Make your own Blackened Seasoning Recipe at home with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and more! This bold, smoky, and spicy blend is perfect for chicken, fish, shrimp, vegetables and more.
If you love smoky, spicy and bold flavors, then you need this Blackened Seasoning Recipe in your kitchen spice cabinet!
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Blackening Seasoning
Made with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a blend of savory herbs and spices, this homemade mix is perfect for seasoning chicken, fish, shrimp, steak, or vegetables.
Easy and quick to make with basic kitchen pantry ingredients, this spice blend is customizable.
You can make this blackening seasoning recipe as bold and smoky as you want and you can also adjust the heat level according to your personal preferences.
You will love how much more flavorful a homemade spice blend is than a store-bought blend. And this homemade seasoning is made without preservatives and fillers.
Trust me when I tell you that once you try this easy seasoning mix, you’ll always want to keep a jar on hand to season weeknight dinners. This seasoning is especially delicious on grilled foods.
I recommend making a double batch because this Blackened Seasoning is going to go quickly!
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How to make homemade blackened seasoning
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- Step 1: Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Step 2: Whisk until blended then transfer to a spice jar or airtight container, and store in a cool, dry place.
Hint: For optimal flavor, be sure to use spices that are fresh and not too old when making this seasoning blend.
Expert recipe tips
- Toast the spices – This is an optional step but you can briefly toast the spices in a dry pan on the stovetop before mixing to deepen their flavor.
- Use fresh seasonings and spices - For the most vibrant flavor, replace the spices in your kitchen cabinet about every 6 months.
- Adjust the heat – For a milder spice blend, reduce cayenne pepper and for a major spice kick add extra cayenne pepper.
- Blend thoroughly - Whisk the ingredients together until thoroughly blended well or shake them in a sealed jar. This will guarantee that the flavors are evenly combined.
- Make a big batch – You can easily double or triple this recipe and make a big batch to save time and have extra on hand.
Substitutions
- Black Pepper - You can replace black pepper with white pepper.
- Cayenne Pepper - Substitute chipotle chili powder for some smoky heat or use crushed red pepper flakes for texture instead of cayenne pepper.
- Dried Thyme and Oregano – Dried Italian seasoning, herbs de Provence or dried Greek seasoning can be used instead of the dried thyme and oregano.
- Dried Italian Seasoning – Herbs de Provence, dried Greek seasoning or a combination of dried thyme and dried oregano can be used instead of dried Italian seasoning.
- Kosher Salt - Sea salt can replace kosher salt. You can use table salt but you will have to use less than the kosher salt amount called for in the recipe.
- Smoked Paprika – You can use sweet paprika or hot paprika if you don’t have smoked, but the flavor will definitely be less smoky.
Variations
- Cajun Seasoning Blend - Add more cayenne and smoked paprika for a spicier Cajun-style seasoning.
- Lemon Herb Blackened Seasoning - Mix in dried lemon zest or lemon pepper seasoning to give the spice blend a bright citrus kick.
- No-Salt Blend – You can always omit the salt if you prefer to control your sodium and make a salt-free seasoning.
- Sweet & Spicy - Add a pinch or two of brown sugar and balance the heat with some sweetness.
Storage
- Store your blackening spice blend in an airtight mason jar or spice container in a cool, dark place such as in a spice drawer, kitchen cabinet or pantry.
- The spice blend will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 6 months.
- I recommend putting a label on your jar with the date you made the seasoning.
- As always, I find it helpful to visit the FDA website for food storage guidelines
Best Ways to Use Blackening Spices
This versatile seasoning is perfect for:
- Pan-searing chicken, shrimp, beef or fish in a cast iron skillet
- Seasoning grilled foods
- Adding flavor when roasting vegetables or baking potatoes
- Giving a bold smoky flavor to steak or pork chops
- Adding a kick to soups, stews, or rice recipes
Ingredients
Best blackened seasoning recipe ingredients:
- Smoked Paprika - Adds a rich, smoky depth of flavor and gives this blend its unique flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper - Brings the perfect amount of heat giving the seasoning its signature blackened taste.
- Garlic Powder – Adds to the savory flavor and complements the smoky and spicy notes.
- Onion Powder - Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the spices.
- Dried Italian Seasoning - Lends a Mediterranean touch with a slightly peppery taste.
- Kosher Salt - Makes the flavors of all the spices and seasonings pop.
- Black Pepper - Adds a subtle hint of heat that rounds out the blend.
Homemade Seasonings
Make your own spice blends and you can control the ingredients.
Blackened Seasoning Recipe
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Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 Tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
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Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk or stir until blended.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight jar or container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.
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