Blackening seasoning is a sure-fire way to amp up the flavor of chicken, salmon, shrimp, and more! It’s a blend of herbs and spices that gives meat and seafood a delicious, super flavorful char.
The best part: it’s so easy to make this homemade blackening seasoning blend yourself, and only takes a few minutes to throw together!
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Why I Love Homemade Seasoning Blends
I love how quick and easy it is to make homemade seasoning mixes! There’s no cooking or effort involved, other than just tossing some spices and seasonings in a small bowl or cup and stirring it.
Plus, I’ve found that many pre-made seasoning blends have a TONNNNN of added salt. Personally, I like to be able to control how much salt is added to my meals, so I prefer to add my own salt to taste. That’s why homemade seasoning mixes are so great – you can control the salt level yourself!
Ways to Use Blackening Seasoning
Blackening seasoning is traditionally added to meat and seafood before it’s seared or grilled to really lock in the flavor and give it a nice char. You can also use it on roasted potatoes and vegetables!
This spice blend is incredible on these juicy blackened chicken sandwiches (inspired by a popular fast food item, but WAY better!) and these tasty blackened salmon tacos with mango salsa.
Another way to enjoy this seasoning blend: stir it into plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for a savory crema sauce that’s delicious on burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and more!
Spices You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this homemade seasoning mix. (See the end of the post for the specific measurements in the recipe card!)
- smoked paprika (This adds a perfect smoky flavor here, but regular paprika works in a pinch.)
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- dried thyme
- black pepper
- ground cumin
- cayenne pepper (Optional – you can easily adjust this for heat preference. Use more if you like it spicy!)
- kosher salt
You probably already have most of these spices and seasonings in your pantry!
How to Make Homemade Blackening Seasoning
You barely even need instructions for this blackening seasoning recipe – it’s pretty self-explanatory! Just combine all the spices in a small bowl or jar and stir until well-mixed. That’s it!
To use on meat, just rub all over both sides before searing or grilling over medium or medium-high heat (depending on what type of meat you’re making). The seasoning will blacken and form a flavorful “crust” on the meat.
How to Store
Once mixed, place your homemade blackening seasoning in an airtight container and store in a cool, dark, dry place (like the pantry) for 3-6 months.
If you notice it start to lose its flavor, toss it and make a new batch (if it even lasts that long – I promise you’re going to want to use this on everything)!
I hope you enjoy this homemade spice mix! I’d love to hear how you end up using it – please feel free to share in the comments!
Easy sauces to add more delicious flavor to your meals:
- 5-Ingredient Creamy Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
- Avocado Lime Crema (No Mayo)
- Spicy Queso with Hummus
- Creamy Beetroot Hummus with Tahini
3-Minute Homemade Blackening Seasoning Mix (So Flavorful!)
Homemade blackening seasoning is a sure-fire way to amp up the flavor of chicken, salmon, shrimp, and more! This quick and easy blend of herbs and spices gives meat and seafood a delicious, super flavorful char.
Ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 - 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional - adjust for heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Stir until well-mixed. To use, rub all over meat or seafood prior to searing or grilling.
