Brunswick Stew with Steak and Shrimp for a Hearty Meal

Name: brunswick stew
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: – 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons oil for sautéing and developing base flavors; – 1 large onion; – 2 cloves garlic; – 2 tablespoons tomato paste; – 2 cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes; – 1 to 1 ½ cups frozen corn kernels; – 1 to 1 ½ cups frozen lima beans; – 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes; – ½ to ¾ cup barbecue sauce; – 2 tablespoons brown sugar; – 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; – 1 ½ teaspoons hot sauce; – ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; – ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper; – 1-2 pinches cayenne pepper; – 2 ½ cups pulled smoked pork; – 1 ½ to 4 cups cooked shredded chicken breast or thighs; – 2 ¼ to 4 cups low sodium chicken broth; – ½ teaspoon salt; – ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; – ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

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Why You’ll Love This Brunswick Stew

Ease of preparation: This Brunswick stew recipe is straightforward and quick to prepare, requiring minimal chopping and simple cooking techniques. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights that still delivers satisfying, Southern-style comfort food without complicated steps.
Health benefits: Packed with a hearty mix of vegetables and lean proteins like smoked pork and roasted chicken, the stew provides essential vitamins, fiber, and protein. It’s a balanced dish that supports digestion, muscle health, and overall wellness while keeping flavors rich and hearty.
Versatility: Easily customizable, this recipe can be adapted for vegan, gluten-free, or low-calorie diets by swapping ingredients such as meats, beans, and sauces while retaining the bold, smoky character that defines Brunswick stew.
Distinctive flavor: Featuring a Medley of smoked pork, roasted chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a blend of spices with barbecue sauce, this stew boasts a signature smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile that stands apart from other stews.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Brunswick Stew
2. Essential Ingredients for Brunswick Stew
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Brunswick Stew: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Brunswick Stew
5. Mastering Brunswick Stew: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Brunswick Stew: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Brunswick Stew
8. brunswick stew

Essential Ingredients for Brunswick Stew

1 to 1 ½ tablespoons oil (canola or olive oil) – for sautéing and developing base flavors
1 large onion, finely chopped or diced – adds depth and aroma
2 cloves garlic, minced – lends savory aroma and flavor
2 tablespoons tomato paste – enriches tomato base and thickens stew
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) fire-roasted diced tomatoes – provides smoky tomato flavor and moisture
1 to 1 ½ cups frozen corn kernels – contributes sweetness and texture
1 to 1 ½ cups frozen lima beans (or green beans as substitute) – adds creaminess and fiber
1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced (optional) – adds heartiness and body to the stew
½ to ¾ cup barbecue sauce – supplies smoky and tangy flavors
2 tablespoons brown sugar – balances acidity and adds sweetness
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – enhances umami and depth
1 ½ teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to preference) – adds mild heat
¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper – seasoning
⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper – a touch of spice
1-2 pinches cayenne pepper (optional) – for heat if desired
2 ½ cups pulled smoked pork – provides smoky, tender protein
1 ½ to 4 cups cooked shredded chicken breast or thighs, smoked or roasted – protein and flavor base
2 ¼ to 4 cups low sodium chicken broth – gluten-free flavorful stew base liquid
½ teaspoon salt (if needed) – seasoning
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) – intensifies smoky aroma
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional) – enhances savory notes

Special Dietary Options:

Vegan: Substitute smoked pork and chicken with jackfruit or seitan and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free barbecue sauce and chicken broth; all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Low-calorie: Opt for reduced-sugar barbecue sauce and limit added fats while keeping vegetables abundant.

How to Prepare the Perfect Brunswick Stew: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Prepare Ingredients

Start by shredding cooked chicken and smoked pork. Chop onions and garlic finely, dice Yukon gold potatoes if using, and measure out frozen corn and lima beans (or green beans).

Second Step: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for about 5-6 minutes until translucent and tender. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to release aroma without burning.

Third Step: Add Tomato Paste and Liquids

In a small bowl, mix tomato paste with ¼ cup of chicken broth to loosen the paste, then pour the mixture into the pot. Add remaining chicken broth along with fire-roasted diced tomatoes, stirring well to combine the base.

Fourth Step: Incorporate Vegetables and Seasonings

Add frozen corn, lima beans (or green beans), diced potatoes (if using), barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, black pepper, crushed red pepper, cayenne pepper (if desired), salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir everything together to create a uniform stew mixture.

Fifth Step: Simmer the Stew

Bring the pot to a low boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. This allows potatoes (if added) to become fork-tender and flavors to meld thoroughly.

Sixth Step: Add Meats and Final Simmer

Stir in pulled smoked pork and shredded chicken. Let the stew simmer an additional 5 minutes to warm meat and enhance flavor integration.

Final Step: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the stew and adjust salt, pepper, and hot sauce as desired. Serve the Brunswick stew hot, drizzled with extra barbecue sauce if preferred for added richness and presentation. Enjoy with classic Southern sides like cornbread or coleslaw.

**Brunswick Stew Cooking Timeline**
Step	Action	Duration
1	Shred meat, chop vegetables	10 minutes
2	Sauté onions and garlic	6-7 minutes
3	Add tomato paste and broth	3 minutes
4	Add vegetables and seasonings	5 minutes
5	Simmer stew	15-20 minutes
6	Add meat and finish simmer	5 minutes
7	Adjust seasoning and serve	2 minutes

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Brunswick Stew

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Substitute chicken with jackfruit or seitan for vegan-friendly protein options that soak up stew flavors well.
Try smoked turkey or pulled pork for different smoky tastes and textures.
Add ground pork or beef as budget-friendly variations while keeping the stew hearty.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Swap lima beans for kidney beans, black-eyed peas, or butter beans based on what’s available or preferred.
Use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes in place of diced tomatoes for a smoother texture.
Adjust barbecue sauce type and spice level for example, a spicier or sweeter regional barbecue sauce to customize flavor.
Include additional vegetables like celery, okra, or carrots for a nutrient boost and varied texture.

Mastering Brunswick Stew: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro cooking techniques: Slow-cooking the stew helps deepen the smoky, sweet flavors and tenderizes meats and vegetables, producing a rich, cohesive dish.
Flavor variations: Enhance smokiness by adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Introduce cayenne, chipotle, or hot sauce for controlled heat.
Presentation tips: Serve the stew in rustic bowls garnished with freshly chopped parsley or scallions to add vibrant color and freshness.
Make-ahead options: Prepare the stew a day ahead. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld, then reheat gently before serving for even better taste.

How to Store Brunswick Stew: Best Practices

Refrigeration

Store leftover Brunswick stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This preserves freshness and flavor while keeping ingredients safe for consumption.

Freezing

Portion the stew into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Freeze flat portions for quicker thawing. Avoid reheating directly in plastic bags to maintain texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain a consistent texture and prevent scorching.

Meal Prep Considerations

Making large batches and freezing individual portions can help simplify meal planning, making this protein-rich Southern stew perfect for busy households.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Brunswick Stew

What ingredients are traditionally used in Brunswick Stew?

Brunswick Stew typically includes a rich tomato base combined with smoked or roasted meats such as pork, chicken, and sometimes beef. Vegetables like corn, lima beans or butter beans, and onions are common, along with spices that add a mild heat. Barbecue sauce, often a thinner Kansas City-style with a slight kick, is used to deepen the flavor. Some variations add potatoes, okra, or celery, but the core ingredients focus on smoky meat and hearty vegetables.

Can I make Brunswick Stew without meat or with alternative meats?

Yes, Brunswick Stew can be made vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth, then increasing the quantity of vegetables like beans, corn, okra, and potatoes. For meat alternatives, popular options include smoked pork, roasted chicken, or a mix of game meats such as squirrel or rabbit. Ground pork or beef can also be used. This flexibility makes the stew adaptable to different dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

How long does Brunswick Stew last in the fridge and what’s the best way to reheat it?

Stored in an airtight container, Brunswick Stew will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for 2-3 months in quart-size freezer bags with space for expansion. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl. Adding a little broth or water during reheating helps if the stew thickens too much. Avoid reheating while still in plastic freezer bags.

What vegetables can I add or substitute in Brunswick Stew?

Common vegetables added to Brunswick Stew include corn, lima beans, butter beans, and onions. You can substitute lima beans with green beans, okra, celery, or carrots without significantly changing the flavor. Potatoes are also a popular addition. These alternatives provide texture and can be tailored to what’s on hand or personal taste preferences.

How can I make my Brunswick Stew spicier without overpowering the flavors?

To add gentle heat, start by incorporating a spicy barbecue sauce or a splash of hot sauce during cooking. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Add these gradually to maintain balance, ensuring the stew’s smoky and savory notes remain prominent while providing a subtle kick. This approach lets you control the spice level to suit your taste.

Brunswick Stew with Steak and Shrimp for a Hearty Southern-Style Meal