Blackened Seasoning is a bold, flavorful spice blend essential to Cajun cooking. This mix of warm paprika, zesty garlic and onion, spicy cayenne and black pepper, and aromatic oregano and thyme is perfect for giving salmon, chicken, or any seafood a delicious blackened flavor.
What You’ll Find On This Page
Originating in Louisiana, this seasoning enhances not just meats but also vegetables and grains with its robust, spicy, and smoky taste.
Blackening is a technique where you sear meat or fish in a hot skillet until it’s charred and crispy, a hallmark of Cajun favorites like blackened catfish.
Making your own Blackened Seasoning allows you to adjust the spices to your liking, ensuring each dish is flavorful and tailored to your taste. It’s a versatile addition to any kitchen, perfect for fans of Cajun and Creole flavors or anyone wanting to add a spicy kick to their meals.
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To make your own Blackening Seasoning, you'll probably have most of these essential ingredients in your pantry already. Here's what you'll need:
- Paprika (Smoked or Regular): Paprika adds a sweet, mildly smoky flavor. For a deeper smoky note, use smoked paprika. If you don’t have paprika, mild heat chili powder works well as a substitute.
- Onion Powder: This provides a savory sweetness, mimicking the flavor of onions without the texture. If you’re out of onion powder, dried minced onions are a great alternative.
- Garlic Powder: It offers a sharp, subtly sweet flavor, a great alternative to fresh garlic. If you need a substitute, granulated garlic is a good option.
- Black Pepper: It’s known for its pungent, slightly floral flavor and adds a robust kick to the seasoning.
- Dried Herbs (Oregano and Thyme): Oregano brings a potent, somewhat bitter flavor, while thyme offers a savory, subtly minty taste, enhancing the seasoning’s complexity. If you’re missing these, dried basil or marjoram can be used instead.
- Cayenne Pepper: This spice introduces a fiery, slightly bitter taste, vital for the heat in Cajun and Creole dishes. If cayenne is unavailable, red pepper flakes or hot paprika can be used as alternatives.
How to Make Blackened Seasoning at Home?
Let's make our homemade Blackening Seasoning with this easy recipe, complete with photos and video. It's a simple two-step process: First, gather all the ingredients in the correct quantities. Then, mix them together to create your seasoning. And that’s it!
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Blackened Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Paprika, smoked or regular
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
Instructions
Making Blackened Seasoning
- Start by mixing paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme in a bowl. Choose smoked paprika for a smokier flavor. Remember, the cayenne pepper controls the heat, so adjust its amount according to your taste preferences.
- Stir the spices together until they are completely blended. And just like that, you've created your very own homemade Blackened Seasoning, ready to infuse your dishes with a burst of flavor!
Using
- This seasoning is perfect for adding rich, savory flavors to salmon, chicken, or shrimp. The quantity in this recipe is just right for seasoning 4 to 5 salmon fillets, 1 pound of shrimp, or chicken. For more pairing ideas, check out our 'How to Use' section below.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Use Fresh Spices: For the most vibrant flavors, choose fresh, high-quality spices when making your Blackening Seasoning. Fresh spices can make a significant difference in the intensity and depth of the flavors.
- Adjust the Heat: Customize the heat to suit your taste by varying the amount of cayenne pepper. If you love a rich, smoky flavor, opt for smoked paprika over regular paprika, which adds a wonderful depth to dishes.
- Caution With Salt: I haven't included salt in this Blackened Seasoning mix to allow for better control over the saltiness of final dish. However, if you choose to add salt to the seasoning, be sure to adjust the salt content in your dish accordingly to avoid overpowering it. Adding too much salt can make the dish inedible.
- Customize Your Herbs: While oregano and thyme are staples in Blackening Seasoning, experimenting with other dried herbs like marjoram or basil can personalize your blend, giving it a unique flavor profile that distinguishes your dishes.
- Application Technique: When applying the seasoning to meat or seafood, use a little oil or a light brushing of melted butter on the surface first. This helps the seasoning adhere better and creates a more even crust when cooking.
- Heat Control: Blackening is best done under high heat, but watch carefully to avoid burning the spices, which can turn bitter. If you're new to blackening, start with medium-high heat and adjust as needed.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Looking for diverse global flavors? Explore our collection of seasonings and marinades, perfect for chicken breast, thighs, shrimp, and salmon. Our condiments offer a variety of flavors that perfectly enhance your favorite recipes.
How to Use this Blackened Seasoning?
Using this Blackened Seasoning is straightforward and can elevate any ordinary meal into a flavor-packed delight. The provided recipe quantity is ideal for seasoning 4 to 5 salmon fillets, 1 pound of shrimp, or chicken. Here are some great ways to use it:
- Seafood: Sprinkle it over salmon, shrimp or your favorite fish before cooking to infuse rich Cajun flavors. It’s especially good for creating a classic blackened seafood dish.
- Meats: Rub the seasoning generously on chicken, beef, or pork before grilling or roasting to get a crisp, flavorful crust.
- Vegetables: Toss your veggies in this seasoning before roasting or grilling them for an extra kick of flavor.
- Rice and Pasta Dishes: Stir a bit of the seasoning into your rice or pasta sauces for a subtle smokiness and spice that enhances the overall taste.
- Breakfast Foods: Add a pinch to scrambled eggs or mix into hash browns for a spicy start to your day.
- Beyond Meats and Seafood: Sprinkle some of this seasoning on popcorn, homemade chips, french fries, or nuts for a spicy snack. It's also excellent in dips or over baked potatoes.
- Use in Marinades: Consider adding a teaspoon of your Blackening Seasoning to marinades for an extra layer of flavor. It works particularly well in marinades for grilling, infusing the meat with complex flavors.
Storage Suggestions
To keep your Blackening Seasoning fresh, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This method will preserve its potency for up to six months. If you have a larger batch that you won't use up within this time, freezing is a good option.
For freezing, place the seasoning in an airtight container or a sealable plastic bag and keep it in the freezer for up to a year. When you're ready to use it, let the seasoning come to room temperature before adding it to your dishes. This way, you can enjoy the full flavor of your Blackening Seasoning for an extended period.
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