Homemade Blackened Seasoning Recipe

Add a punch of flavor to your meals with this homemade blackened seasoning. 

It’s a delightful blend featuring paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, herbs, and black pepper. It also has a little kick of heat from cayenne pepper.

Big on flavor, this Cajun blend is fantastic for meats, seafood, vegetables, and more. 

Its herbal undertones and spicy notes are key to achieving that delectable restaurant-quality blackened crust.

Use it for grilling, roasting, or sautéing. Your meals will reach new heights with blackened seasoning in your cooking arsenal. 

What Is Blackened Seasoning? 

Blackened seasoning is a bold mix of chili powders, spices, and dried herbs. 

This spice blend is a staple in Cajun cuisine. Making it at home is super inexpensive.   

This eight-ingredient blend calls for pantry staples, and it only takes 5 minutes to make.

Paprika lends a sweet touch, and black pepper provides a subtle kick. Garlic and onion powders add depth, and cayenne brings the heat. 

Try it on anything and everything that needs a flavor-packed savory punch!

Ingredients 

Blackened seasoning calls for eight common spice cabinet staples. Odds are you already have everything you need!

The ingredients in this blend include:

• Paprika – Regular paprika works best. You can also use smoked paprika for more depth.

• Cayenne – To bring the heat! For a milder version, use less. Or double the amount for a fiery kick.

• Garlic powder – It’s part of the backbone of the blend that adds complexity. You can’t make this seasoning without it.

• Onion powder – It’s another must for blackened seasoning that adds depth.

• Black pepper – Ground black pepper is preferable. 

• Dried basil, oregano, and thyme – This herb trifecta has the best flavor. But you can substitute them with other herbs like dried parsley.

• Salt (optional) – You can add table salt or sea salt. Alternatively, you can leave it out for a low-sodium blend. 

How to Make Blackened Seasoning 

Making your own blackened seasoning is ridiculously easy. It’s simply a matter of measuring, mixing, and storing. 

Here are the steps:

1. Mix. Add paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried basil, oregano, and thyme to a bowl. Mix until fully incorporated.
   
2. Store. Transfer the seasoning to an air-tight container. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Ways to Use Blackened Seasoning 

From Cajun cuisine to plant-based dishes, the uses for blackened seasoning are endless. Fish tacos, pan-fried catfish, and chicken pasta are few favorites.

You don’t have to be a well-trained chef to use it, either. Rather, you just need some ideas and recipes. 

Here are some ways to use blackened seasoning:

• Cajun shrimp

• Louisiana chicken pasta

• Roasted potatoes

• Air fryer salmon

• Roasted vegetables

• Blackened chicken

• Red beans and rice

• Old-fashioned vegetable beef soup

How to Blacken Foods 

Blackening food is a simple process. 

First, generously season your main ingredients. Then, cook your meat over high heat. 

A hot cast-iron skillet works particularly well. As the food cooks, it will develop a beautiful blackened crust.

Here’s a general guide for blackening:

1. Season your protein or ingredient of choice. Generously coat your ingredients with seasoning.

2. Cook on high heat. Sear the meat or cook other ingredients in a pan with butter. 

Oh, and word to the wise, open a window! 

Blackening food creates a decent amount of smoke. So keep your space well-ventilated. Turn on the exhaust fan and open a window.  

How to Store 

Store blackened seasonings like all other spices. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.

It’s best to keep it in an air-tight container. I prefer to use either a glass jar or a reusable spice shaker.

Keep in mind the overall quality will change over time. So, proper storage will help preserve the flavor.