This article provides an overview of old bay seasoning, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make old bay seasoning substitutes.
What is Old Bay Seasoning?
Old Bay Seasoning is a mix of herbs and spices that is sold in the United States and originally created in Baltimore, Maryland.
The blend is usually made up of celery salt, pepper, and paprika and occasionally mustard, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and laurel leaves.
Old Bay Seasoning is mostly used to season crabs and shrimps, as well as being a popular ingredient in clam chowder. It is also used as a topping on salads, eggs, meat, popcorn, corn on the cob, and potato chips.
What does Old Bay Seasoning taste like?
Old Bay Seasoning has a complex mix of flavors, with celery salt being the strongest. There are also notes of sweetness, spice, and warmth.
Is Old Bay Seasoning readily available in Supermarkets?
Old Bay Seasoning is regionally popular in Maryland and the other Mid-Atlantic States, as well as the Southern States and parts of New England.
Here it will be readily available in supermarkets, while elsewhere it may be more difficult to find outside of American specialty stores.
What are some alternative names for Old Bay Seasoning?
There are no alternative names for Old Bay Seasoning as it is named after the Old Bay line in Baltimore, Maryland.
What is a good substitute for Old Bay Seasoning in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for old bay seasoning. These include:
- Celery salt and paprika are the two main ingredients in Old Bay Seasoning and therefore the best substitute
- You can also use cajun seasoning, although it will not prove the same complex flavor range