The Po’ Boy is a New Orleans classic, famous for its crispy shrimp, oyster, or catfish fillings. But what if we took it up a notch? Enter the Scallop Po’ Boy — a rich, buttery twist on the beloved sandwich that perfectly balances crunch and tenderness. In this blog, we’ll dive into the history of the Po’ Boy, explore how scallops elevate this iconic dish, and share a must-try recipe for the ultimate scallop Po’ Boy.
The Story Behind the Po Boy: A Southern Classic
The Po’ Boy, a New Orleans staple, was born in 1929 to support striking streetcar workers. Over time, it has evolved from a simple sandwich into a beloved culinary icon, traditionally stuffed with fried seafood or roast beef. While shrimp and oysters are the classics, scallops bring a refined twist. Their natural sweetness and buttery texture contrast beautifully with a crispy, golden-brown crust, creating a perfect balance of crunch and tenderness.
Layered with shredded lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy remoulade, all tucked into a toasted baguette, the scallop Po’ Boy takes this Southern favorite to a whole new level. The richness of the scallops pairs effortlessly with the bold flavors of the remoulade, making each bite an indulgent experience. Whether you're a longtime Po’ Boy lover or new to the dish, this scallop variation is a must-try for an elevated take on a New Orleans classic.
Choosing the Best Scallops for Your Po’ Boy
The right scallops can make all the difference in flavor and texture. Whether fresh or frozen, sea or bay, choosing high-quality scallops ensures the perfect bite.
Fresh vs. Frozen: What to Look For
Scallops should be fresh, plump, sweet-smelling, and dry-packed (without added preservatives). If you are buying them frozen, place them in the fridge overnight or put them in cold water for half an hour to thaw frozen scallops. Never use warm water — it will result in a bell pepper-like texture.
Sea Scallops vs. Bay Scallops: Which to Use?
Sea scallops are Po Boy’s best friend because they are big, meatier, and full of buttery flavor. On the other hand, bay scallops are smaller and sweeter but can get lost in the sandwich. The crispy coating and firm texture of sea scallops are beautifully complemented by soft bread and fresh garnish.
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Scallop Po’ Boy
A great scallop Po’ Boy is all about the right ingredients. Each component plays a role in balancing flavor, texture, and authenticity. From the bread to the toppings and sauce, here’s what you need for the perfect bite.
The Best Bread for an Authentic Po’ Boy
New Orleans quintessentially uses French bread for Po’ Boys due to its airy interior and crisp texture. This unique strength aids the sandwich in holding together while absorbing the myriad tastes within it. An authentic French baguette or soft hoagie roll can also be used if Po’ Boy bread is unavailable. Avoid harshly dense bread. It can be overpowering against the scallops. Lightly toasting the bread will add an additional layer of crunch that makes it even better with every single bite.
The Must-Have Toppings for Flavor and Texture
Crispy scallops are best served with a soft Po’ Boy base topped with pickles, shredded lettuce, and ripe tomato slices. The underlying flavor can be enhanced further with thinly sliced onions, jalapeños, and coleslaw. While some people like additional layers of Avocado or melted cheese, the secret lies in maintaining balance so the sweet buttery scallops aren't overpowered.
Classic Po’ Boy Sauces: Dressing It Up Right
The traditional sauce used for seafood Po’ Boys is a zesty combination of mayo, hot sauce, mustard, and spices called Remoulade. Its tangy essence further enhances the sweetness of the scallops. For an added twist a Cajun mayo can be used too or a spicy aioli made with garlic and sriracha. A generous drizzle ties everything together, ensuring each bite is packed with bold, Southern flavors.
Step-by-Step Scallop Po’ Boy Recipe
Here is an easy recipe for you to try out at home:
Ingredients Needed
For the scallops:
- 1 lb sea scallops (patted dry)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)
For the sandwich:
- New Orleans-style French bread (or baguette)
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Pickles
- Remoulade sauce or Cajun mayo
Cooking Instructions for Crispy, Golden Scallops
- Soak scallops in buttermilk for 15 minutes to tenderize.
- In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, and seasonings.
- Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Dredge scallops in the breading mixture, coating evenly.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels.
Alternative methods:
- Air fryer: Spray coated scallops with oil, and air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes.
- Baking: Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Assembling the Perfect Po’ Boy
- Toast the French bread lightly.
- Spread remoulade sauce generously on both sides.
- Layer lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
- Add crispy scallops and top with extra sauce.
- Serve immediately to keep the sandwich crisp and flavorful!
Lobster Po’ Boy: A Luxurious Twist on a Classic
Lobsters take the classic Po’ Boy to the next level with its tender, buttery texture and naturally sweet flavor. While scallops offer a delicate bite, lobster provides a richer, meatier experience, making the sandwich feel more indulgent. Both seafood options pair well with crispy breading and bold Cajun spices, but lobster’s firm texture holds up beautifully against the crunch of French bread and fresh toppings. If you’re looking for a decadent upgrade to the traditional Po’ Boy, lobster is the way to go!
Lobster Po’ Boy Recipe: The Essentials
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lobster tail meat, chopped
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup flour
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Oil for frying
- French bread, toasted
- Lettuce, tomato, pickles
- Cajun mayo or lemon-garlic aioli
Cooking:
- Soak lobster in buttermilk for 10 minutes.
- Coat in cornmeal-flour seasoning mix.
- Fry in hot oil for 3-4 minutes until golden.
- Drain on paper towels.
Assembly:
- Spread sauce on bread, layer lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
- Add crispy lobster, drizzle extra sauce, and serve warm!
Serving and Pairing Your Scallop Po’ Boy
To enjoy a particularly scrumptious scallop Po' Boy, you need the right drinks and sides to go with it. Whether you wish to enjoy a Southern classic or want something a bit lighter, here are some suggestions.
Best Side Dishes to Complement Your Po’ Boy
Fried sides perfectly accompany the intense taste of a Po' Boy. Extra crispy and golden French fries, hush puppies, and coleslaw all provide an extra crunch.
If you like something a bit lighter, you can try Cobb salad, grilled vegetables, or even an avocado slaw. All of these sides provide a contrast to the fried scallops and balance out the grease to make the meal delightful without being too rich.
Drink Pairings: The Best Beverages for a Seafood Po’ Boy
For the perfect drink pairing, a crisp pale lager or craft beer complements the rich, buttery scallops without overpowering their flavor. If you prefer wine, Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay brings out the natural sweetness of the seafood.
For a true Southern touch, classic sweet tea is always a great choice. To balance the bold Cajun flavors of the Po’ Boy, a hurricane cocktail or a refreshing lemon spritzer adds just the right amount of zest.
Enhancing Your Seafood Experience with Get Maine Lobster
The starting point for a splendid Scallop Po’ Boy or Lobster Po’ Boy is always sourcing the freshest, top-quality seafood available. Here is how you can be a pro at sourcing the best-quality seafood.
If you want uncompromised flavor, your meal has to be made from high-quality seafood, like the ones we have at Get Maine Lobster. Sustainably harvested scallops and lobster focus on natural firmness, uh, elevating your Po’ Boy beyond the ordinary. We focus on seafood that is both premium and harvested responsibly, ensuring easy and tasty meals at home.
Ordering high-quality seafood has never been easier. Simply browse through our premium selection, and get fresh seafood delivered straight to your door. Whether you're craving a classic Scallop Po’ Boy or a luxurious Lobster Po’ Boy, we make it simple to enjoy the best seafood experience at home.
