Okay, so I totally ran out of my go-to Red Lobster seasoning last week, right? That stuff is like magic dust for fish and shrimp. Looked everywhere – Walmart, Kroger, even that sketchy corner grocery store. Nada. Zilch. Figured I gotta find something else or my seafood nights are doomed.
The Great Seasoning Hunt Begins
First stop was my own spice rack, dug through everything. Found some Old Bay – obviously, everyone’s got that. Tried it solo on some tilapia. Way too much celery salt punch, kinda drowned the fish. Felt wrong. Then McCormick Seafood Seasoning caught my eye. Shook it on shrimp while grilling. Smelled kinda similar but wow, way saltier. Like licking the ocean floor. Needed to dial it back or mix it.
Mixing Like a Mad Scientist
Grabbed my little glass bowls like I’m on some cooking show. Did a teaspoon of McCormick, cut it with half a teaspoon of plain garlic powder and a pinch of paprika from Penzeys. Mixed it with my finger – tasted raw, don’t judge me. Better! Less salt-bomb, more garlicky depth. But still missing that lemon-pepper zing Red Lobster has.
Went back to the store hunting specifically for lemon-forward stuff. Found Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning. Label looked promising. Tested it on baked cod. Good kick, but heavy on the pepper and chili. Not bad though – spicy cousin vibes. Also spotted Lawry’s Seasoned Salt in my cabinet. Mixed a dash with paprika and dried dill. Too… dusty? Like Thanksgiving turkey seasoning wandered onto my fish.
The Final Taste Test
Made a big batch of shrimp, split it four ways:
- McCormick Mix: Pretty close! Salt level controlled, garlic came through. Still not as bright as original.
- Tony Chachere’s Solo: Spicy and bold. If you like heat, it’s a fun substitute. My kid hated it.
- Lawry’s Frankenstein Mix: Nope. Tasted like regret.
- Plain Old Bay: Just… basic. Safe but boring.
What Actually Stuck?
Ended up using the McCormick blend (with extra garlic powder and paprika) for fish later that week. Worked decent! For shrimp, Tony C’s grew on me – added a squeeze of actual lemon juice to mimic that missing tang. Real talk? Nothing hit EXACTLY like the real deal. McCormick mix is the backup quarterback – reliable but not the star. Tony’s is the wildcard friend. Still keeping my eyes peeled for the legit Red Lobster shaker though. Lesson learned: hoard that stuff when you see it.
