In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, black pepper, mustard powder, celery salt, salt, and cayenne pepper.
1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1½ teaspoons garlic powder, ¾ teaspoon onion powder, ¾ teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon mustard powder, ½ teaspoon celery salt, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the shrimp and toss until evenly coated.
1¼ pounds medium shrimp, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Slice the baguettes lengthwise without cutting all the way through. If desired, toast them under the broiler or on a grill pan for 1 to 2 minutes, just until lightly crisp.
2 12-inch baguettes
Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Add the shrimp in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and curled into a loose "C." Remove from the heat immediately to avoid overcooking.
Spread the mayonnaise on the cut sides of each toasted baguette.
½ cup mayonnaise
Divide the lettuce, tomato slices, pickle slices, and cooked shrimp evenly between the sandwiches.
8 ounces shredded iceberg lettuce, 1 large tomato, 16 sweet and spicy pickle slices
Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately.
Notes
🥡 STORAGE
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the bread and toppings separately for the best texture.
♨️ REHEATING
Warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can become rubbery.
❄️ FREEZING
Cooked shrimp can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The assembled sandwiches are not recommended for freezing.
💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning for the best sear.
Toast the baguettes to keep them from becoming soggy.
Cook the shrimp in a single layer.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet as soon as they turn pink.
Assemble the sandwiches just before serving.
🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS
Grill: Cook the shrimp over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes per side.
Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F for 5 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
♻️ LEFTOVERS
Use leftover shrimp for tacos, salads, rice bowls, wraps, pasta, or lettuce wraps.
📝 NOTES
The seasoning blend is formulated specifically for this recipe, so you'll use nearly all of it, with very little left over. If serving a crowd, the seasoning can easily be doubled.