Inspired by a shrimp po' boy with crab mayo seen on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," I decided to create an extra spicy recipe—firecracker shrimp roll with crab aioli—and give it a July Fourth-friendly name. The result is an explosively flavored combination of hot, crunchy shrimp and cold crabby mayo—it was one of the best things I've had in a long time, and that's after eating it barely warm. For best results, enjoy this just as soon as it's safe to eat, in all its crunchy glory.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup lump crabmeat
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
- 2 cloves garlic , finely minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- salt to taste
- 2 pounds shrimp , peeled and deveined
Instructions
-
1
Combine mayonnaise, crabmeat, tarragon, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 pinch cayenne pepper in a bowl; season with salt and stir to combine. Refrigerate aioli until ready to use.
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2
Remove tails from shrimp; refrigerate until ready to use.
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3
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
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4
Whisk buttermilk, hot sauce, 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, ground chipotle, and black pepper together in a bowl; set aside. Combine flour, cornmeal, paprika, and 2 teaspoons kosher salt in a shallow dish; set aside.
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5
Slice sandwich rolls partway; split open. Scoop out some bread from tops. Toast in the preheated oven until crisp, 7 to 10 minutes.
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6
Soak shrimp in buttermilk mixture for about 5 minutes.
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7
Meanwhile, heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Spread crab aioli generously over both sides of each roll; top with sliced lettuce. Toss shrimp in cornmeal mixture to coat; shake off excess.
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8
Lower shrimp carefully into the hot oil in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate; immediately transfer shrimp to rolls. Sprinkle cayenne pepper on top. Repeat with remaining shrimp.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
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