📝 About This Recipe
A true New Orleans cult classic, the French Fry Po'boy is the ultimate comfort food born from the resourcefulness of the Crescent City. This sandwich features crispy, golden-brown potatoes piled high on airy French bread, smothered in a rich, velvety 'debris' gravy made from slow-simmered roast beef drippings. It is a savory, messy, and deeply satisfying masterpiece that proves sometimes the simplest ingredients make the most legendary meals.
🥗 Ingredients
The Potatoes
- 2.5 pounds Russet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch batons)
- 2 quarts Peanut or Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning (Tony Chachere's or Zatarain's preferred)
The Debris Gravy
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Beef stock (high quality or fortified with bouillon)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup Cooked roast beef (shredded into tiny 'debris' bits)
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
The Assembly
- 2 loaves French Bread (approx 12-inch loaves, crusty outside and airy inside)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Blue Plate or Duke's brand)
- 2 cups Shredded Iceberg lettuce (finely shredded)
- 2 pieces Roma tomatoes (thinly sliced)
- 16 pieces Dill pickle chips
- 1 bottle Crystal Hot Sauce (for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Soak the cut potato batons in a large bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This ensures a crispier fry.
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2
While potatoes soak, start the gravy. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until foaming.
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3
Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook, whisking constantly, for about 5-7 minutes until the roux reaches a 'peanut butter' color.
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4
Slowly drizzle in the beef stock while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.
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5
Add the shredded roast beef 'debris', Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes until thickened and rich.
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6
Drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Any moisture will cause the oil to splatter.
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7
Heat the oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 325°F (160°C). Fry the potatoes in batches for 4-5 minutes until soft but not browned. Remove and drain on a wire rack.
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8
Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the potatoes a second time for 2-3 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy. Drain and immediately toss with Creole seasoning.
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9
Slice the French bread loaves in half lengthwise, but leave a 'hinge' on one side. Toast lightly in the oven if desired.
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10
Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on both the top and bottom insides of the bread.
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11
Layer the bottom with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles (this is 'dressing' the sandwich).
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12
Pile a massive mound of hot French fries onto the dressed bread.
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13
Ladle the hot debris gravy generously over the fries, allowing it to soak into the bread and crevices of the potatoes.
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14
Close the sandwich, cut it in half, and serve immediately with extra napkins and hot sauce.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use Russet potatoes for the best starch content and fluffy interiors. Double-frying the potatoes is the secret to a fry that stays crispy even under heavy gravy. If you don't have roast beef leftovers, buy a few thick slices of deli roast beef and chop them finely for the gravy. Use Blue Plate mayonnaise if you can find it; its sweetness is the authentic NOLA flavor profile. Don't skimp on the gravy; the bread should be slightly dampened by the sauce for the true experience.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with an ice-cold Barq's Root Beer (it has bite!). Serve with a side of extra gravy for dipping. A cold Abita Amber lager cuts through the richness perfectly. Add a few dashes of Crystal Hot Sauce to each bite for acidity and heat. Keep a stack of napkins nearby—this is meant to be a messy 'five-napkin' sandwich.