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Homemade Blackened Seasoning

Homemade blackened seasoning is simple to make, combining smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder and garlic powder, with dried thyme & oregano. It’s really easy to make a big batch too, ready to use with a variety of meats, seafood and vegetables.



 

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Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

This simple blend of herbs and spices packs a real flavor punch, adding intense flavor to various dishes.

My best-blackened seasoning recipe is ideal as it’s made using the dried herbs and spices that most of us will already have in our store cupboards at home.

Use blackened seasoning for chicken, steak, and pork or for adding a touch of spice to shrimps or your favorite filet of fish. It also works a treat with vegetables too. Once made, you’ll find a variety of uses for it.

What is the difference between Cajun and blackened seasoning?

These are two very similar seasoning blends, using some of the same spice ingredients. However, Cajun seasoning tends to be a spicier seasoning, containing ground chili. So, if you like your food on the slightly milder side, I’d opt for blackened seasoning.

How to make a homemade blackened seasoning

White bowl containing ingredients for blackened seasoning and an open jar of smoked paprika

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl.

Store in an airtight container and store in a cool cupboard, out of direct sunlight.

Pour the spice blend into an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid. It’s ready to use straight away or store for later use.

What’s in homemade blackened seasoning?

  • Smoked paprika
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Onion powder
  • Ground black pepper
  • Kosher salt
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried thyme
  • Garlic powder

How spicy is blackened seasoning?

When making your own seasoning blends, a lot comes down to personal taste. This seasoning uses cayenne pepper so it does have a kick to it. But if you like your spice on the milder side, simply cut back a little on the cayenne pepper.

That’s what’s great about making your own spice blends, you can really tailor to suit your own tastes.

White bowl and a wooden spoon with spice blend and jars of herbs and spices set alongside

Why make your own spice mix?

Not only is it really quick and easy to make your own spice blends and seasonings, it tends to be a lot less expensive, compared with store-bought spice blends. Also, store bought seasonings often contain unnecessary preservatives and additives, so it’s a healthier option too.

How to store homemade blackened seasoning

Depending on the freshness of your herbs and spices, this blend will keep well for 3 to 6 months, so for sure, make up a big batch, so it’s on hand to use. Once mixed, store it in an airtight container or jar in a cupboard, so it’s out of direct sunlight.

Don’t keep spices in the fridge, which can dull the flavors.

How do you use blackened seasoning?

This is an adaptable spice blend and once made, you’ll find a whole host of uses for it. It works well to flavor steak, pork, chicken, seafood or vegetables.

Try seasoning some salmon or snapper filets, or add to chicken thighs or your favorite cut of steak before grilling. Sprinkle a spoon over a mix of vegetables while roasting them in the oven.

One of my favorite uses for this simple seasoning is in my Ninja Foodi Fish and Grits recipe. I also love it in my blackened chicken Alfredo recipe.

A white bowl containing a blend of spices, with an open jar of paprika and some measuring spoons set alongside

Recipe Tips

  • Double, triple, or quadruple the recipe if you like. Change the serving size in the recipe card below to modify the ingredients.
  • Store in an airtight container for future uses. Keep it in a cupboard out of direct sunlight and do not store in the refrigerator or you will dull the flavor.
  • Make sure that your ingredients aren’t stale. Rub a little of each between your fingers, if they release an aroma they are good to use.
  • I prefer to make smaller batches of spice blends, that way, they always taste fresh.
  • A funnel makes it easy to pour spices into a jar.

FAQs

What does blackened seasoning taste like?

Blackened seasoning is a savory and slightly spicy seasoning blend, made using a combination of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme and oregano.

Do I need to use all the herbs and spices?

This spice blend is easily adapted to suit your own tastes, if there is a flavor you don’t enjoy, then simply leave it out or add another flavor.

How long do homemade seasoning blends last?

A lot comes down to how fresh the dried herbs and spices were to start with. If fresh, with a long shelf life, once combined, this seasoning will store in an airtight container, in a dark cupboard, for up to 6 months.

More Seasoning Mixes

If you enjoy making your own seasoning mixes, here are some other recipes for you to try.

If you have tried this homemade blackened seasoning recipe or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below.

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5 from 1 vote

Homemade Blackened Seasoning

Homemade blackened seasoning is simple to make, combining smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, with dried thyme & oregano. It's really easy to make a big batch too, ready to use with a variety of meats, seafood and vegetables.
Course Seasoning
Cuisine American
Keyword best blackened seasoning, blackened seasoning mix, blackened seasoning spice blend, homemade blackened seasoning
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 3 ounces
Calories 32kcal
Author Tanya

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all the ingredients together in a small bowl.
  • Place in an airtight container and store in a cool cupboard, out of direct sunlight.

Notes

  • This recipe yields 1/3 cup (3 ounces) of blackened seasoning, but you can double, triple, or quadruple the recipe if you like.
  • Store in an airtight container for future uses. Keep it in a cupboard out of direct sunlight.
  • Make sure that your ingredients aren’t stale. Rub a little of each between your fingers, if they release an aroma they are good to use.
 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 32kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 781mg | Potassium: 189mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3020IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2mg
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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)
Recipe Rating