Ingredients
- 4-5 Po'Boy Buns or Cut French Bread
- Sliced Provolone Cheese* or cheese of choice
- 1 LB Deli Sliced Roast Beef
- 1 LB Medium peeled shrimp
- 1 Tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 Teaspoon of Creole or Cajun seasoning
- Jalapeno Mayo -*See Notes for recipe
- Shredded Lettuce
Gravy
- 1 Brown gravy packet
- 2 cups of water
- 2 teaspoons creole or cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Beef Better than Bouillon-optional
Instructions
Gravy
- Whisk together two cups of water, gravy packet , Better than bouillon and seasoning
- Pour the mixture into a medium saucepan and bring up to a boil and then simmer whisking occasionally
- Simmer until the gravy has thickened
Shrimp and Roast Beef
- While the gravy is simmering heat up a skillet with olive oil on medium heat.
- Pour shrimp into the heated skillet and cook them
- Sprinkle the teaspoon of creole or cajun seasoning on them while they are cooking.
- Shrimp cook quickly , as soon as the tail begins to curl and they turn pink remove them from heat and set them aside.
- Heat up roast beef in the microwave to just to take the chill off
Assembly of the Po'Boy
- Split your buns if they aren't split and cover one side with cheese then place it on a baking sheet
- Place them under the broiler in your oven just long enough for the cheese to melt
- Once the cheese is melted layer on top of the cheese Roast beef , a little Gravy, 4-5 Shrimp. then desired amount of gravy.
- On the plain side of the bun spread desired amount of jalapeno mayo
- PLace the desired amount of lettuce and fold it together
I was looking for a recipe that would make us feel like we were traveling and trying a new cuisine and this is exactly what I need! Your recipe will hold me over until we can get back to traveling!
What a great idea .. a may start doing this. Trips around the world with food.
Ooh Love the idea of turning the classic Po’Boy into a surf and turf. And can’t wait to try it with this Jalapeno mayo!
Thanks .. this is an amazing combo.
YES!! We’ve been to NOLA and had a few Po’boys…but I didn’t know they vary depending on the area you are in. Now I have to go back for a Po’boy tour.
Yes Bernice !! While the food in NOLA is fabulous it’s creole . Heading west on I-10 once you cross the Atchafalaya Basin bridge you are in Cajun Country and the food is AMAZING. We travel an hour and half to just go eat lol.
Love the flavor combinations you put together! It will be great for a BBQ party or a picnic. Saved the recipe for future!
Thanks Veronika it is a great combo.
These po’boys look so simple yet delicious. I know for my family that sauce would be everything, and the jalapeno mayo would have to be on the table too!
Thank You Beth , I hope you enjoy them.
Wow , that’s a delicious mix. I love it. Will be making it this weekend!
It really is a great mix, I hope you enjoy them.
These SURF AND TURF PO’BOYS were so good!!! I was really impressed having lived in LA for years and being born and raised in the south. Very delish and packed wit excellent flavor. Looking forward to your next Southern/Cajun post. Happy Sunday.
Thanks Heidy , I am so glad you enjoyed them.
Believe it or not I never thought of surf and turf in a Po boy! Brilliant love the mayo and that rich gravy dipping sauce. A great easy dinner for the family!👍👌❤
Thank you for your kind words, I hope you enjoy this as much as we do.
I can’t wait to try this with gluten free bread! This Po Boy is LOADED!!!
Great Idea !!
This po’boy looks incredibly filling and flavorful and has my mouthwatering. Thanks for sharing!
This is very filling!!
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How many calories would this have in it?
This by all means isn’t a healthy recipe . I don’t like to include a calorie count since this can greatly differ if you used something different from me .