If you have a hankering for a true taste of Southern coastal charm, the Frogmore Stew Recipe is an unbeatable choice. This vibrant Low Country boil combines tender shrimp, smoky sausage, sweet corn, and creamy new potatoes all simmered in a perfectly seasoned broth. It’s a celebration of bold flavors and communal joy, making it an absolute favorite to gather friends or family around the table for an unforgettable, mouth-watering feast that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Frogmore Stew Recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Each ingredient plays a fundamental role in building layers of texture and flavor—from the spicy soul of Old Bay Seasoning to the hearty bite of smoked sausage and the natural sweetness of fresh corn.
- 6 quarts water: The base that brings everything together and allows the flavors to meld.
- 0.75 cup Old Bay Seasoning™: This iconic spice blend gives your stew that classic Low Country kick.
- 2 pounds new red potatoes: Added first for their creamy texture and subtle sweetness when cooked through.
- 12 ears corn, husked, cleaned, and quartered: Supplies bursts of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 pounds hot smoked sausage links, cut into 2-inch pieces: Infuses smoky, savory notes that complement the seafood perfectly.
- 4 pounds large fresh shrimp, unpeeled: Provides a succulent, tender seafood centerpiece for the stew.
How to Make Frogmore Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Start by bringing 6 quarts of water and 0.75 cup of Old Bay Seasoning™ to a rolling boil in a large stockpot. This seasoned broth will be the flavorful conduit for cooking and infusing every ingredient with that signature Low Country taste. It’s important the water is boiling vigorously to ensure all elements cook evenly and absorb the spice blend thoroughly.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Add the 2 pounds of new red potatoes into the boiling broth. Let them simmer for about 15 minutes until they start to soften but still hold their shape. Since potatoes take the longest to cook, getting them in early sets the stage for the perfect texture—creamy inside without falling apart.
Step 3: Add the Sausage
Next, toss in the hot smoked sausage links that have been cut into 2-inch pieces. Cooking them for about 5 minutes allows the sausage to heat through fully and soak up the savory, spicy notes from the broth, adding a hearty meatiness that balances the seafood beautifully.
Step 4: Incorporate the Corn
Now it’s time to add the corn quarters. Let them cook in the broth for an additional 5 minutes. This step softens the kernels, releasing their natural sweetness while allowing the exterior to pick up the seasoning’s vibrant zing—plus, the yellow hue brightens the stew visually and texturally.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Finally, add the large fresh shrimp directly into the stewing pot. Cook them just until they turn pink, about 5 minutes. Shrimp cook quickly, so it’s essential to watch closely to avoid overcooking, which can lead to rubbery texture. Once pink and fragrant, they’re ready for immediate enjoyment.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Drain the entire pot promptly once all ingredients are cooked through to prevent overcooking and preserve individual textures. Traditionally, this Frogmore Stew Recipe is enjoyed family-style, often spread out on newspaper-covered tables, inviting everyone to dig in with their hands and enjoy that communal Low Country experience.
How to Serve Frogmore Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions can add a lovely fresh contrast to the rich, smoky flavors. A few lemon wedges on the side are perfect for squeezing over the stew to add a bright, acidic balance that lifts the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
For sides, classic Southern options like crusty baguette slices or buttery hush puppies work wonderfully to soak up any leftover broth. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette can provide a refreshing counterpoint to this hearty seafood feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Frogmore Stew Recipe in large, rustic pots or on trays lined with butcher paper for a casual, festive vibe. Encourage guests to pull back the shells and savor each bite by hand, creating an interactive and memorable dining experience. You might also pair it with cold beer or a chilled glass of white wine to complement the spice and richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture for shrimp and vegetables, it’s better to keep the broth separate if possible and add just before reheating.
Freezing
While the potatoes and shrimp don’t freeze particularly well when cooked together, you can freeze the broth and sausage separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reassemble with freshly cooked potatoes, corn, and shrimp for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until warm throughout. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can cause shrimp to toughen and veggies to become mushy. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating can help retain moisture.
FAQs
What is Frogmore Stew exactly?
Frogmore Stew, also known as Low Country boil, is a traditional Southern dish featuring shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes cooked together in a seasoned broth. It’s a festive communal meal celebrated for its rich flavors and simple preparation.
Can I use frozen shrimp in this Frogmore Stew Recipe?
While fresh shrimp provide the best texture and flavor, frozen shrimp can be used if thawed properly before cooking. Be careful not to overcook them to maintain juiciness.
Is Old Bay Seasoning necessary for this recipe?
Old Bay Seasoning is traditional and imparts the iconic flavor that defines Frogmore Stew. If unavailable, a blend of paprika, celery salt, pepper, and cayenne can be substituted, but the taste will vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! Adding extra cayenne pepper to the broth or choosing a spicier smoked sausage will increase heat to your liking. Just taste the broth before cooking to balance flavors perfectly.
What is the best way to peel shrimp when eating Frogmore Stew?
The shrimp are traditionally served unpeeled to keep them juicy. To peel, pinch the shell at the tail, pull it off, and discard the shell, leaving the tender meat ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s full of flavor, fun, and togetherness, this Frogmore Stew Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s an inviting way to bring loved ones around the table, celebrate seafood, and enjoy the laid-back spirit of the Low Country. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret the delicious memories it creates!
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Frogmore Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Frogmore Stew, also known as Low Country boil, is a classic Southern seafood boil featuring a flavorful blend of shrimp, smoked sausage, new red potatoes, and fresh corn cooked in a seasoned broth with Old Bay seasoning. This communal dish is perfect for gatherings, offering a delicious combination of tender potatoes, sweet corn, smoky sausage, and juicy shrimp all infused with bold spices.
Ingredients
Broth and Seasoning
- 6 quarts water
- 0.75 cup Old Bay Seasoning™
Vegetables and Protein
- 2 pounds new red potatoes
- 12 ears corn, husked, cleaned and quartered
- 2 pounds hot smoked sausage links, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4 pounds large fresh shrimp, unpeeled
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: In a large stockpot, bring 6 quarts of water and 0.75 cup Old Bay Seasoning™ to a rolling boil over high heat. This seasoned water forms the base for cooking and infuses the dish with classic Low Country flavors.
- Cook the potatoes: Add 2 pounds of new red potatoes to the boiling broth. Let them cook for 15 minutes until they begin to soften but still hold their shape, as potatoes take the longest to cook.
- Add the sausage: Stir in 2 pounds of hot smoked sausage pieces. Allow the sausage to cook for 5 minutes to heat through and soak up the seasoning.
- Incorporate the corn: Add 12 ears of husked, cleaned, and quartered corn. Cook for another 5 minutes until the corn becomes tender and flavorful.
- Cook the shrimp: Finally, add 4 pounds of large fresh shrimp, unpeeled. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink, approximately 5 minutes, taking care not to overcook.
- Drain and serve: Once all ingredients are cooked, immediately drain the stew to prevent overcooking. Serve hot, traditionally spread out on newspaper-covered tables for communal enjoyment.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them juicy and tender.
- Old Bay Seasoning is key to achieving the traditional flavor but can be adjusted to taste.
- Serve the stew on newspaper-covered tables for an authentic communal experience.
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for best results.
- Feel free to add other seafood like crab or clams based on preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern United States
