If you enjoy bold, spicy flavors, homemade Blackening Seasoning is an essential addition to your spice collection. This smoky, peppery blend makes an excellent rub for chicken, fish, and other seafood.
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I especially love this blackening seasoning on fish and seafood. Blackened Fish Tacos with Pineapple Salsa are one of my favorite dishes that showcase this mix, and Blackened Salmon Cakes with Corn Salsa is another great option. Both recipes highlight how versatile the blend can be.
What Is Blackening Seasoning Made Of?
Blackening seasoning is a blend of warm, aromatic spices. A classic version typically includes paprika and smoked paprika for color and smokiness, onion and garlic powder for savory depth, dried thyme and oregano for herbaceous notes, plus salt, black pepper, and cayenne for heat. You can adjust the quantities—particularly the cayenne—to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
How Do I Make Blackening Seasoning?
Making blackening seasoning at home is quick and straightforward. Combine the measured spices in a small bowl, stir thoroughly to blend, then transfer the mixture into a clean, dry jar using a funnel or a folded piece of parchment paper. Stored in a cool, dry place, the mix will remain flavorful for several months.
How Do You Blacken Something?
Blackening is a cooking method in which food is coated in melted butter, dusted with blackening seasoning, and cooked at high heat. Cast iron skillets are traditional because they retain and distribute heat well, creating the characteristic dark, flavorful crust.
If you don’t have cast iron, you can still achieve excellent results by using the spice blend as a dry rub and grilling or roasting meats and seafood. The seasoning enhances flavor whether you sear in a skillet, grill, or bake in the oven.
How Long Can I Store Homemade Blackening Seasoning?
Stored in a sealed jar in a cool, dry cabinet or pantry, the blackening seasoning will stay usable for several months. Like most ground spices, the blend begins to lose potency after about six months, so try to use it within that time for the best flavor. If kept longer, it will still be safe but may taste milder.
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Print Recipe
Homemade Blackening Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons onion powder
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1.5 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
- 1.5 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
- ½ teaspoon cayenne
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
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Measure all ingredients into a small bowl and stir until evenly combined. Transfer the blend into a clean, dry jar using a funnel or a folded piece of parchment paper.
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Store the spice mixture in a cool, dry place. It will keep its best flavor for several months.