Lemon Pepper Seasoning is a zesty and vibrant homemade dry rub that you can easily make with just a few ingredients. It all starts with fresh lemon zest, which forms the base of this versatile seasoning. Perfect for adding a burst of flavor, you can sprinkle it on lemon pepper chicken, seafood, and veggies, or even blend it into sauces.
What You’ll Find On This Page
Previously, I often used store-bought seasonings for convenience, but making my own has been a game-changer. The fresh, tangy flavors of real lemon and pepper make this homemade version far superior to what you find in stores.
What makes this seasoning special is not just its bold flavor but also its versatility. You can adjust the blend to suit your taste and use it across a wide range of dishes.
Today, I’ll show you how to make the best Lemon Pepper Seasoning from scratch, starting with how to properly bake the lemon zest to fully release its vibrant flavors. Let’s dive in!
Explore a Range of Seasoning Mixes:
- Fajita Seasoning
- Cajun Seasoning
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- Creole Seasoning
- French Fry Seasoning
- Seasoned Salt
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For this Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning, you’ll only need a lemon and a few common pantry seasonings. Chances are, you already have these ingredients at home. Let's take a look at them!
- Fresh Lemon: I use fresh lemons to dry the zest myself because it delivers the best flavor and aroma. While you can buy dried lemon zest, it's often more expensive and not as flavorful as making it from scratch. If convenience is a priority, store-bought lemon zest works too.
- Ground Black Pepper: This adds a slight heat and a piney, citrusy flavor to our seasoning. You can grind fresh black peppercorns if you like, but I find ground black pepper more convenient for this recipe.
- Garlic Powder: The garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor. You can use either garlic powder or dried minced garlic, depending on what’s available in your kitchen.
- Kosher Salt: It enhances the flavor and adds a bit of texture to the seasoning. You can substitute it with table salt, Himalayan pink salt, or any coarse salt you have on hand.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Seasoning at Home?
Let’s make some Lemon Pepper Seasoning together. I'll guide you through grating the lemon zest, drying it in the oven, and combining it to create a perfect dry rub blend. The steps are simple, and I’ve included step-by-step photos and a helpful video to ensure everything goes smoothly. So let’s dive in and start mixing!
Discover More Homemade Seasonings:
- Italian Seasoning
- Adobo Seasoning
- BBQ Seasoning
- Steak Seasoning
- Chicken Seasoning
- Salmon Seasoning
- Blackened Seasoning
Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Ingredients
- 4 large Lemon
- 1 tbsp Black Pepper Powder, you can add up to twice the amount
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder, or dried minced garlic
- 2 tsp Kosher Salt
Instructions
Making Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- Begin by using a cheese grater to grate only the yellow part of the lemon skin, avoiding the white pith underneath as it can add bitterness. This grated zest will form the base of our seasoning.
- Spread the grated lemon zest evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. An even layer is crucial for uniform drying.
- Preheat your oven to 180 degrees F. Bake the lemon zest for about 40-45 minutes, or until completely dried out. After baking, remove the zest from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. The zest might look a bit coarse; if you prefer a finer texture, you can give it a quick pulse in a food processor.
- In a bowl, combine the dried lemon zest, black pepper powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir everything together until well incorporated. Your zesty Lemon Pepper Seasoning is now ready to be used in your recipes or stored for later use.
Using
- Use this Lemon Pepper Seasoning to flavor chicken wings, drumsticks, seafood, or other favorite proteins and veggies. Check out our 'How to Use' section below for more creative ideas.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Using the Lemon Zest: For the best lemony flavor, grate only the yellow skin of the lemon. Avoid grating the white part, as it can make the seasoning bitter.
- Bake at the Lowest Temperature: To dry the lemon zest, use the lowest setting on your oven to prevent burning. I set my oven to 180 degrees F, but if yours goes lower, use that setting. Keep an eye on the zest during the drying process to ensure it doesn't burn.
- Duration of Drying: If your oven is preheated and the zest is spread evenly, it should take about 40-45 minutes to dry. However, the time can vary, so watch it closely to achieve the desired dryness.
- Using Already Dried Lemon Zest: If you prefer convenience, you can skip grating and baking by using store-bought dried lemon zest. For this recipe, I used about 4 tablespoons of dried zest, which you can easily substitute.
- Tailor to Your Taste: I prefer a stronger lemon flavor, so I don’t use equal amounts of lemon and pepper. Adjust the ratio to suit your taste, whether you prefer more lemony or peppery notes.
- Salt Check: I've added salt to this blend, but if you're monitoring your sodium intake, feel free to reduce the amount to your preference.
- Finely Grind Your Ingredients: For a more uniform texture and flavor distribution, consider giving your seasoning a quick blend in a spice grinder or food processor after mixing. This can be particularly helpful if you’re using coarser salts or whole peppercorns.
- Make Small Batches: Although storing larger quantities can be convenient, making smaller batches more frequently ensures that the seasoning is always fresh and potent, enhancing your dishes every time.
- Additional Add-ins: Enhance the seasoning with other ingredients like dried basil, oregano, paprika, or a hint of cayenne for an extra flavorful twist based on your preferences.
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 a variety of flavors? Explore my collection of homemade seasonings, marinades, condiments, and dressings to elevate your dining experience. Dive in and discover flavors that transform your everyday meals!
How to Use This Lemon Pepper Seasoning?
Lemon Pepper Seasoning is a versatile spice blend perfect for enhancing the taste of your favorite proteins and vegetables. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it when I have it stocked in my pantry:
- Lemon Pepper Chicken: Use Lemon Pepper Seasoning to marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes. The seasoning adds a tangy, and slightly spicy flavor.
- Baked and Roasted Meats: I love to season chicken thighs, breasts, drumsticks, or wings with this seasoning before baking them. It adds a vibrant and citrusy flavor that really makes the meat stand out.
- Seafood: Generously sprinkle Lemon Pepper Seasoning on baked salmon, tilapia, or shrimp before baking to add a delightful citrusy twist to your seafood dishes.
- Roasted Veggies: Enhance your roasted vegetables, like cauliflower, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes, by seasoning them with this blend for an extra burst of flavor.
- Rice Dishes: Occasionally, I like to add a dash of Lemon Pepper Seasoning to white rice or basmati rice as it cooks. This simple addition infuses the rice with a subtle, yet distinctive layer of flavor.
- Corn on the Cob: To elevate the classic corn on the cob, mix some Lemon Pepper Seasoning with butter and apply it to your corn. It adds a flavorful twist to an everyday favorite.
Storage Suggestions
You can keep this Lemon Pepper Seasoning fresh for up to 2-3 months by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. For an even longer shelf life, consider storing it in the freezer, where it can last up to a year. This way, you can enjoy the vibrant flavors of your homemade seasoning anytime you need them!
Don’t forget to label your containers with the date and any specific adjustments you’ve made. This helps track how fresh your seasoning is and lets you easily remember which variations you liked best.
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