Seafood is a wonderful treat, and not everyone can appreciate it fully. The various ingredients used in seafood cuisine further contribute to its unique flavors, and crab boil seasoning is one of them.
The primary issue with this option is that it is not sold in conventional supermarkets. So, if you’re making a seafood dish but don’t have any crab boil seasoning on hand, we’ve got some suggestions for you!
What Is Included in A Seafood Boil?
A seafood boil typically includes sausage, corn on the cob, potatoes, and boiled seafood; think shrimp, crab legs, crawfish. The spices from the seafood are absorbed by the vegetables, creating a tasty side dish.
There is no limit to what meats and veggies you can add to a seafood boil. Any kind of smoked sausage will work, and you can also use whatever vegetables you like.
Try chayote squash or zucchini if you want something other than maize or potatoes. Your only must-haves are the spices and the fish!
Crab Boil Seasoning Substitutes
This seasoning is used to flavor the water in which lobsters, crabs, shellfish, or crawfish are boiled. It is often hard to come by in local supermarkets, but it’ll be available in the seafood section of certain big stores.
You can also buy it online. A crab boil seasoning mix can be made at home as well.
It is usually made with dill seed, cayenne pepper, cilantro seed, allspice, and bay leaves, as well as mustard seeds. Some people may not have all of these ingredients on hand to make crab boil seasoning.
Luckily, there are alternatives! To grind all of these ingredients, you can use a spice mill or grind them yourself.
Based on Gustav Brunn’s secret recipe, Old Bay seasoning was created back in 1939 and has been available in stores since then. It’s a popular seasoning that many people love. It is also commonly added to seafood items, especially crab cakes.
The American spice blend generally has spicy, salty, peppery, and herbaceous notes. Old Bay seasoning is made with a combination of around eighteen spices and herbs, but the combination is still a secret.
It goes perfectly with oyster chowder, shrimp boils, and clam. Some people also use Old Bay seasoning to make a delicious marinade for seafood. Many people also use them in other meats to add the umami flavor.
Old Bay seasoning is suitable for stir-fries, tortillas, pita chips, and corn cobs. Old Bay seasoning can be sprinkled on the deviled eggs and makes a fantastic entrée. This seasoning is suitable for replicating the crab boil seasoning in a 1:1 ratio.
2. Chinese Five Spice
If you’re not a fan of Old Bay seasoning, try Chinese Five Spice seasoning instead. Making it involves using cinnamon, star anise, cloves, fennel, and Szechuan peppercorns.
The spice blend is a little sweeter than the other blends, but it goes well with red meat, seafood, and poultry.
3. Pickling Spice
A pickling spice substitute is the best option if you can’t find Old Bay seasoning. Soups and stews are flavored with this spice mix. You can also pickle food with it.
Among the best benefits of pickling spice is flavoring shrimp boils and other seafood dishes. Pickling spice is readily available in stores; simply go to the spice section and look for it.
Pickling spice can also be purchased online. On the other hand, pickling spice may be made at home with cilantro seeds, cloves, mustard seeds, allspice, ginger, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes.
Just mix up these ingredients in your kitchen to get started! As a substitute for crab boil seasoning, you can use a 1:1 ratio.
4. Cajun Seasoning
This seasoning comes from Louisiana and can be used as a substitute for crab boil seasoning. You can easily find it in supermarkets, and it is also easily found in the United States. The flavor of Cajun seasoning is comparable to that of Old Bay seasoning.
Paprika, garlic powder, oregano, pepper, and cayenne pepper are all included in Cajun spice. Due to its high spice content, you may want to start with a lesser amount.
5. Todd’s Dirt
If you want to add fiery flavor to your recipe, you can opt for Crabby Dirt. This is part of Todd’s Dirt range, which is a range of different spices. It has an identical flavor to Old Bay seasoning.
However, there is cayenne and chipotle powder, so these are some new ingredients. All in all, it is incredibly spicy, so keep that in mind.
For everyone who wants the easy-to-access and affordable substitute for crab boil seasoning, you can opt for seasoned salt. It might have a different flavor but is great for seafood, beef, and poultry.
Also, it can be added to the eggs and popcorn as well! While substituting seasoned salt for crab boil substitutes, you have to start with a pinch.
7. Old Bay Seasoning DIY Mix
Old Bay seasoning is a highly guarded proprietary blend, with only the manufacturer’s staff knowing the exact ingredients. It is, however, possible to replicate the Old Bay seasoning mix, which tastes comparable and is quick and easy to prepare.
To enhance the flavor, grind whole spices in a spice mill or mortar and pestle.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need if you want to make the mix yourself:
- Celery salt, 1 ½ tablespoon
- Black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon
- Paprika, ¼ teaspoon
- Cayenne pepper, ⅛ teaspoon
- Mustard, ⅛ teaspoon
- Ground cardamom, 1 pinch
- Ground cloves, 1 pinch
- Ground ginger, 1 pinch
- Ground allspice, 1 pinch
- Ground nutmeg, 1 pinch
- Ground cinnamon, 1 pinch
Procedure:
- In a medium mixing bowl, blend together all ingredients until well mixed.
- The spice mixture should be stored in an airtight container until use. Also, keep the spice mixture cool and dry during storage.
The Best Way To Store Crab Boil Seasoning Mix
You may keep the crab boil seasoning for up to a month in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. It is best to use the spice blend as soon as possible for the best flavor.
Summing Up
Often, crab boil ingredients are already prepared. You can spice up your meal by adding fresh lemon, garlic, and additional cayenne pepper. When you make your seasoning, you should try new flavors.
We’ve provided a list of the most commonly used crab boil seasoning substitutes. You can make coarse powder by mixing spices in a blender, food processor, mill, or other options.
Once you have the seasoning ready, you can be well prepared for your next seafood party!