The Tomales Bay Po Boy Sandwich Recipes

SHRIMP PO'BOY

Steps:

• Make the shrimp: Whisk the flour, cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Stir together the milk and hot sauce in a large bowl; add the shrimp. Working in batches, remove the shrimp from the milk mixture, letting the excess drip off, and add to the bowl with the flour mixture; toss to coat. Transfer to a plate and refrigerate 15 minutes to let the coating set.
• Meanwhile, make the rémoulade: Combine the mayonnaise, pickles, shallot and hot sauce in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper.
• Fry the shrimp: Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 360˚ F. Working in batches, fry the shrimp until golden brown and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to the prepared baking sheet with a slotted spoon; season with salt. Adjust the heat as needed between batches.
• Meanwhile, put the rolls on a baking sheet and bake until toasted, about 5 minutes. Spread the rémoulade on the cut sides and fill with lettuce, the shrimp and tomatoes. Serve with more hot sauce.

THE PEACEMAKER: GOLDEN FRIED OYSTER AND SHRIMP PO-BOY WITH HOT SAUCE-INFUSED MAYONNAISE, LETTUCE, AND TOMATO

Steps:

• Combine mayonnaise and hot sauce together to the consistency desired. Add red pepper, white pepper, and salt, to taste. Set aside.
• In a deep pot, heat 3 inches of oil to 375 degrees F. Dredge the oysters and shrimp in seasoned flour and fry until cooked through and hot for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Place both bread halves on 12-inch platter. Spread mayonnaise mixture on top half of sandwich. Add fried seafood and pickles, garnish with lemon.

FRIED PICKLE PO' BOY

Steps:

• Combine the mayonnaise, hot sauce and 1 teaspoon of the paprika in a medium bowl.
• Beat the milk and egg in a separate medium bowl. Put the flour in a shallow dish. Combine the cornstarch, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, 2 teaspoons salt, a few grinds of black pepper and remaining 1 teaspoon paprika in another shallow dish.
• Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until a deep-frying thermometer registers 375 degrees F.
• Dip the pickle slices first in the flour, tapping off any excess, then in the egg mixture. Then press them in the cornmeal mixture to coat. Fry in batches, turning once, until golden, about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
• Split the loaves down the middle lengthwise but do not cut all the way through. Spread 2 tablespoons of the mayonnaise mixture on each loaf. Top each with 1/4 cup lettuce and 3 tomato slices. Stuff 10 fried pickles into each sandwich. Serve with more hot sauce.

OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER SANDWICH (PO-BOY)

Steps:

• For the Rockefeller sauce: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and bring to golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add the liqueur (CAUTION: Skillet will flame up when using a gas range.) Add the half-and-half, hot sauce, granulated garlic, granulated onion, white pepper and ground thyme. Stir and bring to a simmer.
• Add the spinach and bring back to a simmer. Turn off the flame and add the breadcrumbs and cheese. Check for consistency. If there's too much liquid, add more breadcrumbs and cheese. If it's too thick, add more half-and-half.
• For the fry dredge: Whisk together the corn flour, all-purpose flour, Creole seasoning and lemon pepper in a large bowl.
• For the sandwich: Melt the butter and garlic in a small skillet. Cut the French bread and "paint" the inside of the bread with the garlic butter. Firmly the press the inside of the bread down on a large skillet or flat-top grill to toast the bread.
• In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour enough oil to fill the pan about a third of the way. Heat over medium heat until a deep-frying thermometer inserted in the oil reaches 350 degrees F. (If you don't have a thermometer, a cube of bread will brown in about 3 minutes.) Dredge the oysters in the fry dredge and then deep-fry, in batches if necessary, until golden brown and firm to the touch, about 2 minutes.
• Arrange the oysters on the inside of the bread. Top with Rockefeller sauce and garnish with Parmesan.