Blackening Seasoning
Blackening Seasoning is exactly what you need to make your grilled meats a million times more delicious! Whether it’s fish, chicken, steak, or whatever other meat you’re preparing, it’ll pair perfectly with this homemade seasoning blend. The best part? You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen now!
It’s so satisfying to stock up your spice cabinet with homemade seasoning blends! You get all of the flavor you’re craving with none of the artificial flavors or preservatives from the store-bought blends. Try our favorite Baked Potato Seasoning, French Fry Seasoning, and Taco Seasoning!
Blackening Seasoning
We LOVE making homemade seasoning blends! More often than not, the store-bought stuff is just too loaded with sodium and chock-full of artificial flavors and preservatives. When you make a simple blend at home, you can avoid all of that and just enjoy the real flavors you’re looking for.
This easy homemade Blackening Seasoning features spices like smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, a medley of herbs and just a pinch or so of salt and black pepper. This stuff is seriously bold!
How to Make Blackening Seasoning
Mix up your spices and either use the blackened seasoning mix immediately or store it for later. It’s so easy to make!
- Measure all of your ingredients and toss them into a jar or small bowl.
- Stir or shake to combine.
- Use immediately on seafood, chicken, pork, or beef or store it for later.
Tips and Variations
- With a seasoning mix where the spices are so pronounced, you’ll want to only use freshly cracked black pepper. It yields the most flavor. If you don’t use freshly cracked black pepper, you may not be able to taste it because of the other powerful spices at play.
- Make this seasoning mix spicier by adding more cayenne pepper. Just keep in mind that a little goes a long way!
- Try not to be too heavy handed with the amount of salt you add. The salt should only be sprinkled in to compliment the other spices, not to overpower them.
Storage
In an airtight container placed in a cool, dark place, Blackening Seasoning will stay fresh for up to 6 months.
What is the difference between blackening and Cajun seasoning?
The two seasoning blends are pretty similar, but Cajun seasoning tends to have more of a spicy kick to it. You’ll often find that Blackening Seasoning is used in lots of Cajun cuisine to help blacken meat without giving it too much spice.
Does Blackening Season blacken the meat?
The phrase “blackening” actually refers to the cooking process, not the seasoning. With that being said, this seasoning blend is designed to compliment the flavors of blackened meat.
More Cooking Basics
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, adjust for more or less heat
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a small bowl (or jar with a lid), and stir to combine.3 tablespoons smoked paprika1 tablespoon onion powder2 teaspoons garlic powder2 teaspoons cayenne pepper1 ½ teaspoons salt1 teaspoon dried oregano1 teaspoon dried thyme½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Use on seafood, chicken, pork or beef.
- See post for tips and storage options.