Blackened Seasoning is a bold, spicy, and flavorful spice mix that originated from Cajun cuisine. Typically, it's made with a blend of paprika, garlic, onion, black pepper powder, cayenne pepper, and dried herbs like oregano and thyme. This Homemade Blackened seasoning is one of the easy and best seasonings that can help create a flavorful blackened salmon, fish, or chicken using the blackening cooking technique.
The recipe I'm sharing here provides easy, step-by-step instructions on how to make Blackened Seasoning. To make the process even more accessible, I've also shared a detailed video of this recipe to help make the process visually clear and straightforward.
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What is Blackened Seasoning?
Blackened Seasoning is a blend of spices that pack bold, spicy, and smoky flavors. Originating in the Cajun cuisine of Louisiana, this seasoning is commonly used to blacken proteins like chicken, seafood, and steak. It is usually made with paprika, onion, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and dried herbs like oregano and thyme. Blackening seasoning can also be used to add a smoky and spicy kick to vegetables or grains. It's a versatile seasoning that adds depth to a variety of dishes.
So you might wonder what is blackening. Blackening is a cooking technique that involves searing meat or fish in a very hot skillet until the surface of the food is charred and blackened, creating a crispy crust. This technique is often associated with Cajun cuisine, particularly in dishes like blackened catfish or blackened redfish.
The combination of flavors in Blackening Seasoning makes it one of the best seasonings for protein dishes like chicken, and fish like salmon, catfish, and shrimp. Not only that, making Blackening Seasoning at home allows you to adjust the seasoning to your liking, resulting in a delicious and memorable dinner when used correctly.
Overall, Blackening Seasoning is a versatile and flavorful spice mix that adds a bold and smoky kick to dishes. It's an excellent seasoning to have on hand if you enjoy Cajun or Creole cuisine, or if you want to add some heat and flavor to your dishes.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The ingredients you will need to make Blackening Seasoning are common pantry staples that you may already have in your kitchen. Let's take a look at what they are below.
- Paprika (smoked or regular): Paprika adds a sweet and slightly smoky flavor to the seasoning mix. Smoked paprika can add an even stronger smoky flavor. If you don't have paprika, you can use chili powder as a substitute
- Onion Powder: Onion powder adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the mix. It is a convenient alternative to fresh onions, as it provides the same flavor without the texture. If you don't have onion powder, you can use dried minced onions
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a pungent and slightly sweet flavor to the seasoning mix. It is a great substitute for fresh garlic when you want to avoid the texture. If you don't have garlic powder, you can use granulated garlic
- Black Pepper Powder: Black pepper adds a pungent and slightly floral flavor to the seasoning mix. It is a common seasoning in many dishes and adds a bold flavor to the mix
- Dried Herbs (oregano and thyme): Oregano adds a pungent and slightly bitter flavor to the seasoning mix, while thyme adds a savory and slightly minty flavor. These herbs add depth and complexity to the mix. If you don't have oregano or thyme, you can use dried basil or marjoram
- Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a fiery and slightly bitter flavor to the seasoning mix. It is a key ingredient in many Cajun and Creole dishes and adds heat to the mix. If you don't have cayenne pepper, you can use red pepper flakes or hot paprika
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Blackened Seasoning at Home?
The recipe I have shared here is Blackened Seasoning, a bold and spicy spice blend from Cajun cuisine. It is used to season fish, chicken, or shrimp. This homemade Cajun Blackening Mix is a versatile seasoning that can be based on personal preference for spiciness or other flavor preferences.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
- Add the seasonings: To prepare a flavorful blackening seasoning, combine paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Here I have used smoked paprika that gives an extra smoky flavor. However, you can also use regular paprika or chili powder instead. Keep in mind that cayenne pepper provides a spicy kick, so adjust the amount based on your preferred level of heat
- Combine: Thoroughly mix the seasoning powders until everything combines well. Your homemade Blackening seasoning is now ready to use in your recipes
- How to use: You can use versatile seasoning to add delicious flavor to salmon, chicken, or shrimp. The recipe provided is enough to season 4 to 5 salmon fillets, 1 pound of shrimp, or chicken. You can also make this seasoning mix in bulk and store it for up to 4 to 5 months for future use
Tips
- Use fresh spices: To ensure the best possible flavor, use fresh, high-quality spices when making Blackening Seasoning
- Adjust the level of spiciness: Gradually adjust the amount of cayenne pepper used based on personal preference for spiciness. For an extra smoky flavor, substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika
- Mix the spices well: Make sure to thoroughly mix all the spices to ensure an even distribution of the flavors
- Store in an airtight container: To maximize shelf life, store the blackening seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place
- Experiment with different spices: Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices to create a custom blend that suits your taste preferences
- Herbs: I have used oregano and thyme in this Blackening Seasoning, but feel free to add other dried herbs to customize the blend to your liking
Storage Suggestions
Blackening Seasoning stays fresh in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. After that time, the spices may lose some of their potency and the flavor may not be as strong. It's always best to use fresh spices for the best flavor.
If you have a large batch of Blackening seasoning that you can't use up in 6 months, you can try freezing it to extend its shelf life. Place the seasoning in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag and freeze it for up to a year. When ready to use, allow the seasoning to thaw to room temperature before adding it to your dish.
Serving Suggestions
To add depth and flavor to a variety of dishes, you can use Blackening Seasoning in a variety of dishes. Below are a few suggestions.
- Fish: Use this seasoning to season fish, such as salmon or catfish, and then pan-sear or grill the fish until it is blackened and crispy on the outside
- Chicken: Season chicken breasts or thighs with the seasoning and then grill or pan-sear until blackened and cooked through
- Shrimp: Toss shrimp in the Blackening seasoning and then sauté or grill until blackened and cooked through
- Vegetables: Use the seasoning mix to add flavor to grilled or roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, cauliflower, eggplant, or bell peppers
- Sandwiches or wraps: Add blackened protein, such as chicken or shrimp, to a sandwich or wrap for a spicy twist on a classic dish
- Potatoes: Toss diced potatoes in the spice mix and then roast or fry until crispy and blackened
Related Recipes
You can also find similar seasoning recipes below and more at seafood recipes and chicken recipes.
- Cajun Seasoning
- Taco Seasoning
- Fajita Seasoning
- Italian Seasoning
- Chili Seasoning
- Curry Powder
- Garam Masala
- Chinese Five Spice Powder
Blackened Seasoning Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Blackening Seasoning Recipe below that I hope will help you make a flavorful spice mix at home. You can also find this recipe in story format.
📖 Recipe
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
To make Homemade Blackened Seasoning
- To prepare a flavorful blackening seasoning, start by combining paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme in a bowl. Smoked paprika can be used instead of regular paprika for an extra smoky flavor. Keep in mind that cayenne pepper provides a spicy kick, so adjust the amount based on your preferred level of heat
- Thoroughly mix the seasoning powders until everything is well combined. Your homemade blackening seasoning is now ready to be used in your recipes
Video
Notes
- Use fresh spices: To ensure the best possible flavor, use fresh, high-quality spices when making Blackening Seasoning
- Adjust the level of spiciness: Gradually adjust the amount of cayenne pepper used based on personal preference for spiciness. For an extra smoky flavor, substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika
- Mix the spices well: Make sure to thoroughly mix all the spices to ensure an even distribution of the flavors
- Store in an airtight container: To maximize shelf life, store the blackening seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place
- Experiment with different spices: Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices to create a custom blend that suits your taste preferences
- Herbs: I have used oregano and thyme in this Blackening Seasoning, but feel free to add other dried herbs to customize the blend to your liking
Nutrition
FAQ
Blackened Seasoning is a spice mix that has its origin in Cajun cuisine. Made with a blend of spices like paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried herbs such as oregano and thyme. It adds bold and smoky flavors to dishes. The name "blackened" refers to the cooking technique where the protein is coated with the spice mix and cooked in a hot skillet until the surface is blackened and crispy while the inside remains moist and tender.
Cajun seasoning is a versatile spice mix used in a wide range of dishes, blackened seasoning is specifically designed for a cooking technique that involves the protein being blackened in a hot skillet. Blackened seasoning typically includes a mix of spices and herbs that are tailored to this specific cooking method.
Blackening seasoning is typically used to coat proteins like chicken, fish, shrimp, or steak before cooking them in a hot cast-iron skillet. The high heat of the skillet causes the spices to create a flavorful crust on the outside of the protein while keeping the inside moist and tender.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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