Description
Old Bay seasoning blends aromatic spices into a signature Maryland classic. Home cooks can easily craft this zesty mix with pantry staples, creating a versatile seasoning you’ll sprinkle on seafood, vegetables, and more.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) celery salt
- 1 tsp (5 ml) paprika
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) dry mustard
- ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) ground allspice
- ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) ground cardamom
- 1/8 tsp (0.625 ml) ground cloves
- 1/8 tsp (0.625 ml) ground ginger
- 1/8 tsp (0.625 ml) ground mace
Instructions
- Spice Preparation: Gather fresh, aromatic dry spices and herbs from the pantry, ensuring peak flavor potential.
- Mixing Foundation: Select a clean, medium-sized bowl that allows comprehensive ingredient blending and thorough incorporation.
- Precise Measurement: Carefully measure each spice component, maintaining the classic seasoning’s delicate flavor balance with accuracy.
- Spice Integration: Softly sift paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and ground spices into the mixing bowl, preventing unwanted clumping and ensuring smooth distribution.
- Flavor Fusion: Vigorously whisk the spice mixture for 60-90 seconds, rotating the bowl to guarantee complete flavor melding and uniform consistency.
- Storage Selection: Transfer the vibrant spice blend into an airtight glass container or ceramic spice jar, using a funnel to minimize potential spillage.
- Preservation Technique: Label the container with seasoning name and preparation date, then store in a cool, dark cabinet away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain robust flavor intensity.
- Culinary Exploration: Experiment with the homemade seasoning by generously sprinkling over seafood, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or incorporating into marinades and cooking liquids for an elevated flavor experience.
Notes
- Spice Freshness Matters: Use recently purchased, high-quality spices with strong aromas to ensure a vibrant, authentic Old Bay flavor profile.
- Precise Measurement Technique: Employ a digital kitchen scale or level measuring spoons to capture exact spice ratios, preventing flavor imbalances.
- Sifting Strategy: Gently sift ground spices through a fine-mesh strainer to eliminate potential clumps and create a smoother, more uniform seasoning blend.
- Storage Wisdom: Keep the homemade seasoning in an opaque, airtight container away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight to preserve potency for up to 6 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 450 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