Description
Old Bay seasoning brings maritime magic to home kitchens with a zesty blend of classic spices. Salt, paprika, and herbs dance together, creating a quintessential coastal flavor profile that elevates seafood and countless other dishes you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Spices:
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) celery salt
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) paprika
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) cayenne pepper
Warm Spices:
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) dry mustard
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground allspice
Aromatic Spices:
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground cardamom
- 1/8 teaspoon (0.625 ml) ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon (0.625 ml) ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon (0.625 ml) ground mace
Instructions
- Gather whole spices like paprika, celery salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and other aromatic ground herbs in a clean mixing vessel.
- Carefully grind each spice component using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder to ensure uniform texture and maximize flavor release.
- Gently sift ground spices through a fine-mesh strainer to eliminate any potential clumps and achieve a consistent, smooth seasoning blend.
- Methodically blend all processed spices together, using a whisk or small spoon to integrate each ingredient thoroughly and evenly.
- Select a pristine, dark glass container with an airtight seal to preserve the seasoning’s potency and prevent moisture infiltration.
- Transfer the freshly prepared spice mixture into the selected container, using a funnel to minimize spillage and maintain precision.
- Label the container with the blend’s name and creation date, noting the custom nature of the homemade seasoning.
- Store the spice blend in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain its vibrant flavor profile.
- Experiment with the versatile seasoning by sprinkling over seafood, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, popcorn, or incorporating into marinades and soup bases for an instant flavor enhancement.
Notes
- Customize the spice blend by adjusting paprika and celery salt ratios to match your heat and saltiness preferences.
- Create a low-sodium version by reducing or eliminating salt and using salt-free herbs like dried thyme and ground bay leaves.
- Perfect for meal preppers who want to control ingredient quality and avoid preservatives found in store-bought seasoning mixes.
- Experiment with organic spices for a premium, chemical-free homemade seasoning that elevates everyday dishes with complex, zesty flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 6
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 1675 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg