Blackening Seasoning (Bold and Smoky)
This Blackening Seasoning is bold, smoky, and easy to make with spices you may already have in your pantry. A blend of paprika, garlic powder, herbs, and cayenne pepper creates a flavorful seasoning mix that's perfect for fish, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables.
We keep a jar of this seasoning in the spice cabinet because it works on so many different recipes. Whether you're making blackened fish tacos, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables, a homemade spice blend like this makes it easy to add plenty of flavor without reaching for store-bought seasoning packets.
If you enjoy our Blackened Cod Tacos and Fish Taco Sauce, this seasoning is the starting point for both.
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Ingredients
With just a couple of spices, you will be ready to make this simple recipe.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Paprika and Smoked Paprika: Create the signature color and smoky flavor.
- Sea Salt: Helps bring all of the spices together.
- Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: Add savory flavor without overpowering the blend.
- Cayenne Pepper: Brings a little heat. Adjust to suit your taste preferences.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle bite and rounds out the seasoning.
- Dried Thyme, Basil, and Oregano: Add depth and help give the blend its classic flavor.
Grab some measuring spoons and a glass jar to store this blend in, and you are ready to go.
Variations
- More Heat: I like spice, but not too much, so you may want to add extra cayenne pepper to suit your tastes.
- Touch of Sweetness: A small amount of brown sugar works well if using this seasoning on chicken or pork.
- Different Herbs: Try parsley or dried rosemary for a slightly different flavor profile.
How to Make Blackening Seasoning
Making your own seasoning at home is so simple, just mix and store!
Add all ingredients to a small bowl and mix.
Store in a glass jar or container with an airtight lid.
Hint: Use fresh spices to get the best flavor.
Recipe Tips
- Mix Thoroughly: This helps distribute the smaller spices evenly throughout the blend.
- Start Light: You can always add more seasoning, but it's harder to remove once applied.
- Store Airtight: A sealed spice jar helps maintain freshness and flavor.
- Make a Double Batch: One of our favorite things about homemade seasonings is having them ready whenever we need them.
If you're looking to make more homemade spice blends, our Moroccan Spice Blend is another good one to keep in your pantry.
More Homemade Staples
Storage Instructions
- Pantry: Store in an airtight container or spice jar for up to 6 months.
- Room Temperature: Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Make Ahead: This seasoning is perfect for meal prep and homemade spice blends.
- Best Flavor: While it keeps longer, we find the flavor is strongest during the first few months.
Serving Suggestions
- More Uses: Cod (for tacos or on its own), Blackened Shrimp, Blackened Chicken Breasts, Blackened Pork in the Oven.
- Side Dishes: Serve any blackened protein variation with Cucumber and Tomato Salad, Cornbread, Mac and Cheese and Creamy Coleslaw.
Blackening Seasoning Recipe FAQs
They're similar, but not always identical. Blackening seasoning is often a little more herb-forward and designed specifically for high-heat cooking techniques.
As written, it has a mild to moderate kick. If you enjoy spicy food, feel free to increase the cayenne.
No. A cast iron skillet works well, but any hot skillet or grill can produce great results.
Absolutely. We often double or triple the recipe and store it in spice jars.
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Blackening Seasoning
Equipment
- Small Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Airtight Jar with a Lid
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoon paprika
- 1 ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl and mix.
- Store in a jar or container with an airtight lid.
Notes
- Serving: ½ tablespoon.
- Mix Thoroughly: This helps distribute the smaller spices evenly throughout the blend.
- Start Light: You can always add more seasoning, but it's harder to remove once applied.
- Store Airtight: A sealed spice jar helps maintain freshness and flavor.
- Make a Double Batch: One of our favorite things about homemade seasonings is having them ready whenever we need them.
- Fresh Spices: Create the best and more prominent flavor.
- Pantry: Store in an airtight container or spice jar for up to 6 months.
- Room Temperature: Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Make Ahead: This seasoning is perfect for meal prep and homemade spice blends.
- Best Flavor: While it keeps longer, we find the flavor is strongest during the first few months.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating and comment below, I'd love to hear how it turned out for you!
