Next Post
30 Minute Teriyaki Chicken with Sesame Ginger Broccoli.
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
These lighter Shrimp Po Boys with Avocado Mango Slaw are a game changer.
I know that’s saying kind of a lot, but honestly, these are really good. So much flavor, so many textures, and actually pretty good for us too, for real. Instead of breading and frying the shrimp, like in a traditional po boy, I seared them in a skillet with lots of spices and a little olive oil. Sure, they’re not breaded and fried, but I swear all the favor is still there and I actually think I prefer the shrimp minus the bread. I mean, you can really taste all the spices this way.
And then as if the shrimp was not enough, I of course had to add a slaw. But a sweeter one to balance out the spices, because you know that’s the way I like to do things. Sweet and spicy. Always and forever.
I feel like I have been excited to share these po boys with you for weeks. I mean, I only made them a week ago, but I’ve been thinking them up for a while now, and with Mardi Gras approaching I figured now was the time to share! Plus, it’s Wednesday, and Wednesdays usually need a sandwich like this one. I mean, what’s not to love about a loaded, healthified shrimp po boy mid-week?!
I know I’m all about it. Obviously.
Normally, I’m not big on making sandwiches, but only because I always have such a hard time photographing them. I dunno why, but they’re just really tricky for me. BUT, I decided these po boys were worth the stress of trying to make the photos work. As it turned out, they actually weren’t that bad…bonus! I blame the pretty avocado and mango slaw. They made my day a lot easier…and more delicious!
Sidenote: I also avoid hamburger recipes because oh my gosh, I cannot take a pretty photo of a burger for the life of me. Plus, my thought on the burger is that it’s pretty good as is. Bun, meat, plenty of cheese, hopefully an avocado, and finish with a bun. Some things just don’t need to be messed with…although I do…and I’m sure will continue to do so. 🙂
Anyway, back to these yummy po boys.
The shrimp is seasoned up with a little creole seasoning, which I think is probably the star of the spices, that and the smoked paprika. The two together add an insane amount of flavor. I also add a lot of cayenne for an extra hit of heat, so be warned, the shrimp is spicy. If you’re not into spicy, just tone down the amount of cayenne in the shrimp.
Seeing as I made the shrimp spicy, I wanted to balance the heat with a sweet slaw. You guys know that I am mango obsessed and the combo of shrimp + mango + avocado, was just too good to pass up. It might not be classic southern style, but hey, it’s really freaking good.
To keep things on the light and healthy side, I like to used greek yogurt in place of mayo. Again, not traditional, but you really cannot tell the difference, and if I’m being honest, I really hate mayo…but my brother, who may or may not be reading this, loves mayo and begs me to make him YUM YUM sauce to eat with this Korean BBQ every time he’s in town. <– I am determined to fool him one day with a mayo-less YUM YUM sauce. Hee, hee, hee…hope he’s not reading!
Possibly the best part about this recipe though…the fact that it is SO easy. I’m talking dinner in under thirty minutes. YESSS. If you want, you can prep the shrimp in the morning and let it marinate all day for added flavor, but it’s definitely not necessary.
So, what do you think? After yesterday’s pizza on Facebook Live, healthy Po Boys tonight?
Yes, yes, let’s!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
ps. My brother is majorly shaking his head at me for using yogurt in place of mayo. <–sorry not sorry.
My friend, this recipe is KILLING ME!!!! It is so so good. Like drop everything and make it good. I dunno why po-boy shrimp are usually fried? This looks way better!! And Avo-Mango Slaw! Are you joking??? This combo sounds ah-mazing in a lo-boy sammy like this!!! You are rocking it over here. Way to go!
Wow! This comment made my day (: Thanks so much Maria! Couldn’t be happier that you liked it!
I love a po’ boy, Teighan. I love that you blackened this instead of frying (not that I don’t love fried). This looks fantastic!
Thanks so much Mary!
Hi, I could eat this off the page. What/where is yum yum sauce? I’d love to try it w bbq. 🙂 Thanks!
I’m with you on taking photos of sandwiches/burgers… it is hard!! You still manage to make them look better than like 99% of photographers do, I’m sure. 😉 I love po boys and this healthier take on them looks fab!
Awh thank you so much! Although I totally wish they could be better! I hope you get to try them Natasha (:
Have you ever thought of using a cashew base for a yum yum sauce? I use this recipe -> http://eatwithinyourmeans.com/savory-cashew-cream/ <- as a mayo replacer and it's delicious!! ? Obviously I have ulterior motives because if you used on with a base of cashews, I could eat it (I can't have dairy + a lot of other random allergens). ?
Oh my gosh! that looks amazing and I cannot wait to try, thanks for sharing! 🙂
wow! Careful there Tieghan. Looks like your giving a whole new meaning to the word ‘sandwich’! (and that’s in a reallllly good way). Love to see more sandwiches :). And I think I know why these are called ‘Po boys’ ….brothers go a little crazy over these, especially if they can eat them with their hands ..haha
Haha yes!! For a second I was worried then saw the “in a good way” haha! Thanks so much Margo!
i love the fried version, but this ones sounds delicious, too! agree that the lack of breading would help the shrimp shine better (:
Thats what i’m hoping everyone agrees (: Thanks Heather!
This looks so good, I’m going to make it tonight. I am going to scoop out the rolls, to get the dough part out, to make them even “lighter” and with less carbs. A little diced jalapeño in the slaw as well, to add some zip. Thanks for your inspiration and beautiful recipes!
Yes, that sounds perfect! Hope you loved them Toni!
Totally adding these to my dinner plan for next week!!! They sound amazing and SO flavorful!
I hope you love them Adrienne! Thank you!
These look perfect, because literally the only thing I don’t like about Po Boys is how greasy they are!
Ah yes! Then hopefully you’ll love these!
This looks mouth watering! Can’t wait to try the avocado mango slaw! 🙂
Ah I hope you love it Julia!! Thanks!
Wow, I know I’m going to love that one! Thanks
I hope you do, thanks Corine!
This is my favorite sandwich to order when I go to a seafood restaurant near my house. I really like your option just to sear and not to fry or to use breeding. It Makes it looks more healthy. Your photos are always stunning. I don’t think you will ever take bad pictures. I’m a big fan of your style.
I love trying to go the healthy option (: If possible of course! Thank you so much Carlos, it means so much (:
I have been curious about Po’ Boys! Think I’m gonna try this soon!
https://bloglairdutemps.blogspot.pt/
Hope you love them Ruth!!
Absolutely LOVE this! First of all, that avocado mango slaw makes me loooong for Summer as it’s currently freezing cold and STORMING out here… And I think it’s super smart that you made a lighter version of such a well loved dish! Pretty neat tricks in there – I’ve gotta swap mayo for greek yoghurt too sometimes. Thanks for sharing!
Ah yes! Thats totally what it made me feel too!!
So happy your liking the smaller tweaks, thanks Vivian!