Home > Recipe Index > 30 Minutes Or Less
Published on 05/19/23
Posted by Ari Laing | Leave a Comment
Prep 5 minutes mins
Cook 0 minutes mins
Total 5 minutes mins
Blackening Seasoning is a versatile blend of spices that can be used to add a smoky, spicy flavor to a variety of dishes and proteins, such as chicken or seafood -- even veggies! Learning how to make this spice blend at home is a great way to control the heat and flavor. Will keep for up to 1 year!
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE SALES LINKS. PLEASE SEE MY FULL DISCLAIMER POLICY FOR DETAILS.
Jump to RecipePin Recipe
by Ari Laing Leave a Comment
Our homemade Blackening Seasoning is a quick and easy way to add big, bold flavor to a variety of proteins or veggies. In just 5 minutes you can mix up this easy blend of spices then use it to season fish, chicken, or steak — really anything you like — adding depth of flavor and spice to any dish!
Here’s why we love this homemade spice blend so much:
- Flavor! This is totally customizable to the level of heat you love most. Want it super spicy? We’ll tell you how much cayenne pepper to add. Want it a little more mild? We got you!
- It can be doubled easily! If you have enough of each spice on hand, go ahead and double the recipe. It’s a quick way to boost the flavor of your favorite dishes. Plus, it’ll keep for up to 1 year.
- Versatile! You’ll love adding this to chicken, fish, shellfish, steak, and veggies! Plus, homemade spice blends are typically better than any pre-packaged blend of spices you buy at the store.
Try our homemade blackening seasoning with our Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta! It’s also what we use to make Blackened Mahi Mahi or Blackened Salmon, both of which are fantastic with cool, refreshing Grilled Pineapple Salsa.
What’s In Blackening Seasoning?
You’ll need dried oregano, sweet paprika (or smoked paprika), Kosher salt, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, granulated garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper.
These are all spices that we almost always have on hand, so not only is it easy to make blackening spice at home, but it’s a great way to use up spices before they expire. Love that!
If you don’t have dried oregano, substitute with Italian seasoning.
How To Make Blackened Seasoning
Truly, this is as simple as measuring out each dried spice and them combining in a bowl or even a spice container. If you like it really spicy, add an additional ½-1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Your taste buds have been warned!
Pro Tip!
Store the blackening seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to ensure freshness!
When stored properly, the spice blend will keep for 1 year, though it’s flavor is best within the first6 months.
FAQs
Are blackening seasoning and Cajun seasoning the same thing?
Blackening seasoning is typically milder than Cajun seasoning (which often has more cayenne pepper), but hotter than Creole seasoning, which tends to be more herbal.
Can I adjust the heat level of the blackening seasoning?
Yes, you can adjust the heat level of the blackening seasoning by adding more cayenne pepper. We recommend starting with ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, then adding more to taste. If you want a spicier seasoning, use up to 1 teaspoon (or more!) of cayenne pepper.
What are the best ways to use blackening seasoning mix?
Use this homemade spice blend on a variety of dishes, such as salmon, mahi mahi, and shrimp. It’s also fantastic on chicken, steak, and vegetables.
What is the best pan for cooking proteins that are blackened?
A cast iron skillet is best, but stainless steel works too! Be sure to preheat the pan over high heat so it’s really hot!
Expert Tips
- For the most intense flavor, use freshly ground spices.
- Add blackening seasoning to your favorite marinade or rub for added flavor and heat. You can also mix it with melted butter, then brush on veggies or steak for a quick sauce!
- Enjoy with everything from fish and shrimp to chicken or roasted veggies!
- Be sure to store your homemade spice blend in an airtight container in a cool, dark place that is removed from any heat or moisture. If you notice any signs of spoilage, discard the spice blend immediately.
- Feel free to customize the blend by adding other spices like chili powder, ground coriander, or dried herbs such as basil or parsley.
- When searing proteins that have blackening seasoning on them, be sure to cook them over high heat in either a cast iron skillet or a stainless steel pan.
- Don’t be surprised if there’s a lot of smoke when you go to cook, this will happen over high heat.
This is easily one of our favorite homemade spice blends. You just cannot beat that flavor!
If you make this Blackening Seasoning recipe, please let us know by leaving a review and rating below!
And make sure to sign up for ournewsletterand follow along onInstagram,TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, andFacebookfor moreWell Seasonedrecipes! Don’t forget to tag us on social channels when you make a recipe at #wellseasonedstudio and upload your photos below! We love seeing what you’re up to in the kitchen!
Print Recipe
5 from 1 review
How To Make Blackening Seasoning (For Fish and Chicken)
Blackening Seasoning is a versatile blend of spices that can be used to add a smoky, spicy flavor to a variety of dishes and proteins, such as chicken or seafood — even veggies! Learning how to make this spice blend at home is a great way to control the heat and flavor. Will keep for up to 1 year!
Prep5 minutes mins
Cook0 minutes mins
Total5 minutes mins
Course: Spice Blend
Cuisine: Creole
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Keyword: blackening seasoning for fish, cajun seasoning, creole seasoning, how to make blackening spice
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 7kcal
Author: Ari Laing
Equipment
Small bowl or jar
Ingredients
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sweet paprika or smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper or up to 1 teaspoon if you like it really spicy
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp granulated garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Make the blackening spice.Combine all dried herbs and spices in a bowl, then whisk to combine.
Notes
- Leftovers: The spice blend will have the freshest flavor within the first6 months, but when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, it will keep for up to1 year.
Nutrition
Calories: 7kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 587mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 438IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @wellseasonedstudio and hashtag it #wellseasonedstudio!
Hungry for more?
Sign up for our newsletter to see what’s cooking at Well Seasoned!
30 Minutes Or LessDairy FreeGluten FreeNo CookVeganVegetarian
Reader Interactions
Let us know your thoughts!
about Ari
Seriously delicious food is my happy place, and that’s exactly what you can expect to find here! I’m a trained NYC chef who likes to cook elevated, yet unfussy recipes. Our hope is that you’ll come for the food, stay for a glass of wine, and leave feeling completely satisfied. At Well Seasoned, we’ll teach you about the importance of cooking with high quality ingredients, and help you become more efficient in the kitchen. We also pride ourselves on planning easy, cohesive menus, no matter the occasion. Grab an apron and get ready to look like the kitchen god(dess) that you are!
Work With Me ›
Connect With Me
