If you aren't sure what's for dinner, pick any meat you can grill or skillet fry and add this amazing homemade Blackening Seasoning mix. This homemade blackened seasoning is full of savory flavor, perfect for all kinds of meat, and is easy to pull together last minute.
Blackening spices create a dark, crusty exterior on meats, fish, and sometimes even vegetables, when cooked with high heat in a cast iron skillet or heavy pan.
The seasoning is a staple in Cajun seasoning. This versatile seasoning works on so many foods. This mixture of spices works great on steaks, chicken breasts and fish.
Why This Recipe
Fast and Easy. Making your own spice blends is so easy - in just two minutes time you are going to have a homemade seasoning without preservatives. You will know exactly what goes into your seasoning mix.
Inexpensive. The good news -- this best blackened seasoning will cost less than buying a small packet of the same cajun blackening seasoning pre-mixed.
Convenient. Mix up a jar or your own seasoning mixes and keep this on hand for very quick grilled weeknight meals. You can also adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl. Just large enough to hold and stir all the spices.
- Measuring Spoons. To measure the spices you need. We provide the perfect ratio to start with!
- Whisk. You can also use a fork.
Key Ingredients for Blackening Seasoning
- Paprika. I use regular paprika. A good quality paprika adds so much flavor!
- Cayenne Pepper. Red chile flakes can also be used. This adds a kick of heat to the blackening seasoning recipe.
- Onion Powder. Make your own with dried minced onion if you don't have the powder. You can also use granulated onion, which is larger than the typical onion powder and smaller than dried minced onion.
- Garlic Powder. Granulated garlic will also work for the same reason.
- Italian Seasoning. A blend of thyme, basil, oregano and other spices.
- Salt. Coarse kosher salt is a good choice, but sea salt or the more finely granulated table salt will also work.
- Black Pepper. I like to use fresh cracked pepper, but in lieu of that use coarse ground black pepper.
Full list in printable recipe card below.
How to Make Blackening Seasoning
Combine all ingredients in a small dish and whisk or stir until fully mixed. Use immediately or store in an airtight jar or container in a dry pantry for up to six months. I like to use a mason jar which I label with a removable sticker so that I know what is in the jar and when it was created.
You can also freeze this spice mixture, which might work better than cabinet storage if you live in a high moisture environment.
Tips for Best Results
It is important to use fresh, high quality spices. If your spice jars have been in the cabinet for more than six months, they should be replaced. Dried spices lose their flavor and impact over time.
The best way to use the seasoning mix to your meat right before grilling, or even add it the night before and let the meat dry brine in the fridge.
The great thing about homemade seasonings is adjusting the combination of spices to your preferences is easy. This means that if you like a stronger flavor of one herb or spice more, adjust it to your liking. Don’t forget to write down the changes you made to your recipe for future use.
You can use smoked paprika in place of normal paprika for a burst of extra smokey flavor. Smoked paprika comes in a variety of styles, from mild to extra spicy. You can increase the amount of cayenne pepper
Using quality spices will enhance your seasoning mixture. Cheaper spices result in less flavor.
Use this seasoning in the same amount as you would store-bought.
Store in an airtight container like a small glass jar in your spice rack.
More Great homemade seasoning blends
Homemade spice blends are a great way to
- Fajitas Seasoning Recipe
- Best Italian Seasoning
- Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe
- Best Homemade All Purpose Seasoning Blend Recipe
📖 Recipe
Blackening Seasoning
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small dish and whisk or stir until fully mixed.
- USe immediately or store in an airtight jar or container in a dry pantry for up to 6 months.
Notes
You can use smoked paprika in place of normal paprika for a burst of extra flavor.
Using quality spices will enhance your seasoning mixture. Cheaper spices result in less flavor.
Use this seasoning in the same amount as you would store-bought.
Nutrition
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