Description
Old Bay Seasoning whispers coastal Maryland charm in a blend of warming spices and herbs. Home cooks can easily craft this iconic spice mix, capturing classic seafood flavors with simple pantry ingredients that deliver authentic regional zest.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Spices:
- 2 teaspoons (10 mL) sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon (5 mL) dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) ground bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) finely ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) white pepper or additional finely ground black pepper
Salt and Supporting Spices:
- 4 teaspoons (20 mL) celery salt
- ⅛ teaspoon (0.6 mL) ground ginger
- 1/16 teaspoon (0.3 mL) cayenne or to taste
Optional Aromatic Spices:
- 1/16 teaspoon (0.3 mL) ground cloves
- 1/16 teaspoon (0.3 mL) cardamom (optional)
- 1/16 teaspoon (0.3 mL) cinnamon
Instructions
- Gather all the spices and dried herbs specified in the ingredient list, ensuring they are fresh and of high quality.
- Select a clean, medium-sized mixing bowl that provides ample space for thorough blending of the ingredients.
- Carefully measure each spice and herb using precise measuring spoons, maintaining accuracy to create a balanced seasoning blend.
- Gradually add all measured spices into the mixing bowl, starting with the larger volume ingredients and progressing to the smaller quantity components.
- Using a whisk or a long-handled spoon, gently but thoroughly integrate all spices, ensuring an even distribution and uniform color throughout the mixture.
- Continue mixing for approximately 1-2 minutes, rotating the bowl and breaking up any potential clumps to achieve a consistent texture.
- Transfer the freshly prepared seasoning blend into a clean, dry airtight glass jar or sealed container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Label the container with the contents and date of preparation, noting that the homemade seasoning will maintain optimal flavor and potency for up to 6 months when stored in a cool, dark pantry.
- For best results, store away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve the vibrant flavors and aromatic qualities of the spice blend.
Notes
- Crafted with common pantry spices, this homemade blend captures the authentic coastal flavor without expensive store-bought versions.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity to suit personal taste preferences.
- Perfect seasoning for seafood, poultry, vegetables, and potato dishes, bringing a zesty Maryland-style kick to your cooking.
- Significantly more cost-effective than purchasing pre-made commercial Old Bay, with ingredients typically already in your spice cabinet.
- Store in a cool, dark place in an airtight container to maintain maximum flavor and freshness for up to half a year.
- Quick to prepare, taking less than 5 minutes to mix, making it an excellent DIY pantry staple for spontaneous meal preparations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 5 kcal
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg