This Blackening Seasoning recipe creates a versatile, smoky, spicy blend, perfect for forming a flavorful crust on grilled or pan-fried dishes. Easily homemade, it combines everyday spices and can be stored for future use, bringing a robust flavor to meats, fish, and vegetables.
What Is Blackening Seasoning?
There are many brands of blackening seasoning available on the market, each with its own unique flavor profile, ranging from mild to extra-hot. But blackening doesn’t simply refer to charring a food—it’s a method of seasoning that involves the use of various herbs and spices. The food is coated in the spice mixture and then cooked over high heat. As the spices heat up, they release their flavors, forming a tasty, flavorful crust on the food. If you’d like to make your own homemade blackening seasoning, this is our go-to recipe. You can easily double or quadruple the ingredients to prepare a larger batch for storage and future use.
Make Your Own Blackening Seasoning!
Nothing beats a homemade seasoning blend. It outclasses store-bought packets in so many ways, and once you try this Blackening Seasoning, you might not want to do it any other way! Here are some of the benefits of making your own seasoning:
- Customization: By making your own spice blend, you can control every element. If you love a particular spice, you can add more; if you’re not a fan of a certain ingredient, you can reduce it or leave it out entirely. This is especially useful for those who have dietary restrictions or allergies, or for those who prefer their food less spicy.
- Freshness: Store-bought spice mixes can sit on the shelf for an extended period of time before they’re purchased, which may cause them to lose some of their potency and flavor. Making your own blend ensures you’re using the freshest possible ingredients, leading to a richer, more robust flavor.
- Cost-effective: While it might cost more to buy six different spices to make this mix, once you have them you can make dozens of batches for no additonal cost. And since most of the spices you need are common ones, you’ll be able to use them in all sorts of ways. You can also buy in bulk and make large batches of your spice blend to save even more.
- No additives: Some pre-made spice blends include preservatives or anti-caking agents. Making your own blend ensures you’re getting pure spices with no added chemicals or fillers.
- Makes a great Gift: Homemade spice blends, packaged in jars and labeled with their name and date, make thoughtful and practical gifts for foodie friends and family.
What’s In Our Blackening Seasoning
- Salt: Acts as a flavor enhancer, making all other ingredients taste more pronounced.
- Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and sharpness.
- Dried thyme: Contributes a subtle, earthy flavor that’s slightly minty and sweet.
- Dried oregano: Gives a robust, peppery flavor and pairs well with other spices.
- Garlic powder: Provides a savory depth to the mix.
- Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with its mild, sweet onion taste.
- Paprika: Adds a sweet, smoky flavor and vibrant color to your blend. Regular paprika provides sweetness while smoked paprika gives a robust smoky flavor. A mix of both types provides beautiful nuance to the mix.
- Cayenne: Supplies the heat in your mix. Adjust the amount according to your heat tolerance. Always start with less, as you can add more later if desired.
- Old Bay® Seasoning (optional): This classic blend of spices adds a unique, tangy flavor with a bit of heat, elevating the overall taste of your spice mix. If you don’t have it on hand, it can be left out, but it does add a unique complexity to the blend.
Quick Tip
Remember, the quality of your spices will directly affect the flavor of your Blackening Seasoning, so use the freshest spices you have available. Additionally, storage is key for maintaining the potency and flavor of your seasoning; always store your spices in a cool, dry place.
How To Use Blackening Seasoning
Blackening seasoning is a versatile spice blend that can be used in so many different ways and adds loads of flavor to your dishes! Here are some ways to use this seasoning blend:
- Blackening meats and fish: This is the most traditional use of blackening seasoning. Dredge chicken, steak, pork, or fish (like catfish or salmon) in melted butter, then coat evenly with the seasoning before cooking over high heat in a very hot skillet or on the grill. This technique creates a deliciously charred, smoky, and spicy crust.
- Seasoning vegetables: Sprinkle blackening seasoning over vegetables before roasting or grilling.
- In marinades: Add blackening seasoning to your marinades for an extra kick of flavor. It works great in both oil-based and yogurt-based marinades.
- In dips and sauces: Mix it into mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt for a quick, easy, and flavorful dip. You can also stir some into your barbecue or tomato sauce for a smoky, spicy twist.
- Sprinkled on snacks: Lightly sprinkle blackening seasoning over popcorn, nuts, or homemade potato chips for a savory snack.
- In soups and stews: Add a spoonful into your soups, stews, or chilis for a deeper, richer flavor profile.
- With eggs and dairy: Blackening seasoning adds a spicy kick to scrambled eggs, omelets, or even cheese-based dishes.
This flavorful blend can transform a simple dish into something special with just a sprinkle. Enjoy experimenting with it!
Storage
To store your homemade Blackening Seasoning, transfer it to an airtight glass container or airtight bag (we love these!). Store in a dark, cool, and dry place like a pantry or spice cabinet away from heat. Label the container with the name and date, and use within a year for maximum flavor. Check regularly for any signs of spoilage, such as off smells, changes in color, or moisture.
More Homemade Seasoning Blends:
- Taco Seasoning perfectly replaces one store-bought taco seasoning packet
- Apple Pie Spice delicious in baked goods or sprinkled on oatmeal
- Everything Bagel Seasoning irresistible on avocado toast!
- Fajita Seasoning with a kick of spice!
- Pumpkin Pie Spice great for baking
Blackening Seasoning
Equipment
- small bowl
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoons paprika see note 1
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper see note 2
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning optional
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine all spices in a small bowl or container. Stir.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
