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Homemade Old Bay seasoning blend with herbs and spices.

Old Bay Seasoning Recipe

Course: The Spice Rack
Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 1 minute
Total time: 6 minutes
Calories: 224 kcal (per serving)

Old Bay Seasoning Recipe is commonly used when cooking seafood like crab, shrimp, clams and fish. It’s often added to boiled crabs or used as a seasoning on seafood dishes. Many restaurants on the East Coast serve Old Bay alongside crackers for snacking. The blend has also become popular as a seasoning for french fries, potato chips, popcorn and other snacks. Its distinctive yellow can with red lettering has made it an iconic Baltimore and Mid-Atlantic regional product. While originally only sold locally, Old Bay is now found nationwide in many supermarkets. It’s considered an essential seasoning for Maryland and Chesapeake Bay cuisine.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup celery salt
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for more heat)

Instructions

1. Combine all the dry ingredients in an airtight container, like a jar.
2. Shake or stir the ingredients well to ensure they are thoroughly mixed.
3. Use this seasoning blend on seafood, vegetables, popcorn, or any dish where you’d normally use Old Bay seasoning. Start with about 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
4. Store the homemade Old Bay seasoning in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Over time, the spices will meld together, enhancing the flavor.
5. The proportions of the spices in this recipe can be adjusted to suit your taste. The key spices are celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and bay leaves. Enjoy the classic Old Bay flavor with this homemade version!

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 224
• Fat: —
• Protein: —
• Carbohydrates: —
• Fiber: —
• Sodium: —

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is in Old Bay Seasoning Recipe?
   Old Bay seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that provides a distinctive savory and slightly spicy flavor profile. It’s a popular seasoning for seafood, potatoes, and other dishes along the East Coast of the United States.
2. what is old bay seasoning?
   old Bay seasoning is a popular spice blend used in Maryland and surrounding areas. It was created in 1939 by the Gustav Brunn Company and is now owned by McCormick & Company.
   Some key things to know about Old Bay seasoning:
   • Flavor profile: It has a distinctive seafood-inspired flavor from spices like celery salt, mustard, red pepper, and bay leaves. The spices give it a subtle heat and savory umami taste.
   • Popular uses: It’s most commonly used to season crab, shrimp, or other seafood during cooking or at the table. Many also use it to season french fries, chips, vegetables, or popcorn.
   • Color: The blend has a distinctive bright red/orange color from the paprika and other spices.
   • Regional popularity: While now available nationwide, Old Bay remains most popular in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia and surrounding Mid-Atlantic areas due to its ties to blue crab and Chesapeake Bay seasoning traditions.
   So in summary – Old Bay is a popular seafood-seasoning blend known for its slightly spicy yet savory flavor. It adds bold seasoning to dishes like crab cakes or shrimp that represent Maryland cuisine
3. what does old bay seasoning taste like?
   Old Bay seasoning has a distinctive, bold flavor profile. It tastes very savory and umami, with notes of celery salt, mustard, and spices like paprika, black pepper, and bay leaves. The celery salt lends a subtle salty and herby flavor, while the mustard and spices give it a warm, aromatic quality. Overall, Old Bay has a robust yet well-balanced seasoning taste that enhances seafood like crab, shrimp, and fish. Many describe it as reminiscent of the flavors you’d taste at a crab shack by the sea. It’s become a very popular seasoning for seafood boils, potato chips, and other coastal dishes along the East Coast of the United States.
4. What can I use Old Bay Seasoning Recipe for?
   Homemade Old Bay Seasoning is versatile and can be used to season seafood, including crab, shrimp, and fish. It’s also great for seasoning vegetables, French fries, potato chips, popcorn, and more.
5. Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this Old Bay Seasoning Recipe?
   Yes, you can! The recipe includes cayenne pepper as an optional ingredient for added heat. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of spiciness.
6. How should I store this Old Bay Seasoning Recipe?
   Store your homemade Old Bay Seasoning in an airtight container, such as a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Proper storage can help maintain the flavor for up to 6 months.
7. Can I use this Old Bay Seasoning Recipe as a dry rub for grilling?
   Absolutely! Homemade Old Bay Seasoning makes an excellent dry rub for grilling, especially for seafood and poultry. Simply rub it onto your meat or fish before grilling to add flavor.
8. What are the key ingredients that give Old Bay Seasoning Recipe its distinctive flavor?
   The key spices that give Old Bay its distinctive flavor are celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and bay leaves. These are the foundation of the seasoning blend.
9. Can I use whole spices instead of ground spices?
   Yes, you can use whole spices and grind them yourself for a fresher flavor. Toast the whole spices in a dry pan, then grind them into a powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle before combining them to make Homemade Old Bay Seasoning.
10. Is there a specific dish where this Old Bay Seasoning Recipe is traditionally used?
    While Homemade Old Bay Seasoning is commonly associated with seafood, especially in Maryland and Chesapeake Bay cuisine, it’s versatile and can be used in various dishes. Try it on roasted vegetables, chicken, or even in a potato salad for added flavor.
11. Can I double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch?
    Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch of Homemade Old Bay Seasoning. Just be sure to adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly, and store the extra in an airtight container as well.

Tags: American, Chesapeake Bay, DIY seasoning, homemade, Old Bay, iconic seasoning, Maryland cuisine, seafood dishes, seafood seasoning, seasoning blend, spice mix, spice recipe