Old Bay Shrimp Boil Seasoning

Shrimp Boil Seasoning Old Bay Recipe

I just adore this homemade Shrimp Boil Seasoning.  It makes the perfect Copycat Old Bay Seasoning, perfect for so many uses.  Old Bay is the classic spice blend used by so many cooks and restaurants.  The flavors bring you right to the beach, bringing back memories of shrimp and crab boils on vacation.  This spice is popular in the South, the East Coast, and especially in Maryland, where it originates.  I first had it growing up in Florida and visiting my aunt in Maryland, who would take us to get steamed crabs.

If you are making Boiled Shrimp, whether at home or on the beach, you will need a hefty dose of my Shrimp Boil Seasoning, which is the perfect substitute for Homemade Old Bay Seasoning.  My whole family is basically in love with Old Bay, always asking for an extra sprinkle on top when I make shrimp at home.

What are the ingredients in Old Bay Seasoning?

It's a complex mix of herbs, but I've landed on celery salt, smoked paprika, hot paprika, ground mustard, cayenne, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt and pepper.  It's a great blend of spices that really complements any seafood dish. Old Bay is used for so many different recipes, but the classic way to use it is as a Shrimp Boil Seasoning.  I've created my own copycat Old Bay Seasoning, playing around with the ratios, and I know you will love it.

The actual Old Bay recipe is a proprietary secret with over 18 spices that was developed over 80 years ago, so you have to guess a bit on what's inside.  Gustav Brunn invented Old Bay in Germany in the 1930's.  He was Jewish and fled nazi Germany in 1938, bringing the spice to Maryland.  McCormick bought the spice in 1990.

Why You'll Love this Shrimp Boil Seasoning Old Bay Recipe...

• This Shrimp Boil Seasoning tastes so good and fresh!  Better than the bottle.
• It's a versatile spice blend that works well with all types of seafood, vegetables, and potatoes.
• If you want to make a shrimp boil but don't have Old Bay at home, this is the perfect way to substitute it with spices you probably already have.
• You can make this ahead of time and keep it in your pantry for up to a year.

Ingredients:

Here's an overview of what you'll need to make this Shrimp Boil Seasoning Old Bay Recipe, but keep scrolling for the full recipe amounts.  For the best success with this, use fresh, high-quality spices.  Old spices sitting in your cabinet for years will lose their potency.

1. Celery Salt: Celery Salt makes the base for the spice blend and is one of the most noticeable spices you taste.  It gives the spice blend a herbal and salty flavor.
2. Bay Leaves: Bay leaves are another key flavor in this dish that adds earthiness.  You can either start with whole bay leaves and grind them with a spice grinder, or use ground bay leaves.
3. Paprika: I used a combination of smoked paprika and hot paprika to add complexity to the mixture.  It also brings out the red in Old Bay.  You can also use sweet paprika.
4. Mustard Powder: Another key flavor is ground mustard powder, which adds richness to the blend. You can also use dry mustard.
5. Cayenne: Old Bay has a bit of kick, and that comes from some cayenne.
6. Warm Spices: The flavor of Old Bay also has some warm spices, so included small amounts of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
7. Salt & Black Pepper

Instructions:

This is an overview of the instructions to make this Shrimp Boil Seasoning Old Bay Recipe, but the full, detailed, printable recipe is below in the recipe card.

1. Place the celery salt, smoked paprika, hot paprika, mustard powder, cayenne, bay leaf powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Use a whisk to combine.
2. Taste and adjust spice as needed.  Add more mustard for more tang or more cayenne for more spice.
3. Store in an airtight container in the pantry for up to a year.

Shrimp Boil Seasoning Variations

I love this Shrimp Boil Seasoning Old Bay Recipe as written, but here are some fun variations.

• Double the Batch: You can easily double or triple this batch to make a bunch for your pantry.
• Make it Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Make it Sweeter: To make this less spicy, leave out the canned and substitute sweet paprika for smoked and hot.

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