Homemade Blackened Seasoning
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Homemade Blackened Seasoning
Get ready to elevate your dishes with Homemade Blackened Seasoning! Bursting with robust flavors and a hint of spice, this versatile seasoning blend is perfect for adding depth to your favorite recipes. Whether you're grilling up chicken, searing seafood, or seasoning vegetables, this homemade seasoning will take your creations to the next level. Easy to make + packed with flavor it's sure to become a staple in your kitchen pantry. Ready in just 5 minutes. Vegan, Nut-free + Gluten-free.
Lately, I've been absolutely hooked on blackened seasoning. I've whipped up Creamy Blackened Chicken Rigatoni Pasta, Weeknight Blackened Chicken Tacos, Easy Blackened Salmon Sliders, Blackened Shrimp Po' Boy, and the list goes on! It's become my go-to flavor booster for creating such a nice crispy crusty exterior. So, I FINALLY decided it's time to make my own homemade blackened seasoning to keep in my pantry at all times because, let's face it, it's seriously the best!
What do I love most about this seasoning blend? Well, it's incredibly versatile, and it literally takes just 5 minutes to put together. You can sprinkle it on a wide range of dishes, and its fusion of heat + vibrant herby flavors play well with everything, from meat to vegan + vegetarian dishes this will be your new go-to!
Jump to:
- What Is Homemade Blackened Seasoning?
- Why You Will LOVE This Homemade Blackened Seasoning
- How To Make Homemade Blackened Seasoning
- Ingredients
- What Is Blackened Seasoning Used For?
- How To Blacken Foods
- Can I Use Blackened Seasoning As A Marinade?
- Homemade Blackened Seasoning Q + A's
- More Easy Homemade Recipes
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- Homemade Blackened Seasoning
What Is Homemade Blackened Seasoning?
Homemade Blackened Seasoning is a flavorful spice blend used to create that signature "blackened" crust on meats and seafood. It's made by mixing herbs and spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. This seasoning adds a kick of heat and depth to dishes, giving them that delicious Cajun-inspired flavor.
Why You Will LOVE This Homemade Blackened Seasoning
- Creates that signature "blackened" crust adding depth + texture to every bite.
- Bursting with bold flavors that elevate any dish.
- Adds a delicious kick of spice
- Versatile enough to use on a variety of meats like chicken, seafood + vegetables.
- Control the ingredients + adjust the heat level to your preference.
- Easy + quick to make!
How To Make Homemade Blackened Seasoning
This blackened seasoning recipe is as simple as mixing all your spices together and takes just 5 minutes! Here are the simple ingredients that you will need for this recipe:
Ingredients
SEASONING:
- Smoked paprika. Infuses a smoky undertone.
- Onion Powder. Imparts a subtle, sweet onion flavor.
- Garlic powder. Adds a savory kick.
- Dried thyme. Earthy, aromatic note.
- Dried oregano. For herby flavor.
- Sea salt. Enhances overall flavor.
- Black pepper. Provides a pungent, spicy element.
- Organic brown sugar. For a hint of sweetness.
- Cayenne pepper. Adds a fiery heat.
What Is Blackened Seasoning Used For?
Homemade Blackened Seasoning is used to add flavor and create a spicy, crusty exterior on meats, seafood, and vegetables when cooked at high temperatures. It's perfect for seasoning chicken, fish, shrimp, steak, and even vegetables before grilling, pan-searing, or baking. The seasoning adds depth and a spicy kick, giving dishes a distinctive Cajun-inspired flavor profile! I personally LOVE making blackened chicken!
I also love this with my vegan + vegetarian dishes, it's so tasty with tofu, tempeh, and on vegetables like homemade fries, or roasted vegetables to go into a Buddha bowl! The options are endless!
How To Blacken Foods
To blacken foods with blackened seasoning, start by preheating a skillet or grill until it's very hot. Pat dry the protein of your choice—commonly blackened fish or chicken (or tofu)—and generously coat it with the blackened seasoning. Then, add a small amount of butter or oil to the hot skillet or grill and cook the seasoned protein for a few minutes on each side until it's blackened and cooked through. Be prepared for some smoke as the seasoning may burn slightly.
This technique infuses the food with bold flavors and creates a deliciously charred exterior, perfect for Cajun-inspired dishes.
Can I Use Blackened Seasoning As A Marinade?
Yes absolutely! Creating a Blackened seasoning marinade is super easy and adds a ton of flavor to your dishes.
HOW TO USE AS A MARINADE
- Grab a few tablespoons of blackened seasoning and mix it with ¼ cup of olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar. (The exact amount will depend on what + how much you are planning on marinating)
- Now, coat your meat, chicken, seafood, or tofu/veggies in this delightful concoction and let them hang out in the fridge. For meats, aim for at least 30 minutes, while seafood and veggies are good to go in 15-30 minutes. You can go longer if you want that flavor punch to really sink in.
- Then, fire up the grill, pop them in the oven, or cook them however you like. That blackened magic will do its thing, and you'll have a mouthwatering meal with a personal touch. Enjoy!
Homemade Blackened Seasoning Q + A's
Absolutely! You have full control over the level of spiciness in this homemade Blackened Seasoning recipe. You can add more or less black pepper & cayenne powder or add red pepper flakes to increase the heat.
If you'd prefer more of a bolder smoky flavor, simply add another ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika to the mix.
Definitely! This recipe makes for about 2 servings worth of this seasoning blend. To make a larger batch, feel free to double or triple the ingredients.
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, homemade Blackened Seasoning can retain its flavor for up to 6 months.
The amount of seasoning to use depends on personal taste preferences and the specific dish you are preparing. It is best to start with a small amount, such as a teaspoon, and gradually adjust according to your desired flavor intensity.
It is not necessary to refrigerate the seasoning as long as it is stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
More Easy Homemade Recipes
Love making Homemade Blackened Seasoning recipe from scratch? Check out these amazing homemade recipes next!
- Homemade Jerk Dry Rub Seasoning
- How to Make Homemade Croutons
- Seasoned Toasted Panko Bread Crumbs
- Creamy Avocado Pesto Mayo Sauce
- Herb Roasted Tomatoes
- Vegan Ranch Dressing
- How to Make Quick Pickled Vegetables
- How To Make Chocolate Oat Milk
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried this Homemade Blackened Seasoning recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
Homemade Blackened Seasoning
Ingredients
SEASONING:
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon organic brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
TO MAKE THE SEASONING BLEND:
- In a bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper until combined.
- Store seasoning blend in a tightly sealed mason jar or seasoning jar at room temperature.
- Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- STORAGE: You can store the leftover seasoning blend in an airtight container or tightly sealed mason jar at room temperature for up to 6 months. Use it on anything from simple roasted vegetables to salad dressing to herb oil for dipping bread.
- BIGGER BATCH: This recipe makes for about 2 servings worth of this seasoning blend. To make a larger batch, feel free to double or triple the ingredients.
- SMOKIER TASTE: If you'd prefer more of a bolder smoky flavor, simply add another ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika to the mix.
Nutrition
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