Substitute For Old Bay Seasoning (Best 10 Alternatives)

When you need a substitute for Old Bay seasoning, you don't have to worry about missing out on that signature flavor. As a chef who grew up in Maryland, where Old Bay is a staple, I've found the best alternatives to keep your dishes tasting great. From homemade blends to store-bought options, my guide will help you find the perfect Old Bay seasoning substitutes for all your vegan recipes.

Jump to:

• What is Old Bay Seasoning?
• Old Bay In Vegan Cooking
• Best Old Bay Seasoning Substitutes
• FAQ
• Wrapping It Up
• Substitute For Old Bay Seasoning

What is Old Bay Seasoning?

Old Bay seafood seasoning is a popular spice blend, especially for those from Maryland like myself. Created by Gustav Brunn in the mid-20th century, it’s a mix of spices that gives a unique flavor to dishes. Old Bay is famous for its use in crab boils, shrimp boils, and even to jazz up french fries, corn, or a Bloody Mary.

Marylanders put this delicious seasoning mix on everything! They even sell potato chips covered in Old Bay as well as snack mix and Vodka. It's just that good and sold in almost every local grocery store.

The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, but some of the main ingredients include celery salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, mustard seed, and paprika. This mixture creates an incredible balance of spicy and savory flavors.

Old Bay In Vegan Cooking

Old Bay seasoning isn’t just for seafood dishes! It's fantastic for vegan dishes too! The unique blend of spices adds a punch of flavor to plant-based dishes, making them more exciting and delicious.

I love using Old Bay to season roasted vegetables, sprinkle on popcorn, or mix into tofu scrambles. I also use it in my vegan seafood cakes to give them that authentic Maryland crab cake flavor.

Whether you’re making a hearty stew or a light salad, a dash of classic Old Bay seasoning can add another layer of flavor. I highly recommend trying it in your next vegan potato salad or using it to spice up some roasted chickpeas.

Best Old Bay Seasoning Substitutes

Finding the best alternatives to Old Bay seasoning doesn't have to be tricky. With so many options to pick from, there is sure to be one perfect for your recipe.

1. Homemade Old Bay Seasoning

Homemade Old Bay seasoning is a DIY blend that replicates the original’s unique flavor. The blend typically includes a combination of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and crushed bay leaves, among other spices.

I often use my own copycat old bay seasoning recipe in a pinch. Making the spice blend yourself also allows you to customize the different spices to suit your taste preferences.

How to Use It: Use it as a 1:1 substitute in any recipe calling for Old Bay.

2. Cajun Seasoning

Cajun seasoning is a robust and spicy blend from Louisiana that is typically paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. It adds a kick to dishes and is commonly used in jambalaya and blackened dishes. I add a pinch of it to my vegan red beans and rice.

It has a similar depth of flavor with a kick of spice that makes it great substitute a similar depth of flavor with an added spicy kick, making it a way to substitute old bay seasoning.

How to Use It: Replace Old Bay with Cajun seasoning in a 1:1 ratio.

3. Creole Seasoning

Like Cajun seasoning, Creole seasoning comes from Louisiana and includes many of the same key ingredients with the addition of thyme and oregano too. However, it's milder than Cajun seasoning with a more balanced and herbal flavor.

How to Use It: Use it as a 1:1 substitute in recipes that call for Old Bay.

4. Crab Boil Seasoning

Crab boil seasoning, typically used for seafood boils, can also serve as a good substitute for Old Bay. It combines mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and bay leaves, to create a flavorful spice blend similar to the bold flavor of old bay.

How to Use It: Substitute crab boil seasoning in a 1:1 ratio.

5. Seafood Seasoning

Seafood seasoning blends are designed to complement the natural flavors of seafood but can also be used in vegan cooking. They typically include ingredients like paprika, garlic, and onion powder and can easily replace Old Bay.

How to Use It: Use seafood seasoning as a 1:1 substitute for Old Bay seasoning.

6. Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, and Celery Salt

A blend of chili powder, garlic powder, and celery salt can be a really good Old Bay seasoning substitute. Chili powder brings heat, garlic powder adds a savory note, and celery salt provides a salty, aromatic touch. This blend works as an Old Bay substitute in any recipe.

How to Use It: Mix equal parts chili powder and garlic powder with a slightly smaller amount of celery salt to taste. Use this seasoning blend in a 1:1 ratio.

7. Seasoning Salt and Celery Salt

Seasoning salt is a blend of salt, herbs, and spices, often used to enhance the flavor of various dishes. When combined with celery salt, it creates a flavor profile that resembles Old Bay, making it a great option.

How to Use It: Mix equal parts seasoning salt and celery salt, and use this blend in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute for Old Bay seasoning.

8. Pickling Spice

Pickling spice is a blend of spices typically used for pickling vegetables, but it can also serve as an excellent substitute for Old Bay seasoning. It usually contains mustard seeds, allspice, coriander seeds, bay leaves, and other aromatic spices.

While it's more tangy and aromatic, it offers a robust flavor like Old Bay that can add depth to dishes.

How to Use It: Use pickling spice in a 1:1 ratio. For the best results, finely grind it up the whole spices with a coffee grinder or spice grinder.

9. French Four Spice

French four spice is a blend of white pepper, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, traditionally used in French cooking. While it has a slightly different flavor profile, it can still work as a substitute for Old Bay in certain recipes.

How to Use It: Use French four spice sparingly, as its flavors are potent. Start with ¼ teaspoon for every teaspoon of Old Bay, and adjust to taste. It’s great for adding to soups, stews, and roasted vegetables.

10. Mixture of Paprika and Celery Salt

A simple blend of paprika and celery salt can be a good replacement. Paprika adds a mild, sweet pepper flavor, while celery salt brings a subtle earthiness and saltiness providing a similar flavor profile to Old Bay.

How to Use It: Mix equal parts paprika and celery salt, and use this blend in a 1:1 ratio.

11. Chinese Five Spice

Chinese five spice is a blend of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds. It’s a versatile spice mix often used in Asian cuisine, but it can also work as a substitute for Old Bay in recipes needing a robust flavor profile.

I wouldn't say this option is good for mimicking Old Bay, but it's good for adding the same amount of flavorful spice to your dishes.

How to Use It: Use Chinese five spice sparingly, starting with ¼ teaspoon for every teaspoon of Old Bay, and adjust to taste.

FAQ

Wrapping It Up

If you're wondering which is the overall best substitute for Old Bay seasoning in terms of taste, making your own Old Bay seasoning is clearly the top option. Crafting your own blend allows you to control the flavor, ensuring it closely matches the original.

For practical reasons, I'd recommend Cajun and Creole seasonings as the best substitutes. Both add a robust and spicy kick to recipes that is very close to Old Bay. Crab boil seasoning offers a similar complexity, making it another strong contender.

Other alternatives to Old Bay seasoning, such as chili powder with garlic powder and celery salt, seasoning salt, and pickling spice, each bring their own distinctive twist to dishes too. Each Old Bay seasoning substitution brings something special to the table to help you achieve that beloved Old Bay taste.

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