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 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

Description

🍲 Brunswick Stew is a hearty Southern-style dish packed with smoky meats, vegetables, and a flavorful tomato base, providing a comforting and satisfying meal.
🥄 This versatile stew combines tender smoked pork, chicken, and savory steak and shrimp for a rich, protein-packed dish perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.

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

Instructions

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.

Notes

🔥 Use a mix of smoked and roasted meats for depth of flavor and flexibility.
🥔 Add extra vegetables like celery or okra for more texture and nutrition.
🌶️ Adjust spice levels by increasing hot sauce or using spicy barbecue sauce to taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Simmer Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup/Stew
Method: Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 365 kcal
Sodium: 1315 mg
Fat: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 5.5 g
Protein: 28 g

Keywords: Brunswick Stew, Steak, Shrimp, Hearty