If you have ever dreamed of capturing the heart and soul of Southern coastal cuisine in one vibrant, flavorful pot, then this Frogmore Stew Recipe will be your new best friend. Originating from the Low Country of South Carolina, this dish is a celebration of fresh seafood, smoky sausage, sweet corn, and tender potatoes all tossed together in a perfectly seasoned, Old Bay-infused broth. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together around the table to savor every bite and every shared moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Trust me when I say the magic of this Frogmore Stew Recipe lies in its simple but powerful ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating layers of taste, texture, and color that make this dish so irresistibly comforting and alluring.
- 6 quarts water: The cooking medium that absorbs and carries the Old Bay seasoning flavor to every ingredient.
- 0.75 cup Old Bay Seasoning™: This classic spice blend is the star, infusing the stew with its signature aromatic heat and savory depth.
- 2 pounds new red potatoes: Small and tender, these provide a hearty base with a creamy interior and slightly firm skin that holds up well during cooking.
- 12 ears corn, husked, cleaned and quartered: Sweet and juicy, the corn adds a delightful bite and bright yellow color that complements the salmon-hued shrimp perfectly.
- 2 pounds hot smoked sausage links, cut into 2-inch pieces: Smoky, spicy, and savory, the sausage adds bold flavor and satisfying protein heft.
- 4 pounds large fresh shrimp, unpeeled: Sweet and tender, these are the crowning jewels, cooked just until pink for irresistible texture and taste.
How to Make Frogmore Stew Recipe
Step 1: Build the Flavorful Boiling Base
Start by bringing 6 quarts of water and three-quarters of a cup of Old Bay Seasoning™ to a rolling boil in a large stockpot over high heat. This step is crucial because the heavily seasoned water will impart its bold, savory personality into every piece of seafood, meat, and vegetable that follows. You’ll already start to smell that iconic scent filling the kitchen.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes to Perfection
Once the broth reaches a boil, add the new red potatoes. They need about 15 minutes to soften just enough so that they’re tender inside but still hold their shape. Since potatoes take the longest to cook, adding them first ensures they’re perfectly done without falling apart. They’ll absorb the spiced water, making every bite flavorful through and through.
Step 3: Add the Hot Smoked Sausage
Next in are the sausage pieces. Stir the smoky sausage into the pot and let them cook for about 5 minutes. This step warms the sausage thoroughly and allows the spice flavors to mesh beautifully with the meat’s natural richness. Your stew is starting to come alive now!
Step 4: Bring in the Sweet Corn
Time to add the freshly husked and quartered ears of corn, which get about 5 minutes to cook. This makes the kernels tender and juicy without losing their slight crunch, and it lets them soak up the spicy, salty broth. The burst of sweetness from the corn adds a lovely contrast that brightens the entire dish.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp Just Right
Finally, stir in the large fresh shrimp, still in their shells. Cook them until they just turn pink, about 5 minutes, to ensure they keep a juicy, succulent texture. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so keep a watchful eye during this step – fresh shrimp really seal the deal for any great Frogmore Stew Recipe.
Step 6: Drain and Serve Hot
Once everything is fully cooked through, immediately drain the contents to prevent any overcooking. Serve the stew hot and traditionally, spread out over newspaper or large platters, encouraging everyone to dig in, share, and enjoy the communal feast that this dish was born for.
How to Serve Frogmore Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions can add a beautiful burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the hearty, spicy stew. Lemon wedges on the side offer your guests the option of a zesty squeeze that enhances the shrimp and balances the smoky sausage.
Side Dishes
Frogmore Stew is satisfying all on its own, but a crisp green salad or a simple loaf of crusty bread makes wonderful companions. The bread can be used to soak up any leftover seasoned broth, while the salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, authentic experience, spread the Frogmore Stew Recipe right out on newspaper-covered tables where everyone can dig in with their hands or shell crackers. For a more polished presentation, serve the stew in large, shallow bowls with layers of ingredients showcased, letting the vibrant colors shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, but be mindful that shrimp texture may soften with time.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t the best option for this dish because shrimp can become tough and the potatoes can turn grainy. However, you can freeze individual components like sausage or boiled potatoes separately for future use.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat in a covered pot, adding a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist. Avoid microwaving at high power as it can overcook the shrimp and dry out the sausage.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in the Frogmore Stew Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can work fine, but make sure to thaw them completely before adding to the pot for even cooking and best texture.
What if I don’t have Old Bay Seasoning™?
You can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, cayenne, and dried herbs to mimic the flavor, but Old Bay really is what gives the authentic taste.
Is this dish spicy?
The heat level depends mostly on the type of smoked sausage used and how much Old Bay you add. If you prefer milder flavors, just reduce the seasoning slightly.
Can I add other seafood to this recipe?
Absolutely! Crab legs, mussels, or clams can be great additions if you want to elevate your Frogmore Stew Recipe with more shellfish variety.
How should leftovers be reheated to keep the shrimp tender?
Slow and gentle reheating on the stove with a bit of added liquid helps retain shrimp juiciness much better than microwaving.
Final Thoughts
This Frogmore Stew Recipe is such a joyous celebration of flavors and textures that it’s impossible not to feel excited while making and eating it. Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual weekend get-together, sharing this dish brings warmth to the table and a taste of Southern charm that keeps everyone coming back for more. Give it a try and experience the delightful tradition for yourself.
