• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons Essence, recipe follows
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
• 2 small French bread loaves, each about 10-inches long
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise, or more to taste
• Red pepper sauce
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 large ripe beefsteak tomato, thinly sliced
• Sliced dill pickles, optional
• Hot sauce, for serving, optional
• Potato chips, for serving, optional (recommended: Zapp's)

For Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):

• 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme