Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Experience the ideal blend of tangy lemon and bold pepper with our signature Lemon Pepper Seasoning. Sprinkle it over grilled or roasted chicken, seafood, or vegetables to add a burst of fresh flavor that will delight your taste buds. Perfect for enhancing your favorite dishes!

Course Seasonings and Marinades

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 35

Total Time 40

Servings serving

Calories 25

Author Sangeetha Vel

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.

Notes

Here are my tips for creating a consistently flavorful Lemon Pepper Seasoning:

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

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