Spice Up Your Life: 10 Irresistible Old Bay Recipes
Old Bay seasoning. Just the name conjures up images of summer barbecues, steamed crabs, and the salty air of the Chesapeake Bay. This iconic blend of spices is more than just a seasoning; it’s a flavor experience. While primarily associated with seafood, Old Bay’s versatility extends far beyond, adding a distinctive zest to everything from eggs to French fries. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, these 10 irresistible Old Bay recipes will inspire you to explore the full potential of this beloved spice blend.
What is Old Bay Seasoning?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a closer look at what makes Old Bay so special. Created in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1939 by Gustav Brunn, a German immigrant, the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret. However, the commonly known ingredients include celery salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika, and various other spices. This unique combination creates a savory, slightly sweet, and subtly spicy flavor profile that complements a wide range of dishes.
1. Classic Old Bay Steamed Crabs
No Old Bay recipe roundup would be complete without the quintessential steamed crabs. This is where Old Bay truly shines, infusing the crabs with its signature flavor. The key to perfectly steamed crabs is using plenty of Old Bay and ensuring they are cooked just right.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 dozen live blue crabs
* 1 cup Old Bay seasoning
* 1 cup water
* 1 cup apple cider vinegar
* Optional: additional Old Bay for sprinkling after steaming
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the steamer:** Place a steaming rack in the bottom of a large pot with a tight-fitting lid. Add the water and apple cider vinegar to the pot.
2. **Layer the crabs:** Generously sprinkle Old Bay seasoning on the bottom of the pot. Add a layer of crabs, sprinkle with more Old Bay, and continue layering until all the crabs are in the pot, finishing with a generous coating of Old Bay on top.
3. **Steam the crabs:** Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cover the pot tightly. Steam for 20-25 minutes, or until the crabs turn bright orange and their shells are easily pierced.
4. **Serve:** Carefully remove the crabs from the pot and sprinkle with additional Old Bay, if desired. Serve immediately with melted butter and your favorite sides.
**Tips and Tricks:**
* Use live crabs for the best flavor and texture.
* Don’t overcrowd the pot; steam in batches if necessary.
* The steaming time may vary depending on the size of the crabs.
* For an extra kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the steaming liquid.
2. Old Bay Shrimp Boil
A shrimp boil is a fantastic way to feed a crowd, and Old Bay adds an extra layer of flavor to this classic dish. This recipe is customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds large shrimp, shell on
* 1 pound smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 pound small red potatoes, halved
* 2 ears of corn, cut into halves or thirds
* 1 large onion, quartered
* 1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
* 1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning
* 1/4 cup crab boil seasoning (optional)
* Water
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the pot:** Fill a large pot with enough water to cover all the ingredients. Add the Old Bay seasoning and crab boil seasoning (if using) and bring to a boil.
2. **Add the potatoes and onions:** Add the potatoes and onions to the boiling water and cook for 10 minutes.
3. **Add the sausage and corn:** Add the smoked sausage and corn to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes.
4. **Add the shrimp:** Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
5. **Drain and serve:** Drain the boil and spread the ingredients out on a large platter or newspaper-covered table. Serve immediately with cocktail sauce, hot sauce, and lemon wedges.
**Tips and Tricks:**
* Don’t overcook the shrimp, or they will become tough.
* Adjust the amount of Old Bay seasoning to your liking.
* Add other vegetables, such as carrots or celery, to the boil.
* For a spicier boil, add a few jalapeño peppers.
3. Old Bay Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are a Maryland staple, and Old Bay is essential for achieving that authentic flavor. This recipe uses a combination of lump crab meat and backfin crab meat for the perfect texture and flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
* 1/2 pound backfin crab meat, picked over for shells
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Vegetable oil, for frying
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine the ingredients:** In a large bowl, gently combine the lump crab meat, backfin crab meat, mayonnaise, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. **Form the crab cakes:** Gently form the mixture into 6-8 crab cakes. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, or the crab cakes will be tough.
3. **Fry the crab cakes:** Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crab cakes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through.
4. **Serve:** Serve the crab cakes immediately with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and your favorite sides.
**Tips and Tricks:**
* Use high-quality crab meat for the best flavor.
* Don’t use too much breadcrumbs, or the crab cakes will be dry.
* Gently handle the crab mixture to avoid breaking up the crab meat.
* For a healthier option, bake the crab cakes in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
4. Old Bay Seafood Dip
This creamy and flavorful seafood dip is perfect for parties and gatherings. It’s easy to make and can be served hot or cold.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup sour cream
* 1/4 cup chopped cooked shrimp
* 1/4 cup chopped cooked crab meat
* 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
* 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Crackers or baguette slices, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine the ingredients:** In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth.
2. **Add the seafood and seasonings:** Stir in the shrimp, crab meat, green onions, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. **Chill or bake:** For a cold dip, chill the dip in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. For a hot dip, transfer the dip to a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
4. **Serve:** Serve the dip with crackers or baguette slices.
**Tips and Tricks:**
* Use fresh or frozen cooked shrimp and crab meat.
* Adjust the amount of Old Bay seasoning to your liking.
* Add other seafood, such as scallops or lobster, to the dip.
* For a spicier dip, add a few dashes of hot sauce.
5. Old Bay Chicken Wings
Give your chicken wings a flavorful twist with Old Bay seasoning. These wings are crispy, savory, and addictive.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds chicken wings
* 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the wings:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
2. **Season the wings:** In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the wings are evenly coated.
3. **Bake the wings:** Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the wings are crispy and cooked through, flipping halfway through.
4. **Serve:** Serve the wings immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
**Tips and Tricks:**
* For extra crispy wings, broil them for the last few minutes of cooking.
* Marinate the wings in the Old Bay seasoning for at least 30 minutes before baking for more flavor.
* Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
* Serve with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or hot sauce.
6. Old Bay French Fries
Upgrade your French fries with a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning. This simple addition transforms ordinary fries into a flavorful and satisfying side dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound frozen French fries
* 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
* Vegetable oil, for frying
**Instructions:**
1. **Fry the fries:** Fry the French fries according to the package instructions.
2. **Season the fries:** While the fries are still hot, toss them with Old Bay seasoning until evenly coated.
3. **Serve:** Serve the fries immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
**Tips and Tricks:**
* Use high-quality frozen French fries for the best results.
* Adjust the amount of Old Bay seasoning to your liking.
* Bake the fries in the oven for a healthier option.
* Serve with ketchup, mayonnaise, or aioli.
7. Old Bay Deviled Eggs
Add a zesty twist to classic deviled eggs with Old Bay seasoning. These deviled eggs are perfect for parties, picnics, and holidays.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Paprika, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the eggs:** Slice the hard-boiled eggs in half lengthwise and remove the yolks. Place the yolks in a medium bowl.
2. **Mash the yolks:** Mash the yolks with a fork until smooth.
3. **Combine the ingredients:** Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, chives, salt, and pepper to the yolks and mix until well combined.
4. **Fill the egg whites:** Spoon the yolk mixture into the egg white halves.
5. **Garnish and serve:** Sprinkle the deviled eggs with paprika and serve chilled.
**Tips and Tricks:**
* Use a piping bag to fill the egg whites for a more elegant presentation.
* Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
* Garnish with chopped bacon, paprika, or fresh herbs.
* Make the deviled eggs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
8. Old Bay Corn on the Cob
Spice up your corn on the cob with Old Bay seasoning. This simple and delicious side dish is perfect for summer barbecues.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 ears of corn, husks removed
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the corn:** Grill, boil, or steam the corn until tender.
2. **Brush with butter:** Brush the cooked corn with melted butter.
3. **Season with Old Bay:** Sprinkle the corn with Old Bay seasoning until evenly coated.
4. **Serve:** Serve the corn immediately.
**Tips and Tricks:**
* Soak the corn in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent it from drying out.
* Adjust the amount of Old Bay seasoning to your liking.
* Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
* Serve with grilled meats or seafood.
9. Old Bay Bloody Mary
Kick off your brunch with a zesty Old Bay Bloody Mary. This flavorful cocktail is the perfect way to start your day.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 ounces vodka
* 4 ounces tomato juice
* 1 ounce lemon juice
* 1/2 ounce Worcestershire sauce
* 1/4 ounce hot sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Celery stalk, lemon wedge, and olives, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the glass:** Rim a highball glass with Old Bay seasoning.
2. **Combine the ingredients:** In a shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Shake well.
3. **Strain and serve:** Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.
4. **Garnish:** Garnish with a celery stalk, lemon wedge, and olives.
**Tips and Tricks:**
* Adjust the amount of hot sauce and Old Bay seasoning to your liking.
* Add other garnishes, such as shrimp, bacon, or pickles.
* Make a large batch of Bloody Mary mix ahead of time for easy serving.
* Use high-quality vodka and tomato juice for the best flavor.
10. Old Bay Roasted Potatoes
Elevate your roasted potatoes with the unique flavor of Old Bay seasoning. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds small red potatoes, quartered
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Toss the potatoes:** In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. **Roast the potatoes:** Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
4. **Serve:** Serve the roasted potatoes immediately.
**Tips and Tricks:**
* Use small red potatoes for the best texture.
* Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, or the potatoes will steam instead of roast.
* Add other vegetables, such as onions or bell peppers, to the roasting pan.
* Serve with your favorite dipping sauces or as a side dish to grilled meats or seafood.
Conclusion
Old Bay seasoning is a versatile and flavorful spice blend that can elevate a wide range of dishes. From classic steamed crabs to zesty Bloody Marys, these 10 irresistible Old Bay recipes offer something for everyone. So, grab a can of Old Bay and get ready to spice up your life!
Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and discovering your own unique ways to use Old Bay seasoning. Happy cooking!