10 Best Old Bay Seasoning Substitutes for Seafood Dishes

As a seasoned chef with extensive experience in the culinary world, I understand how important it is to have the right seasoning for your dishes. One of the most versatile and widely used seasonings is bay seasoning. 

In this blog post, I will explore everything you need to know about bay seasoning, including its substitutes and variations. For those seeking an alternative to bay seasoning or something new, we have several options available. 

So whether you are an experienced cook looking for new ideas or just starting out in the kitchen world trying different flavors—this post has something valuable for everyone interested in enhancing their cooking skills with various spice blends!

Jump to:

• What is Old Bay Seasoning?
• 10 Best Old Bay Seasoning Substitutes
• Tips on Substituting Old Bay Seasoning
• FAQs in Relation to Old Bay Seasoning Substitute
• What​​ ​​Old Bay Substitute Will You Try?
• Recipe

What is Old Bay Seasoning?

Old Bay seasoning is a popular blend of herbs and spices used in the United States, particularly in Maryland. It was created by Gustav Brunn in 1939 and is still produced today by McCormick & Company.

The ingredients include celery salt, paprika, mustard powder, black pepper, bay leaves, cloves, allspice berries, mace blades, and red pepper flakes.

This combination gives Old Bay its signature flavor that is savory yet slightly spicy with hints of sweetness from the paprika.

Old Bay seasoning can be used to add flavor to many dishes, such as seafood boils or crab cakes. It can also be sprinkled on top of popcorn for a zesty snack or added to soups and stews for extra depth of flavor.

10 Best Old Bay Seasoning Substitutes

Old Bay has a unique flavor profile, making it an essential ingredient for many recipes. Unfortunately, not everyone can get their hands on Old Bay seasoning due to availability or dietary restrictions.

Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives that offer similar flavors and textures.

1. Celery Salt

This substitute offers a similar salty taste as Old Bay but with added celery notes. To use this alternative, mix one part celery salt with three parts paprika and some ground black pepper for an easy replacement in any recipe calling for Old Bay Seasoning.

Best for seafood boils, fried chicken, and soups.

2. Cajun Spice Blend

If you’re looking for something spicier than traditional Old Bay seasoning, try using Cajun spice blend instead! The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and other seasonings creates a flavorful kick that will take your dishes up a notch!

Best for seafood dishes, on grilled meats, sprinkled over vegetables, and seasoning for french fries, popcorn, and other snacks.

3. Creole Seasoning

Another great option if you want more heat is creole seasoning which contains oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, among other ingredients, to give it its signature spicy flavor profile. 

Best for cooking fish or shrimp dishes like gumbo or jambalaya.

4. Seafood Rubs

For those who don’t have access to Old Bay seasoning but still want seafood-inspired dishes, try using seafood rubs instead! These blends typically contain paprika, dill weed, and lemon zest, giving them an extra depth of flavor.

Best for adding to soups or stews.

5. Lemon Pepper Blend

If you’re looking for something milder than traditional Old Bay, then try using lemon pepper blend as your go-to substitution! This mixture combines black pepper with dried lemon peel which adds citrusy notes without being too overpowering.

This blend is perfect if you’re trying to tone down the heat from your dish while still getting all the delicious flavors from Old Bay seasoning!

Best for grilled chicken or fish, roasted vegetables, or dishes where a bright, citrusy flavor is desired.

6. Garlic Powder and Onion Powder Combo

A simple yet effective way to replace old bay is by combining equal parts garlic powder and onion powder together. Just make sure not to add too much because these two ingredients can easily overpower other seasonings in your dish if used incorrectly! 

Best for sauces or marinades before grilling meats like chicken breasts or pork chops.

7. Herbes de Provence Mix

An interesting twist on classic Old Bay seasoning comes from herbes de provence mix. This French herb blend usually consists of rosemary, basil, thyme, savory, fennel seed, and lavender flowers, giving it earthy tones.

Best for grilled vegetables such as eggplant slices and roasted potatoes.

8. Curry Powder

If you're feeling adventurous, then why not give curry powder a shot? This Indian spice mix includes turmeric, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds, resulting in warm aromas reminiscent of gingerbread cookies.

Best for roasted chicken, vegetables and potatoes, curry sauces, soups, and stews.

9. Chili Powder

Want something hot? Then chili powder should do the trick! Comprised mainly of ground chilies, chili powder also contains various spices, such as oregano and cumin, giving it smoky undertones.

Best for tacos, roasted chicken and vegetables, soups, and stews.

10. Italian Herb Mix

Last but certainly not least, we have Italian herb mixes, which include basil leaves alongside oregano and parsley flakes creating sweet fragrances reminiscent of pizza dough.

Best for roasted chicken, vegetables, and tomato-based pasta dishes.

Tips on Substituting Old Bay Seasoning

• Flavor Profile: If you want a seafood-style flavor without using Old Bay, try Chesapeake Dirt or Todd's Dirt Seasoning, which have similar notes but less heat. On the other hand, Cajun seasoning is an excellent alternative if you want something more spicy and flavorful than traditional Old Bay. Chinese Five Spice Powder can also provide a unique depth of flavor while still providing that classic “Old Bay taste.”
• Consider the amount of substitute: Use one teaspoon of the substitute spice blend as a general rule, but adjust according to individual preferences and recipes. Be careful not to go overboard when combining multiple spices, as this could overpower other ingredients in the recipe.
• Dietary Restrictions: Check if the substitute is suitable for vegetarians or vegans, as some spice blends may contain animal products. Vegan-friendly options such as Phillip's Seafood Seasoning and Pacific Seafood Seasoning are available for those looking to substitute Old Bay seasoning. Always double-check product labels before purchasing to avoid hidden animal ingredients.

FAQs in Relation to Old Bay Seasoning Substitute

What is the main flavor of Old Bay seasoning?

Old Bay seasoning is a combination of eighteen distinct spices, including celery salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard, that delivers an unmistakable flavor. 

It has a unique flavor that is salty, with hints of sweetness from the paprika and earthy notes from the mustard. The most prominent flavor in Old Bay seasoning is its signature savory taste which comes mainly from celery salt.

Can I substitute Old Bay for Cajun seasoning?

It is possible to substitute Old Bay for Cajun seasoning; however, it may not yield the same flavor. Both seasonings are a combination of herbs and spices, but they differ in their ingredients. 

Old Bay is a blend of celery salt, paprika, bay leaves, and other spices, while Cajun seasoning typically consists of garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. 

Depending on what dish you are making, either one can be used as a substitution with varying results. It's best to experiment with both before deciding which works better for your particular recipe or taste preference.

Is paprika the same as Old Bay seasoning?

No, paprika and Old Bay seasoning are not the same. Paprika is a piquant seasoning derived from dried red peppers with subtle sweetness and smokiness. 

Old Bay seasoning is a mix of spices that originated in Maryland, containing celery salt, mustard powder, bay leaves, pepper, mace, and nutmeg, among other herbs, for an intense taste. 

Whereas paprika and Old Bay seasoning have distinct ingredients and flavors, they can both be used to add flavor to dishes.

Are all old bay substitutes suitable for vegetarians/vegans?

Unfortunately, not all substitutes are suitable for vegetarians or vegans, as many contain animal-based ingredients, such as anchovies or fish sauce, which would not be considered vegan-friendly options.

However, there are plenty of vegetarian-friendly alternatives available, such as Todd's Dirt Seasoning, which contains only natural ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika along with other spices giving it a savory taste without any animal products added to the mix.

What​​ ​​Old Bay Substitute Will You Try?

Old bay seasoning substitute is a great way to add flavor and spice to any recipe. There are many substitutes available that can provide the same level of flavor as Old Bay Seasoning while still being healthy and budget-friendly. 

Experiment with different combinations until you find one that suits your taste buds. Remember, when substituting for Old Bay Seasoning, be sure to take into account its consistency, flavors, and how it will affect the overall dish before adding it in.

If you're looking for a delicious alternative to Old Bay seasoning, check out our website recipes and how-to guides. We also provide buying advice on air fryer-friendly substitutes that will give your meals the perfect kick of flavor!

Recipe