old bay seasoning recipe

Old Bay Seasoning Recipe

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This Old Bay seasoning recipe is versatile, adding bold flavor to traditional seafood dishes and surprising depth to other savory recipes.

Old Bay seasoning was created in the 1940s by Gustav Brunn, a German-Jewish refugee and spice expert who settled in Baltimore, Maryland. Originally named “Delicious Brand Shrimp and Crab Seasoning,” it was later renamed after the Old Bay Line, a local steamship company. With its unique blend of celery salt, mustard, and warm spices, Old Bay quickly became a Mid-Atlantic staple, especially for seafood lovers. Today, its iconic flavor is used in everything from popcorn to cocktails.

Here’s how you can bring it to life across different dishes:

Steamed shrimp seasoned with homemade old bay

Suggested Uses:

  1. Seafood Boil: The most common way of using this classic spice blend. Add 1/2-1tbsp per quart of water when boiling shrimp or crab for bold, aromatic flavor. Serve with butter or lemon.
  2. Crab Cakes: Mix into crab cake batter for warm, complex seasoning. Serve with remoulade.
  3. Spiced Shrimp Scampi: Coat shrimp in the blend before sautéing with garlic and butter. Toss with pasta.
  4. Grilled Fish: Rub fish with the spice blend and grill or bake. Pair with greens or rice.
  5. Roasted Potatoes: Season diced potatoes with the blend before roasting for a warm, crispy side.
  6. Seafood Chowder: Stir into creamy chowders for added depth and warmth.
  7. Spiced Chicken: Rub under chicken skin before roasting or add to breading for fried chicken.
  8. Roasted Veggies: Sprinkle over vegetables before roasting for a smoky-sweet kick.
  9. Corn on the Cob: Brush corn with butter, sprinkle spice blend, and grill for caramelized flavor.

Tips for Use

  • Adjust for Heat: The blend contains chili flakes for mild heat. Add extra if you prefer a spicier kick.
  • Store for Versatility: Keep the blend in an airtight container. Its warm spices make it a great addition to soups, stews, and even marinades for meats and veggies.

This spice blend is a versatile staple, enhancing classic seafood dishes and adding a flavorful twist to a variety of other recipes!

Seafood seasoning inspired by old bay

Old bay copycat seasoning

All purpose seafood seasoning inspired by old bay
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Seasoning
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • microplane grater
  • coffee grinder

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp celery seed
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp chili flakes
  • 1 tsp dry mustard powder
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp cardamom
  • 1/2 tsp whole allspice
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 1/2 tsp cloves
  • 1/4 tsp ginger
  • 1/4 tsp mace (optional)
  • 1 tsp rice flour (for anti-caking, optional)

Instructions
 

  • Gather all of the ingredients and combine in a coffee grinder or food processor. Transfer ingredients to an air tight jar and store in a cool place.
    old bay seasoning recipe
Keyword old bay, seasoning, spice blend
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