If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors, communal charm, and a touch of Southern comfort, the Frogmore Stew Recipe is your new go-to. This classic Low Country boil brings together tender shrimp, smoky sausage, sweet corn, and hearty potatoes all simmered in a fragrant, spiced broth. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a joyful gathering in every bite, perfect for sharing and savoring with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this Frogmore Stew Recipe, it might just become a cherished staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Frogmore Stew Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding vibrant color, hearty texture, or that signature Southern flavor that makes this stew unforgettable.
- 6 quarts water: This creates the perfect cooking liquid to infuse every ingredient with seasoning.
- 0.75 cup Old Bay Seasoning™: The key spice blend that defines the stew’s savory, aromatic taste.
- 2 pounds new red potatoes: These provide a creamy texture and act as the comforting base.
- 12 ears corn, husked, cleaned, and quartered: Sweet and juicy, adding wonderful color and crunch.
- 2 pounds hot smoked sausage links, cut into 2-inch pieces: Brings smoky depth and a little heat to the stew.
- 4 pounds large fresh shrimp, unpeeled: The star seafood ingredient, offering tender, briny bites bursting with flavor.
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 fragrant broth forms the flavorful base for the entire stew, and it’s what ties all the ingredients together with a classic Low Country zest.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Add the 2 pounds of new red potatoes to the boiling broth. Let them simmer for about 15 minutes so they soften perfectly but still hold their shape. Potatoes are the heartiest ingredient, so they need the longest cooking time to become tender without falling apart.
Step 3: Add the Sausage
Next, stir in the pieces of hot smoked sausage. Let them cook for 5 minutes, allowing the smoky flavors to mingle with the spicy broth. The sausage will soak up the seasoning beautifully, enhancing every bite of the stew.
Step 4: Incorporate the Corn
Once the sausage is heated through, add the quartered ears of corn. Cooking them for 5 minutes lets the corn soften and absorb the stew’s spices, adding a burst of sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Finally, add the unpeeled shrimp to the pot. Cook just until they turn pink, which takes about 5 minutes. Overcooking will toughen the shrimp, so keep a close eye to ensure they remain juicy and tender.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Once everything is cooked, drain the stew immediately to stop the cooking process. Serve it hot and freshly drained, ideally spread out on a newspaper-covered table for a traditional, fun, and casual feast where everyone can dig in together.
How to Serve Frogmore Stew Recipe
Garnishes
While the Frogmore Stew Recipe shines beautifully on its own, fresh garnishes can elevate the flavors and presentation. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice adds zesty brightness that complements the seafood wonderfully. Don’t forget melted butter on the side for dipping!
Side Dishes
This stew is a hearty meal by itself, but if you want to round out the table, light sides work best. A crisp green salad or some crusty bread will balance the rich flavors without overwhelming your palate. For a Southern touch, try cornbread or coleslaw on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your Frogmore Stew Recipe an event? Serve it family-style on a large platter or directly onto newspaper-lined tables for a festive, authentic Low Country boil experience. You can also package portions in large bowls or baskets wrapped with foil for picnics and outdoor gatherings, turning this dish into a fun, communal celebration every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Frogmore Stew Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen, making each bite more savory. Just keep the broth separate if possible to avoid soggy ingredients.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your stew, remove the shrimp first as they don’t freeze well in texture. Freeze the broth, potatoes, corn, and sausage in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh cooked shrimp at serving.
Reheating
Reheat your Frogmore Stew Recipe gently on the stove over low heat to preserve the shrimp’s tenderness and prevent overcooking. Add a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick. Avoid microwaving, as it may unevenly cook the ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Frogmore Stew Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute fresh shrimp with frozen ones, just be sure to thaw them completely before adding to the stew. This prevents excess water from diluting the flavorful broth.
Is Old Bay Seasoning™ essential for this recipe?
Old Bay Seasoning™ is traditional for Frogmore Stew Recipe because of its unique blend of spices, but if you can’t find it, a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and cayenne can work well as a substitute.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! Consider adding extra cayenne pepper or including spicy sausage varieties to ramp up the heat according to your taste buds.
How do I peel the shrimp easily after cooking?
Allow the shrimp to cool slightly, then gently pull off the head, peel back the shell, and remove the legs. The shells will come off easily while the shrimp remain juicy and flavorful.
What is the best way to serve Frogmore Stew Recipe at a large gathering?
Lay out newspaper on a large table, spread the stew across it, and provide plenty of napkins and crab crackers. This communal style encourages a fun, interactive dining experience that celebrates sharing and Southern hospitality.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly heartwarming about a Frogmore Stew Recipe that brings loved ones together over bowls of spicy, savory seafood and sausage goodness. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and full of character. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive feast with friends, this dish delivers comfort and joy by the spoonful. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making this classic Low Country treat—you might just find it becoming a treasured part of your own culinary story.
Print
Frogmore Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This classic Frogmore Stew, also known as a Low Country boil, is a flavorful and hearty seafood feast that combines shrimp, smoked sausage, corn, and potatoes cooked together in a seasoned broth. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this recipe captures the vibrant essence of Southern coastal cuisine with its Old Bay spiced broth and communal style serving.
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 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 flavorful base for the stew.
- Cook the potatoes: Add 2 pounds of new red potatoes to the boiling broth. Let them cook uncovered for 15 minutes until they begin to soften but still hold their shape.
- Add the sausage: Stir in 2 pounds of hot smoked sausage links cut into 2-inch pieces. Allow the sausage to cook for 5 minutes to heat through and absorb the spices.
- Incorporate the corn: Add 12 ears of husked, quartered corn to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes until the corn becomes tender and flavorful.
- Cook the shrimp: Finally, stir in 4 pounds of large fresh shrimp, unpeeled. Cook for about 5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink. Avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness.
- Drain and serve: Immediately drain the entire stew to prevent overcooking and serve hot. Traditionally, this stew is enjoyed communal style, often spread out on newspaper-covered tables for easy sharing.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust Old Bay Seasoning quantity according to your spice preference.
- Peel shrimp before eating or provide small forks for guests to peel at the table.
- Serve with melted butter and lemon wedges for added richness and freshness.
- Great for large gatherings and outdoor cookouts.
