If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors, hearty textures, and a true taste of Southern charm, then you absolutely need to dive into this Frogmore Stew Recipe. This Low Country boil classic brings together plump shrimp, smoky sausage, sweet corn, and tender potatoes, all simmered in a fragrant Old Bay-seasoned broth. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a celebration every time you make it, perfect for sharing with friends and family around a big table. Each bite is a perfect harmony of spice, sweetness, and savory goodness that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Frogmore Stew Recipe come to life, you only need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in making the dish colorful, flavorful, and satisfying—from the tender potatoes soaking up the seasoning to the smoky sausage adding depth and the shrimp bringing that ocean freshness.
- 6 quarts water: The base for boiling, providing enough room for all ingredients to cook evenly and absorb the seasoning.
- 0.75 cup Old Bay Seasoning™: This iconic spice blend infuses the broth with the signature zest and warmth of a Low Country boil.
- 2 pounds new red potatoes: Chosen for their smooth texture and ability to hold shape, they add heartiness to the stew.
- 12 ears corn, husked, cleaned, and quartered: Sweet and bright, corn adds a vibrant burst of color and natural sugar.
- 2 pounds hot smoked sausage links, cut into 2-inch pieces: Provides a smoky, spicy meatiness that balances the seafood and veggies.
- 4 pounds large fresh shrimp, unpeeled: The star seafood ingredient, delivering a succulent and briny flavor with every bite.
How to Make Frogmore Stew Recipe
Step 1: Bring the Broth to a Rolling Boil
Start with a large stockpot filled with 6 quarts of water and stir in 0.75 cup of Old Bay Seasoning. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. This step is essential as it builds the flavorful foundation of your Frogmore Stew Recipe, setting the stage for all the ingredients to soak up a classic Low Country spice profile.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Add 2 pounds of new red potatoes to the boiling broth and let them cook for about 15 minutes. It’s important that they soften yet still hold their shape, so keep an eye on their texture. Potatoes take the longest to cook, so getting them in first ensures they come out perfectly tender without falling apart.
Step 3: Add the Smoked Sausage
Stir in 2 pounds of hot smoked sausage links, cut into 2-inch pieces. Let the sausage simmer for 5 minutes so it heats through and absorbs the flavorful broth. The smoky and spicy notes from the sausage will layer beautifully with the seasoning in the pot.
Step 4: Toss in the Corn
Next, add the 12 ears of corn, husked, cleaned, and quartered. Let the corn cook in the broth for another 5 minutes allowing the kernels to become tender and sweet. This step also helps the corn soak up a subtle hint of the Old Bay seasoning, boosting its natural flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Finally, stir in 4 pounds of large fresh shrimp, unpeeled. Cook until they are just pink and opaque, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Be careful here—overcooking shrimp can make them rubbery, so timing is key to keep them juicy and tender.
Step 6: Drain and Serve Hot
Once everything is perfectly cooked, immediately drain the stew to prevent any overcooking. Serve it hot, ideally in the traditional communal style by spreading it out on newspaper-covered tables. This Frogmore Stew Recipe is as much about the experience as it is the meal, encouraging lively conversation and sharing.
How to Serve Frogmore Stew Recipe
Garnishes
While this stew is amazing on its own, adding a few fresh garnishes can elevate the experience further. Try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon over the serving platter for a bright, fresh touch. Thinly sliced green onions can add a subtle crunch and extra flavor dimension as well.
Side Dishes
Because the Frogmore Stew Recipe is rich and flavorful, simple sides work best. A crusty baguette or buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up leftover juices. A light coleslaw or a crisp garden salad can add refreshing contrast and balance to the savory stew.
Creative Ways to Present
For an authentic southern feel, lay down sheets of newspaper or butcher paper on your table and pile the stew right on top. This informal presentation invites everyone to dig in with their hands, making it a fun, interactive meal. Alternatively, serve the stew in large cast-iron skillets or rustic wooden bowls for a cozy, homestyle vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Frogmore Stew Recipe leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. The flavors meld even more after a day or two, making for a delightful second meal.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover stew, but it’s best to remove the shrimp before freezing since seafood texture changes after freezing and reheating. Freeze the broth, potatoes, corn, and sausage in a secure container for up to two months. Add fresh shrimp when reheating to maintain that perfect juicy texture.
Reheating
Reheat thawed stew gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you froze the shrimp separately, add them near the end of reheating just until opaque to keep them tender and delicious.
FAQs
Can I make Frogmore Stew Recipe without Old Bay Seasoning?
Old Bay is central to traditional Frogmore stew flavor, but if you’re out, you can mix your own blend of paprika, celery salt, cayenne, and black pepper. The seasoning gives the dish its iconic taste, so using a similar spice profile is key for authenticity.
What kind of sausage works best in Frogmore Stew Recipe?
Hot smoked sausage links are ideal because they provide smokiness and heat that complement the seafood and vegetables. Kielbasa or Andouille sausage are great substitutes if you can’t find traditional smoked sausage.
Should I peel the shrimp before or after cooking?
It’s traditional to cook shrimp unpeeled to lock in flavor and moisture. You can peel them just before eating to keep the shrimp juicy and fresh during cooking.
Is Frogmore stew a spicy dish?
It usually has a mild to moderate kick thanks to the Old Bay seasoning and hot sausage, but you can adjust the level of heat to your liking by adding more or less seasoning or selecting a milder sausage.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works fine. Just thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess in your Frogmore Stew Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Frogmore Stew Recipe is a vibrant celebration of Southern coastal flavors that’s perfect for gathering your favorite people around the table. Its blend of spices, textures, and hearty ingredients creates a meal that’s as comforting as it is exciting. Don’t hesitate to try it at your next cookout or family dinner—you’ll quickly see why it’s a beloved, timeless classic.
Print
Frogmore Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Frogmore Stew, also known as Low Country boil, is a classic Southern seafood boil featuring shrimp, smoked sausage, red potatoes, and corn cooked together in a savory, spiced broth. This communal dish is flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Broth
- 6 quarts water
- 0.75 cup Old Bay Seasoning™
Vegetables
- 2 pounds new red potatoes
- 12 ears corn, husked, cleaned and quartered
Proteins
- 2 pounds hot smoked sausage links, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4 pounds large fresh shrimp, unpeeled
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoned 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 will infuse all the ingredients 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 start to soften but still hold their shape, as potatoes require the longest cooking time.
- Add the smoked sausage: Stir in 2 pounds of hot smoked sausage links cut into 2-inch pieces. Allow the sausage to cook for 5 minutes so it heats through and absorbs the seasoning.
- Cook the corn: Add 12 ears of husked, cleaned, and quartered corn to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the corn becomes tender and flavorful.
- Finish with the shrimp: Finally, stir in 4 pounds of large fresh shrimp, unpeeled. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink, about 5 minutes, being careful not to overcook to keep them juicy.
- 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 a communal experience.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh large shrimp and live sausage smoked with robust seasoning.
- Do not overcook the shrimp as they will become tough and rubbery.
- Feel free to customize with additional spices such as cayenne pepper or garlic for extra kick.
- Serve with melted butter, lemon wedges, and crusty bread for a complete meal.
- This dish is traditionally eaten by hand and shared directly from the table.
