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.
![Raw organic blackened seasoning on a white plate](https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Blackened-Seasoning.jpg)
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:
- Mix. Add paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried basil, oregano, and thyme to a bowl. Mix until fully incorporated.
- 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:
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:
- Season your protein or ingredient of choice. Generously coat your ingredients with seasoning.
- 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.