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    Home » Recipes » Kitchen Basics

    Published: Feb 23, 2021 · Modified: Jan 12, 2023 by Jen Wooster

    Homemade Blackened Seasoning

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    - Jump to Recipe -
    Dry spice mix in a bowl.

    Homemade spice mixes, like this blackening seasoning recipe, are the staple of all home chefs. This Cajun-inspired recipe is made with dried herbs and spices you already have in your pantry. This blackened seasoning mix is delicious on fish, chicken, steaks, and more!

    Blackened seasoning Cajun dry rub in a white bowl with silver spoon.

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    Yes, you can buy premade blends but I prefer to make my own. Especially any type of BBQ rub or Cajun spice which can be overly salty and usually lacks the depth of flavor you need to create mouthwatering meals.

    This is the exact spicy blend I use when making blackened fish, my spicy blackened chicken, and my new favorite Cajun butter sauce.

    Jump to:
    • 📖Why This Recipe Works
    • 🧾Ingredient Notes
    • 🌡️Instructions and Storage
    • 🥗How to Use Blackened Seasoning
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tip
    • More Spicy Recipes
    • 💬Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Recipe
    • ⭐Reviews

    📖Why This Recipe Works

    Not Too Salty- Salt creates a lovely crust. This recipe uses just the right amount, and you always add more when finishing your dish.

    Spice Level- I prefer extra pepper in mine, but you can adjust the heat to your own preferences. Making it mild for everyday use and increasing the pepper when you want a spicy kick.

    Shelf Life- This recipe will keep up to 6 to 12 months when properly stored so go ahead and make a double batch.

    🧾Ingredient Notes

    Starting with fresh high-quality spices is key to any seasoning mix. I tend to buy in bulk and freeze spices until I need them.

    Our homemade seasoning starts with the basics, garlic and onion powder.

    Next comes the kick- peppers and salt. Followed by our secret ingredient and then finishes by rounding out with a trio of dried herbs.

    Smoked Paprika- Yes you can regular if you can't find smoked. But smoked paprika adds a depth of flavor and helps give your food that slow-cooked taste without having to overcook the meal.

    If you have visited my site before you probably know smoked paprika is just about my favorite thing. It makes everything taste better.

    Do not use chili powder in blackened seasoning.

    Kosher Salt- Always use kosher salt, table salt will be too salty. if that is all you have, reduce the quantity of salt.

    Ground White Pepper- White pepper is usually ground finer and is spicier than black pepper. This ingredient is often found in Cajun cuisine in place of ground black pepper.

    Cayenne Pepper- Optional, increase or decrease based on your preferred spice level. I prefer cayenne over crushed red pepper flakes in this recipe because the fine texture of the cayenne powder ensures each bite will have even spice.

    Ground Mustard- Not typically found in blackening seasoning, this is my secret ingredient!

    While ground mustard isn't detectable on its own but when I don't use it the seasoning tastes flat to me. I even add ground mustard to store-bought seasonings

    See the recipe card for exact quantities.

    Dried spices on a plate.

    🌡️Instructions and Storage

    Usually, I go into detail on how to make a recipe. But like all homemade dry spice blends, this is easy peasy.

    Simply combine all the spices in a jar with a tight-fitting lid or other airtight container, and stir or shake to combine.

    Assuming you are using fresh spices, the blackening seasoning can be stored in a cool dry place for up to a year. Given that most of us have half-used jars of spices laying around I suggest using it within 6 months.

    The spices may separate over time. Be sure to give your jar a shake before using it.

    🥗How to Use Blackened Seasoning

    Make a compound butter for slathering on steaks, rub on fish and shrimp, add a big helping to your seafood boil, or add to your dredge when making fried chicken.

    In addition to using on meats, I think roasted vegetables are one of the best ways to use this spice mix. Why not give your veggies bold flavor?

    I sprinkle it on roasted eggplant, slow-roasted tomatoes, and sauteed green beans along with a little olive oil or melted butter.

    Try stirring a tablespoon into your favorite cream sauce for cajun pasta or even mac and cheese. Or make these delectable Cajun shrimp deviled eggs!

    Collage of recipes using blackening seasoning.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tip

    Sprinkle a little of the blackened seasoning blend on your butter toast in the morning for an early morning pick me-up!

    More Spicy Recipes

    • Spicy Kani Salad with Mango
    • Sweet and Spicy Hasselback Butternut Squash
    • Spicy Avocado Coleslaw
    • Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip

    💬Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between blackened seasoning and blackening seasoning?

    These words are typically used interchangeably. Blackening refers to the cooking method where a piece of meat is coated with a thick and spicy dry rub before searing it in a cast iron skillet on high heat.

    If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave us a rating or a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.

    📖 Recipe

    homemade blackening seasoning in a bowl with a spoon

    Homemade Blackened Seasoning

    Recipe Created By: Jen Wooster
    A delicious blackened seasoning recipe is perfect for chicken, fish and more! This creole seasoning can be used in many of your favorite recipes and is made with pantry staples. The best part is you control the spice level.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Spice Mix
    Cuisine Cajun, Southern
    Servings 8
    Calories 18 kcal

    Equipment

    • Airtight storage container or jar

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
    • 1 tablespoon onion powder
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
    • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • ½ teaspoon dried basil

    Instructions
     

    • Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
    • Seal in an airtight container until use.

    Video

    Notes

    1. Adjust the level of heat by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
    2. The blackening seasoning can be stored at room temperature for up to a year.
    3. The spices may separate over time. Be sure to give your jar a shake before using it.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 18kcal | Carbs: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Fiber: 1g
    Keyword blackened seasoning, blackening seasoning, blackening spice, cajun seasoning, homemade blackening seasoning for fish, homemade spice blends
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Sara says

      March 21, 2021 at 3:14 pm

      5 stars
      Super simple to make using everyday spices. I used it as a wing rub and stirred some into a cream sauce for a spicy chicken alfredo.

      Reply
      • Jen says

        March 21, 2021 at 3:26 pm

        5 stars
        Thanks for the review!

        Reply

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    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

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