Frogmore Stew
A classic Lowcountry one-pot feast featuring succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, sweet corn, and tender red potatoes all boiled together in a spice-infused broth. Drained and traditionally dumped right onto a newspaper-lined table for everyone to dig in, this South Carolina coastal tradition is messy, social, and irresistibly delicious.
For 6 servings
- prep
Prepare all the ingredients.
1.Scrub the red potatoes and halve any that are larger than 1.5 inches.2.Husk the corn and cut each cob into 3 to 4 pieces.3.Cut the smoked sausage into 2-inch chunks.4.Peel and quarter the onion. Smash the garlic cloves.5.Halve 2 lemons for the pot and cut the remaining lemon into wedges for serving. - boil · ~5 min
Bring the seasoned cooking liquid to a rolling boil.
1.Fill the large stockpot with 4 liters of water.2.Add the crab boil seasoning, bay leaves, cayenne pepper, quartered onion, smashed garlic, and the 2 halved lemons (squeeze the juice in first, then drop the rinds in).3.Bring to a rolling boil over high heat and let it bubble for 5 minutes to infuse the broth.TIPTaste the broth. It should be assertively seasoned — like seawater. Add a pinch more crab boil if it tastes weak. - boil · ~8 min
Cook the potatoes.
1.Add the potatoes to the seasoned boiling water.2.Cook for 8 minutes. - boil · ~10 min
Add the sausage and corn.
1.Add the sausage pieces and corn on the cob to the pot.2.Continue boiling for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. - boil · ~3 min
Add the shrimp.
1.Gently stir the shrimp into the pot.2.Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook.TIPShrimp cook very fast. As soon as they curl into a loose 'C' shape, they're done. An 'O' shape means they're overdone and rubbery. - assemble
Drain and serve family-style.
1.Drain the stew thoroughly in a large colander.2.Turn the drained contents out onto a large tray, sheet pan, or a newspaper-lined table.3.Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley.4.Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra crab boil seasoning on the side.TIPNo plates needed. Everyone eats with their hands straight from the pile. Have plenty of napkins and paper towels ready.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Cook potatoes until just fork-tender to avoid mushiness when the broth is drained.
- 2For the most flavor, squeeze the lemon halves into the broth before dropping them in.
- 3Do not peel the shrimp; the shells protect the meat from overcooking and add flavor to the broth.
- 4Add the shrimp at the very end and watch for a loose 'C' curl — overcooked shrimp form a tight 'O' and turn rubbery.
- 5To reheat leftovers, steam gently in a covered pan with a splash of water to avoid drying out the shrimp.
- 6Drizzle melted butter over the drained pile right before serving for a rich, coastal finish.
- 7If making ahead, cook all ingredients except shrimp, then add shrimp and reheat just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Skip the melted butter drizzle and use a squeeze of fresh lemon instead for a lighter, fat-reduced version that still feels bright and coastal.
spicySpicy
Double the cayenne and add 2 sliced jalapeños to the broth for a fiery kick that heat-seekers will love.
high proteinHigh-protein
Swap half the potatoes for extra smoked sausage or add chunks of firm white fish (like cod) in the last 3 minutes for a protein-packed feast.
vegetarianVegetarian
Omit the shrimp and sausage, and add 2 cups of sliced okra and 1 can of drained chickpeas; boil the okra with the potatoes for a hearty, meatless Lowcountry bowl.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Shrimp provide high-quality, low-fat protein, which supports muscle repair and satiety.
Good Source of Potassium
Red potatoes and corn are naturally rich in potassium, an electrolyte that helps maintain healthy blood pressure.
Contains Antioxidants
Garlic, onions, and parsley supply antioxidant compounds like quercetin and vitamin C that support immune function.
Low-Carb Modifiable
Swap potatoes for extra zucchini or cauliflower to reduce the carbohydrate load while keeping the stew flavorful and filling.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw them completely in the fridge first and pat dry with paper towels to avoid diluting the seasoned broth.
