What Is Old Bay Seasoning?
This powerhouse spice blend goes way beyond seafood.
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By Layla Khoury-Hanold for Food Network Kitchen
Layla Khoury-Hanold is a contributor at Food Network.
With its signature yellow and blue tin, Old Bay seasoning is hard to miss in the supermarket spice aisle. Here, we delve into what Old Bay seasoning is, where it comes from and how to make a substitute for it. Plus, we share our favorite recipes to make with Old Bay.
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What Is Old Bay Seasoning?
Old Bay seasoning is an aromatic and savory blend of 18 spices that’s used to season seafood including crab cakes, shrimp dishes and more. Old Bay can also be used on proteins such as poultry, beef and tofu, as well as vegetable-based dishes like these Maryland Boardwalk Fries or Old Bay Butternut Squash.
Old Bay seasoning was invented in Baltimore, Maryland by a German immigrant and spice merchant named Gustav Brunn. His first venture, the Baltimore Spice Company, sold a variety of single spices and a few blends. Later, Brunn created a proprietary spice blend designed for crab boils to satisfy a niche among Baltimore seafood mongers. According to the Baltimore Sun, he renamed his business Old Bay after a steamship line that sailed between Baltimore and Norfolk.
In 1990, major spice company McCormick bought the Old Bay brand. It continues to market and produce Old Bay seasoning according to the original recipe, and sells Old Bay products such as cocktail sauce and salmon cake mix. In recent years, Old Bay’s popularity has made it a star in collaborations such as Old Bay Goldfish crackers, Old Bay vodka and Old Bay ice cream.
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What Spices Are In Old Bay Seasoning?
According to the product label, some of the ingredients in Old Bay seasoning are celery salt, spices (including red pepper and black pepper) and paprika. Other potential spices may include bay leaf, cinnamon, mustard powder, nutmeg, clove and cardamom.
Substitute for Old Bay Seasoning
Since celery salt and paprika are two of the main ingredients in Old Bay seasoning, you could substitute 1/4 teaspoon celery salt and 1/4 teaspoon paprika for every teaspoon of Old Bay. Other Old Bay substitutes include a one-to-one swap of spice blends such as crab boil or Cajun, but note that Cajun blends will have added heat from cayenne.
Recipes with Old Bay Seasoning
Teri Lyn Fisher
Old Bay Marinated and Grilled Shrimp
All you need is 30 minutes of marinating time for shrimp to soak up the bright, aromatic blend of lemon juice, garlic and Old Bay seafood seasoning. Grill and serve them with boiled or roasted potatoes for a shrimp-boil-inspired dinner.
Christopher Testani
This fan-favorite recipe transforms tinned salmon from pantry staple to supper star with spicy Old Bay complementing the briny fish. If crab cakes are more your thing, try these easy Crab Cake Sliders.
Seafood boils are a classic way to incorporate Old Bay seasoning into your culinary repertoire, and this shrimp boil is an easy one to master. Shrimp, potatoes and corn come together in a pot with onions, garlic and a half-cup of Old Bay, and the results are sure to impress.
Matt Armendariz
Inspired by crab cakes, this vegan chickpea dish demonstrates Old Bay's versatility beyond seafood. While chickpeas and crabs have different flavors, the texture of the patties and Old Bay spice makes the dish incredibly satisfying.
Andrew Purcell
Old Bay seasoning brings a savory, aromatic quality to weeknight salmon filets and plays nice with fresh, sweet juicy corn. While it's a delicious dish any time of year, it's especially suited to summer.
RYAN DAUSCH
These burgers prove that Old Bay Seasoning can jazz up way more than just seafood. For a double dose of Old Bay, sub in Old Bay Mayo for the Dijonaise.
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