Citric Acid Free Old Bay–Style Seasoning Blend
That classic seafood-spice flavor is notoriously tricky to recreate at home when you need to avoid citric acid, since many commercial blends sneak it in as a preservative or flavor enhancer. This homemade version skips it entirely, relying instead on a warm, layered mix of celery salt, dried herbs, and aromatic spices to build that bold, briny depth you're after. Ground turmeric and ginger bring earthy heat, while thyme, oregano, and basil add a herbaceous backbone that makes the whole blend feel alive. A touch of Ceylon cinnamon rounds everything out with subtle sweetness, and the optional cloves push it into genuinely complex territory. It comes together in minutes with a single bowl and a whisk — no cooking, no fuss. Once it's sealed in a jar, you've got a reliable pantry staple ready to shake over shrimp, corn, roasted potatoes, or anything else that needs a serious flavor upgrade.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
16 servings
- 2 tbsp celery salt
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 2 tsp ground turmeric
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves (optional)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
Instructions
- 1
Combine the celery salt, dried parsley, turmeric, ginger, thyme, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, Ceylon cinnamon, ground cloves (if using), and fine sea salt in a small mixing bowl and whisk until evenly blended with no streaks of turmeric remaining.
- 2
Transfer the blend to an airtight jar or container, seal tightly, and store at room temperature away from direct light and heat for up to 3 months.