Low Country Boil Calculator

Planning a coastal feast doesn't have to be guesswork. Whether you call it Frogmore Stew, Beaufort Stew, or a simple Low Country Boil, the key to success is getting the proportions right. Use our calculator below to determine exactly how much shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes you need for your group.

How to Plan the Perfect Low Country Boil

The Low Country Boil is a staple of South Carolina and Georgia coastal culture. It's designed to be messy, communal, and incredibly flavorful. But the biggest challenge for any host is the grocery store run. How many pounds of shrimp is enough? Will we run out of sausage?

The Core Ingredients

• Shrimp: Fresh, shell-on shrimp are the star. We recommend 1/2 to 3/4 pound per person.
• Sausage: Smoked Andouille or Kielbasa adds the necessary fat and spice. Aim for 1/3 pound per person.
• Corn: Fresh ears broken in half or thirds. Plan for 1 to 1.5 full ears per person.
• Potatoes: Small red new potatoes hold their shape best. Roughly 1/2 pound per person works perfectly.

The Secret is the Timing

A common mistake is throwing everything into the pot at once. This results in mushy potatoes and rubbery shrimp. Follow this sequence for the best results:

1. The Water: Fill a large pot with enough water to cover all ingredients. Add your seasoning (Old Bay or Zatarain’s) and bring to a rolling boil.
2. Potatoes First: Add the potatoes. They take the longest. Boil for about 10-15 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Sausage and Corn: Add these next. Boil for another 5-8 minutes.
4. The Shrimp: Add the shrimp last. They only need 2-3 minutes. Once they turn pink and opaque, they are done.

Serving Your Boil

The traditional way to serve a Low Country Boil is to drain the pot and dump the contents directly onto a table covered in newspaper or butcher paper. Provide plenty of lemon wedges, melted butter, and extra seasoning. No plates required—just gather around and dig in!