Crispy BBQ Fried Shrimp Sandwich

This Crispy BBQ Fried Shrimp Sandwich is made with golden fried shrimp, crisp napa cabbage, and creamy corn aioli piled onto soft sandwich buns. The shrimp is coated in masa or cornmeal with BBQ seasoning, then fried until crunchy and tender.

This recipe is a fun twist on a classic fried shrimp sandwich, with smoky BBQ flavor and a sweet, creamy corn sauce. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but still feels like something you’d order at a great seafood spot.

If you’re looking for more shrimp recipes, try:

• Shrimp Fajitas
• Shrimp Tacos
• Shrimp Dumplings
• Shrimp and Grits

Why You’ll Love Crispy BBQ Fried Shrimp Sandwich

• Crispy Fried Shrimp: The shrimp fries up golden on the outside while staying tender inside.
• Creamy Corn Aioli: The corn, mayo, lime, and salt make a sweet, creamy sauce that works so well with the BBQ seasoning.
• Crunchy Cabbage: Napa cabbage adds freshness and keeps the sandwich from feeling heavy.
• Easy Seafood Dinner: This comes together fast and feels a little more fun than the usual weeknight dinner.
• Big Sandwich Flavor: It’s crispy, creamy, smoky, and bright all in one bite.

Ingredients Needed To Make Crispy BBQ Fried Shrimp Sandwiches

Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredient amounts and instructions.

Corn Aioli

• Corn: Adds natural sweetness and gives the sauce its creamy texture.
• Mayonnaise: Makes the aioli rich and smooth.
• Lime Juice: Brightens everything up and balances the fried shrimp.
• Salt: Helps bring out the flavor in the sauce.

BBQ Fried Shrimp

• Large Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp with the tails removed so the sandwiches are easy to eat.
• Masa or Cornmeal: Gives the shrimp a crisp coating.
• BBQ Seasoning: Adds smoky, savory flavor. Use your favorite blend.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for shallow frying the shrimp.

Sandwiches

• Napa Cabbage: Adds crunch and freshness.
• Buns: Soft burger buns or hot dog buns both work.
• Fresh Cilantro: Optional, but it adds a nice fresh finish.

How To Make Crispy BBQ Fried Shrimp Sandwiches

• Add the corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, and salt to a blender. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate until you’re ready to build the sandwiches.
• Add the vegetable oil to a large skillet and heat it to about 350°F. You want the oil hot enough to crisp the shrimp quickly without burning the coating.
• Mix the masa or cornmeal with the BBQ seasoning. Dip the shrimp into the mixture and coat both sides well. Shake off any excess before frying.
• Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil. Don’t crowd the pan because shrimp need space to crisp. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
• Transfer the fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with a little extra BBQ seasoning while they’re still hot.
• Add shredded napa cabbage to the buns. Drizzle with corn aioli, pile on the fried shrimp, and finish with fresh cilantro if using.

Top Tip

Keep the oil hot and fry in batches. If the pan gets crowded, the shrimp will steam instead of crisp, and nobody is here for sad shrimp.

Storage and Reheating

• These sandwiches are best served fresh, but you can store the shrimp and corn aioli separately.
• Keep leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warm and crisp. Store the corn aioli in the refrigerator and stir before using.
• Don’t store the assembled sandwiches or the bread will get soggy, because bread has apparently never once respected sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

• Cornmeal instead of masa: Cornmeal works well and still gives the shrimp a crisp coating. Masa has a little more corn flavor, but either one works.
• Different sauce: The corn aioli gives this sandwich its flavor, but spicy mayo, lime mayo, or remoulade would also be good.
• Regular cabbage: Napa cabbage is softer and lighter, but green cabbage or bagged slaw mix will work too.
• More po’ boy style: Use French bread, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and remoulade for a more classic shrimp po’ boy feel.
• Make it spicy: Add cayenne, hot sauce, or a spicy BBQ seasoning to the shrimp coating.
• Turn it into tacos: Use the same crispy shrimp, cabbage, and corn aioli in warm tortillas instead of buns.