Blackened Seasoning
Blackened seasoning is an easy way give a little Creole flavor to your fish, seafood, chicken, or beef. Perfect on meat that is grilled, baked, or sauteed.
This blackened seasoning (sometimes called blackening seasoning) has been one of my go-to seasonings this summer. It is great on grilled, baked, or sauteed chicken and shrimp and if you love spicy foods it has an amazingly rich flavor and just enough heat to keep it interesting.
Of course you can buy a premade version but just like our homemade taco seasoning, fajita, seasoning, and BBQ dry rub there is just something about making it yourself. You eliminate all of the additional additives they use to keep it shelf stable and you’re just left with the flavor!
Our recipe for this blend allows you to control how much heat you want. And it also allows you to avoid using huge amounts of salt, which many store bought blends rely on.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
For any blend, you’ll need an array of spices. Something spice companies don’t want you to know: you probably have most of these on hand on your spice rack anyway. So here’s what you’ll need:
- Paprika – Paprika adds a smoky, somewhat earthy flavor.
- Onion and Garlic powder – These are great aromatics that provide a bit of an earthy flavor.
- Ground black pepper – Adds a bit of heat.
- Kosher salt – You can omit it or lower the amount if you are on a low sodium diet.
- Cayenne pepper -You can add more, less, or none to adjust the heat level.
- Dried thyme – This adds a bit of an earthy, floral flavor.
- Dried oregano – Another earthy flavor that adds a bit of spiciness and sweetness.
Instructions
This is a two step process. Here’s what to do.
Step 1 – Measure and mix. Measure out the spices, pour them in a small bowl, and thoroughly mix with a fork or spoon.
Step 2 – Store the blend. After mixing, pour or spoon the mix into an airtight container. You can store the blend for up to 2 months.
What is Blackening?
Blackening is a type of cooking technique that is a cross between Creole and Cajun cooking. The process often involves coating fish, seafood, chicken, or other ingredients (I even love it on vegetables!) in a bit of butter and then rubbing them with a spice blend.
The spice blend typically contains spices like thyme, oregano, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. It is known as blackening because the spices will often turn dark or black as they cook.
Typically, blackened food is either grilled or pan seared, but it can be fried or baked depending on the recipe.
What is the Difference Between Cajun Seasoning and Blackened Seasoning?
Cajun and blackening seasonings are pretty similar, but they often are different in one key area. Cajun is typically spicier than blackened seasonings. However, you can make either blend spicier or milder by adjusting pepper levels.
How to Make it Ahead of Time
This is a great make ahead recipe since you can use it in any number of recipes. To make ahead, simply follow the recipe by mixing together the spices and placing in an airtight container. You can store the blend in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months.
This recipe makes 13 tablespoons. You can double the batch if you plan to use the blend to feed a lot or plan to make blackened recipes frequently.
Looking for More Easy Seasonings and Sauces?
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- Peri Peri Sauce
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- Homemade Ranch Seasoning
- Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
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- More Seasonings and Sauces…
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Blackened Seasoning
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Paprika
- 2 teaspoons Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
Instructions
- Mix all of the spices together and stir until well combined.
- Seal in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
Nutrition
