Blackening seasoning is so simple to make, and it will elevate your dinners to a whole new level. A mix of spices creates a rich and flavorful Cajun seasoning to spread on fish, chicken, and more. You might also call this a blackened seasoning blend; either name it is a delicious blend of spices.
This Cajun seasoning has cayenne pepper, paprika, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. A great blend that offers warmth and flavor. You can control the spice with the cayenne pepper to create the flavor you want.
If you are like me, you enjoy making your own seasonings and sauces. Try out my homemade spaghetti seasoning; it will truly enhance your pasta game. Or create this garlic bread seasoning; it is one of our favorites.
What is Blackening Seasoning
Blackening seasoning is a spice blend that is made for the Cajun-flavored dishes out there. It is made with cayenne powder, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, and more. This seasoning is rubbed on meats or mixed in recipes.
Then when you go to sear on high heat, it creates a blackened crust or char, which then enhances the flavor even more. You will find this smokey spice blend works perfectly with chicken and fish mostly but can be used on pork or beef.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
- You get to control the ingredients used in this spice blend.
- If you want a spicy blend add more cayenne pepper for mild use less.
- Great to season fish and chicken or mix in your casseroles and such.
- Stores well in the spice cupboard to have on hand when you want to use it later.
What’s in this Blackened Seasoning
Here is all you need to make this simple spice blend!
- Paprika
- Cayenne Pepper
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Italian Seasoning
- Salt
- Black Pepper
How To Make
The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
- Add all the spices and seasonings into a small dish. Mix well to combine.
- Then use it right away, or store it in a sealed jar in your pantry for up to 6 months.
Top Tips
- To make a spicy spice rub add a bit more Cayenne pepper. Or add in a few extra red pepper flakes.
- For a milder flavor, use less Cayenne pepper in the mixture.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings to fit your flavor preference.
- Use fresh spices so you get the best flavor of your spice rub.
- Use a little or a lot on your meat or dishes. You can control the amount of flavor you need.
- Place in a sealed mason jar or another container to store the spice mix in the cabinet for up to 6 months.
Storing Tips
Cabinet or Pantry
Store the homemade seasoning in the cabinet or pantry in a sealed container. You will find that glass is going to preserve the flavors of the seasonings the best.
You can expect your spice mixture to store for up to 6 months when stored properly. Then when you want to use it add a little or a lot of seasoning to the dish you are preparing.
Ways To Use
Consider using this seasoning when you make shrimp tacos; spread it on salmon for searing in a pan or grilling. Or you can slather up some chicken and sear in a skillet or toss it on the grill.
Frequently Asked Questions
The origin is Cajun cuisine. This is a seasoning that you could find in New Orleans and other towns or states that love the Cajun flare.
Go right ahead and spread this seasoning on vegetables and then sear in a skillet, roast in the oven, or grill.
Blackened food is not burnt; it is just the color of the seasoning. Once you cook on a high sear, you will get a nice crust, but if you overcook the food, then, of course, it will go from blackened to burned.
Need more easy dinner recipes? Try these:
- Crockpot Roast
- Gumbo
- Garlic Butter Shrimp
- See all our simple dinner recipes!
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Printable Recipe Card
Blackening Seasoning
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Add all the spices into a small bowl. Mix well to combine.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
- Use a teaspoon or more to season your favorite dishes. Chicken, fish, shrimp, vegetables, etc.
Notes
Nutrition Information
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Simply my kind of spice blend. I am going to try them tonight!
yum! I like making spice mixes because I usually have all the ingredients on hand already.
I love this blackening season, so easy to put together and a great way to add lots of easy instant flavor to lots of dishes. I used it to season some chicken for a quick and yummy dinner!
Absolutely delicious; thank you for this fantastic recipe!
Great recipe and so simple. Used it on some blackened redfish over the weekend and it was so much better than the store bought seasonings.