Old Bay Seasoning is an American classic comprising a blend of herbs and spices. It originated in the Chesapeake Bay area and has become essential to American home cooking. But if you don’t have it on hand, there’s always a substitute for Old Bay Seasoning available.
Available in supermarkets across the US, Old Bay Seasoning was actually developed by a German immigrant. The combination of flavors is next-level umami, with bay leaves, celery, and mustard at the fore. While it’s most often used for seasoning seafood, Old Bay Seasoning can be used in numerous ways.
If you’re looking for an Old Bay Seasoning replacement, this article highlights the absolute best and how to use them.
Contents
What is Old Bay Seasoning?
Old Bay Seasoning is a blend of multiple herbs and spices that originated in Baltimore, Maryland. It was created by German immigrant Gustav Brunn in 1939 and quickly became a staple in local seafood dishes.
Today, it is produced by McCormick & Company in Maryland and is a common sight in American kitchens.
The blend is said to include celery seed, salt, black pepper, red pepper, and paprika. Although the label doesn’t reveal all the ingredients, it’s believed that bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and mustard are included.
Old Bay Seasoning has a unique flavor that is perfect for seafood like crabs and shrimp. But it’s also a popular seasoning for soups, stews, salads, and bakes. In addition, Old Bay Seasoning can be used on chicken, beef, pork, and vegetables.
Substitutes for Old Bay Seasoning
Below are several ideal Old Bay Seasoning alternatives. These will closely mimic the flavor of Old Bay Seasoning or enhance the flavor of the dish in a similar way. Finding an excellent replacement for Old Bay Seasoning has never been easier.
1. Cajun Seasoning
Cajun seasoning is a popular spice blend that originated in Louisiana. And it typically contains paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and oregano.
This spice blend delivers a salty and spicy flavor similar to Old Bay Seasoning, but with a bit of sweet smokiness from the paprika. However, Cajun seasoning is typically spicier than Old Bay due to the inclusion of cayenne pepper.
In terms of texture, Cajun seasoning is more refined than Old Bay Seasoning. This means that it will dissolve more easily in soups and sauces. Cajun seasoning is an ideal substitute when making grilled shrimp or fish.
2. Celery Salt and Paprika
Celery salt and paprika are two common spices used in combination as a substitute for Old Bay Seasoning.
A mixture of celery salt and paprika offers a distinct flavor that’s close to the taste of Old Bay Seasoning. However, the paprika adds a degree of smokiness to the overall flavor.
Celery salt and paprika are best used in soups, stews, or chili dishes. When used together, these spices will enhance the dish’s overall taste.
3. Zatarain’s Crab Boil
Zatarain’s Crab Boil is a Louisiana-based spice mix created specifically for a seafood boil dish. Because it contains chili pepper, it’s slightly spicier than Old Bay Seasoning. Still, it has a similar depth of flavor.
Both products are coarsely ground, making them easy to sprinkle on food. However, Zatarain’s Crab Boil isn’t as sweet as Old Bay Seasoning due to its lack of mace and cloves. That said, you can use Zatarain’s Crab Boil as a substitute for Old Bay Seasoning in almost any situation.
4. Chinese Five Spice
As the name suggests, Chinese Five Spice is a blend of five essential spices originating in China. It’s typically made with Chinese cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise, and Sichuan pepper.
It provides a similar flavor profile with extra sweetness and warmth when used as a substitute for Old Bay Seasoning. Chinese Five Spice is ideal for stir-fries, marinades, and sauces.
5. Pickling Spice
Pickling spice is a spice mix used as a seasoning or preservative. The spices vary depending on the culture and region. But they typically include mustard seed, coriander, dill seed, allspice, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
Pickling spice is excellent for pickled dishes, rub for roast meats, or as a seasoning for soups and stews. While the flavor of pickling spice is similar to that of Old Bay seasoning, it is not as intense. It’s also much coarser than Old Bay seasoning and, therefore, best used in slow-cooked dishes.
Conclusion
You may find yourself out of Old Bay seasoning or not keen to use it in your cooking. Irrespective, there are a few suitable alternatives that will give your food a similar flavor. With our above list and a little experimentation, finding a substitute for Old Bay Seasoning is a piece of crab cake.