Frogmore stew, also known as Low Country boil, is a classic Southern dish that brings together shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes in a flavorful, hearty one-pot meal. Originally from the Low Country region of South Carolina, this dish is perfect for casual gatherings, cookouts, or any occasion that calls for a comforting, communal meal. It’s a fun, easy way to enjoy the flavors of the coast, with the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet notes.
The base of frogmore stew is a large pot of seasoned water or broth. The ingredients – usually small red potatoes, fresh corn on the cob, sausage (such as smoked sausage or kielbasa), and shrimp – are cooked together in the pot, each absorbing the bold flavors of the broth. The seasoning is key, with a mix of Old Bay seasoning, garlic, lemon, and sometimes a bit of hot sauce for an extra kick. The ingredients are added in stages to ensure everything is cooked perfectly – potatoes first, followed by sausage, corn, and finally shrimp.
The potatoes and sausage take a little longer to cook, while the shrimp cooks quickly and should be added last to avoid overcooking. The shrimp turns tender and juicy, while the potatoes soften to perfection, and the corn becomes sweet and succulent. Once everything is done, the entire pot is drained, and the contents are spread out on a large table, typically covered with newspaper or a tablecloth. The fun part of frogmore stew is that it’s often eaten family-style, with everyone digging in and enjoying the flavors together.
Frogmore stew is traditionally served with plenty of lemon wedges, melted butter, and maybe some hot sauce or cocktail sauce on the side for dipping. It’s a casual, hands-on dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, backyard cookouts, or any time you want to bring a taste of the South to your table. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or enjoying a meal with family, frogmore stew offers a delicious, flavorful feast that’s sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 pound andouille sausage cut into slices
- 4 ears corn cut into halves
- 1 pound red potatoes quartered
- 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning
- 1 lemon lemon sliced
- 8 cups water
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring water, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon slices to a boil.
- Add red potatoes to the pot and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add the corn and sausage to the pot and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and continue cooking until shrimp are just done, about 3-4 minutes.
- Drain the pot and serve all the ingredients on a large platter or directly on a table lined with newspaper.