Seasoned salt is a popular seasoning blend that can add flavor to a variety of dishes, from meats and vegetables to snacks and appetizers.
However, not everyone may have this versatile seasoning on hand or may be looking for a healthier or more cost-effective alternative.
Fortunately, there are many substitutes for seasoned salt that can provide a similar flavor profile or a unique twist to your favorite recipes.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best substitutes for seasoned salt and how to use them in your cooking.
What is Seasoned Salt?
Seasoned salt is a blend of salt and various herbs, spices, and sometimes other flavorings such as garlic, onion, paprika, or celery seed.
It is used to enhance the flavor of dishes by adding a savory, slightly salty taste with added depth from the other ingredients.
Seasoned salt is a versatile seasoning that can be used in a wide variety of dishes, including meats, poultry, fish, vegetables, soups, stews, and sauces.
It is commonly used in American cuisine and is often found in the spice aisle of grocery stores.
Some popular brands of seasoned salt include Lawry’s, Tony Chachere’s, and Morton.
Delicious and Healthy Substitutes for Seasoned Salt
1. Homemade Seasoned Salt
Homemade seasoned salt is a blend of salt and various herbs and spices that you can easily make in your own kitchen.
The ingredients can vary depending on your taste preferences, but some common ingredients include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, celery salt, and dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
To make homemade seasoned salt, you’ll need to mix the ingredients together thoroughly and store the blend in an airtight container.
The proportions of each ingredient can be adjusted according to your taste, but a basic recipe might include:
- 1/4 cup of salt
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of celery salt
- 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (optional)
Once you’ve combined the ingredients, mix them together thoroughly and store the seasoned salt in a sealed container. You can use this homemade blend as a substitute for store-bought seasoned salt in a variety of recipes, or as a general seasoning for meats, vegetables, and other dishes.
2. Old Bay Seasoning
Old Bay seasoning is a popular spice blend that originated in Maryland, United States. It is named after the Old Bay Line, a steamship line that sailed the Chesapeake Bay area in the early 1900s.
The seasoning blend was created by a German immigrant named Gustav Brunn in the 1930s, and it quickly became a staple in Maryland cuisine, particularly in dishes featuring seafood.
The ingredients in Old Bay seasoning include celery salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, mustard powder, bay leaf, cloves, allspice, ginger, and cardamom. The blend has a strong, savory flavor with a slightly spicy kick and a subtle sweetness.
It is commonly used as a seasoning for seafood, including crabs, shrimp, and fish, but it can also be used in a variety of other dishes, such as chicken, potatoes, and vegetables.
Old Bay seasoning has become a beloved regional spice blend, with many Marylanders using it in almost every dish they prepare.
It is now widely available in supermarkets throughout the United States and has gained a following in other parts of the world as well.
3. Cajun Seasoning
Cajun seasoning is known for its bold and spicy flavor profile, which is often associated with Southern and Creole cuisine.
The ingredients in Cajun seasoning can vary depending on the recipe, but some common ingredients include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, thyme, and oregano. Other spices and herbs like basil, bay leaf, and celery salt can also be included.
The blend of herbs and spices in Cajun seasoning gives it a complex flavor with a spicy kick, and it is often used to add depth to dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, and blackened fish or chicken. It is also a versatile seasoning that can be used to flavor meats, vegetables, and other dishes.
Cajun seasoning is widely available in supermarkets throughout the United States and has become a popular seasoning blend worldwide.
Many people also make their own Cajun seasoning at home, adjusting the ingredients to suit their personal taste preferences.
4. Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs that is inspired by the flavors of Italian cuisine. The specific ingredients can vary depending on the recipe or brand, but common ingredients include basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sometimes sage and marjoram.
The herbs are typically dried and then ground or chopped into a fine powder or flakes.
Italian seasoning is commonly used to add flavor to pasta dishes, pizzas, roasted vegetables, meats, and salad dressings.
It has a fragrant aroma and a slightly savory taste with hints of herbal sweetness. The basil and oregano provide a distinctive Italian flavor, while the thyme and rosemary add a subtle earthiness and pine-like aroma.
Italian seasoning is widely available in grocery stores and is a popular ingredient in many kitchens. It is also easy to make at home by combining dried herbs in the proportions you prefer.
Homemade Italian seasoning can be a cost-effective and flavorful alternative to store-bought blends.
5. Lemon Pepper
Lemon pepper is a seasoning blend that combines lemon zest with freshly ground black pepper. It is often used to add a bright, zesty flavor to dishes, particularly seafood, chicken, and vegetables.
Lemon pepper seasoning can be made by combining dried lemon zest or lemon peel with freshly ground black pepper. Some commercial blends may also include additional ingredients such as salt, garlic, onion, or herbs like thyme or basil.
The tartness of the lemon zest and the heat of the black pepper blend together to create a zesty, slightly spicy flavor that pairs well with a variety of foods.
Lemon pepper seasoning can be used as a rub for meats or as a finishing touch for roasted vegetables, pasta dishes, or salads. It can also be used as a flavoring for marinades, dressings, and sauces.
6. Garlic Powder and Onion Powder
Garlic powder and onion powder are common seasonings that are made by grinding dehydrated garlic or onion into a fine powder. Both are popular in cooking and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Garlic powder has a pungent and savory flavor that is more concentrated than fresh garlic. It is often used in recipes where the flavor of garlic is desired, but the texture or bulk of fresh garlic is not.
Garlic powder can be used in marinades, rubs, dressings, soups, and sauces to add a savory depth of flavor. It is also a popular seasoning for roasted vegetables and meats.
Onion powder has a sweet and savory flavor that is similar to caramelized onions. It can be used in many of the same ways as garlic powder and is often used in soups, stews, and casseroles. It can also be added to spice rubs for meats or used as a seasoning for roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a variety of substitutes for seasoned salt that can be used to add flavor and depth to dishes. Some of these substitutes include homemade seasoned salt blends, like Old Bay seasoning, Cajun seasoning, and Italian seasoning, as well as individual spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon pepper.
These seasonings can be used in a variety of ways to add flavor to meats, vegetables, soups, and sauces, and can be adjusted to suit personal taste preferences. Experimenting with different seasonings can also be a fun and creative way to add new flavors and dimensions to your cooking. With so many flavorful substitutes to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect seasoning to enhance any dish.
