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Home » Sauces & Seasonings » Blackened Seasoning

Published: December 30, 2020 Last Modified: December 30, 2020 By Sara 10 Comments

Blackened Seasoning

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This blackened seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that are combined to produce a savory rub that takes minutes to put together.

This blackened seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that are combined to produce a savory rub that takes minutes to put together. Use your homemade blackening seasoning on chicken, fish, shrimp or pork for a zesty and flavorful meal.

I like to make my own seasoning blends so that it’s easy to prepare effortless dinners that have plenty of bold flavors. I always have BBQ rub, taco seasoning and blackened seasoning on hand to sprinkle over different types of proteins for meals that get rave reviews!

This blackened seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that are combined to produce a savory rub that takes minutes to put together. This blackened seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that are combined to produce a savory rub that takes minutes to put together.

A jar of blackened seasoning with fresh herbs in the background.

My local restaurant serves the best blackened salmon, and I knew I had to recreate the recipe at home. I’ve developed my own version of blackened seasoning, and it can be used in so many different ways.

What is blackened seasoning made of?

Blackened seasoning is a combination of an assortment of herbs and spices and it typically includes at least one type of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, basil, oregano, thyme and cayenne pepper for heat.

Small bowls of herbs and spices.

How do you make blackened seasoning?

Place all of the herbs and spices in a small bowl, then stir until everything is well blended. Transfer the seasoning mix to a resealable container or jar, then store in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use it.

A mixing bowl filled with an assortment of spices and dried herbs.

Tips for the perfect spice blend

  • I often make a double or triple batch of this blackening seasoning so that I always have some on hand.
  • Don’t be tempted to substitute the smoked paprika for regular paprika. The smoked version adds a lot of flavor and is is available for purchase in the spice aisle of most grocery stores.
  • This recipe makes a seasoning mix that is moderate on the heat level. If you prefer a spicier seasoning, feel free to add another 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
  • There are two types of oregano that are typically sold at the store, both Mexican and Mediterranean varieties. For this recipe, it’s best to use the Mediterranean oregano if possible.
  • I recommend using freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
  • This seasoning mix contains salt, which means you will not need to add any extra salt to your meat or seafood when you cook it.

A mix ofspices in a bowl with a spoon.

How do you blacken food?

Coat your meat or seafood with butter, then coat with a generous layer of blackened seasoning. Place the protein in a cast iron pan over high heat. Cook until a dark brown to black crust forms on the food, and the meat or seafood is cooked all the way through.

Ways to use blackened seasoning

There are so many different ways to spice up your meal with this delicious seasoning blend.

  • Meat: Use this seasoning to flavor steak, pork chops or pork tenderloin.
  • Chicken: Sprinkle the bold flavors onto chicken tenders, boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts.
  • Fish: Add a dose of flavor to salmon, swordfish, catfish, snapper, trout or tilapia.
  • Seafood: Coat shrimp in blackened seasoning for an easy and elegant dinner.
  • Potatoes: Drizzle halved baby potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle on the seasoning and roast at high heat.
  • Vegetables: Coat carrots, broccoli, green beans, zucchini or asparagus with olive oil and a dose of spice mix.

Blackened seasoning on chicken breast served over rice.

This seasoning mix makes it so simple to add plenty of zesty flavor to any type of meal!

More Cajun inspired recipes to try

  • Homemade Cajun Seasoning
  • Baked Cajun Chicken
  • New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
  • Jambalaya
  • Chicken and Shrimp Gumbo

Blackened Seasoning Video

A jar of blackened seasoning with fresh herbs in the background.
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5 from 9 votes

Blackened Seasoning

This blackened seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that are combined to produce a savory rub that takes minutes to put together. Use your homemade blackening seasoning on chicken, fish, shrimp or pork for a zesty and flavorful meal.
Course Seasoning
Cuisine Cajun
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 13kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or more to taste

Instructions

  • Place all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until thoroughly combined.
  • Transfer the spice blend to an airtight container or jar. Store in a cool dark place for up to 6 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 13kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 875mg | Potassium: 69mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1371IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg
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Filed Under: Sauces & Seasonings

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    Comments

    1. Kristyn says

      January 13, 2021 at 2:37 pm

      5 stars
      Oh, boy, I will be using this on everything!! Love the flavor! It’s made with everything I already have in my cupboard!!

      Reply
    2. Beth says

      January 13, 2021 at 2:17 pm

      5 stars
      This makes dinner so tasty and yummy! My family and I love this recipe!

      Reply
    3. Katie says

      January 13, 2021 at 1:50 pm

      5 stars
      Sounds so yummy! Can’t wait to try this.

      Reply
    4. Amanda Livesay says

      January 11, 2021 at 5:44 am

      5 stars
      I love keeping this on hand for quick dinners! It’s so delicious.

      Reply
    5. Allyson Reed Zea says

      January 7, 2021 at 4:12 pm

      My goodness the combo of the seasoning was so perfect! I am going to use this on everything!

      Reply
    6. Toni says

      January 7, 2021 at 3:00 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you so much for the recipe! I love how easy this is to make!

      Reply
    7. Beth says

      January 7, 2021 at 2:15 pm

      5 stars
      I can’t wait to have this on hand! Looks so savory and tasty!

      Reply
    8. Catalina says

      January 7, 2021 at 1:07 pm

      5 stars
      Sounds so easy to make the blackened seasoning at home! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    9. Vikki says

      January 6, 2021 at 9:50 pm

      5 stars
      A tasty versatile rub! I can already think of so many things to use this on

      Reply
    10. Erin says

      January 6, 2021 at 7:12 pm

      5 stars
      This blackened seasoning is totally awesome!

      Reply

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