This bold blend of spices has been tested and refined through the years until it's perfect! Blackened seasoning deserves a spot in your spice cabinet.
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Just a bit of background about this spice blend. The seasoning itself is not black. The name comes from the method of cooking which was popularized in New Orleans. Fish was the original protein to be blackened but chicken, steak, pork and even side dishes are now cooked this way.
Simply put, you brush a little butter or oil on whatever is being cooked, liberally add the blackened Cajun seasoning to both sides and then cook (usually in a cast iron skillet) over high heat until it's nearly black.
We have tamed down the method, and the amount of blackening we do in our recipes is marginal, but the flavor from the seasoning is still big and bold!
We use a light brush of oil - just enough to help the seasoning stick, and the cooking temperature of our recipes is not high enough to cause lots of smoke like classic blackening.
Ingredient and substitution notes
- Smoked paprika - there is no substitute for this wonderful spice.
- Cayenne Pepper - optional but recommended for a spicy kick.
- Black Pepper - Coarsley ground works best for this recipe.
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Oregano
- Salt - Coarsley ground salt is preferred.
Making your own seasoning mix is super easy and it gives you control over the proportions of everything. If you like it spicy go heavier on the cayenne. Not a big fan of garlic flavor? Lighten up on it.
This is your custom made seasoning blend so you should make it to suit you and your family.
How to make blackened seasoning
This is extremely easy. Just measure out the different spices and mix thoroughly in a bowl, bag or jar.
Ways to use your seasoning blend
- Blackened Pork Chops
- Blackened Ribeye Steak
- Blackened Baked Salmon
- Grilled Blackened Chicken
- Blackened Grouper on the Grill
- Fried Turkey Breast
- Spicy Chicken Pasta
- Blackened Steak (foolproof method for getting steaks cooked perfectly)
- Blackened Fish (like Mahi Mahi) of any kind
- Blackened Shrimp
- Blackened Corn
- Cajun Gravy and Chicken
- Chicken and Grits
- Blackened Shrimp Bowls
Recipe FAQ's
As long as you keep it tightly covered you can use it for at least a year with no loss in quality. After a year the different spices may start to lose a little of their potent flavor, but it's still good enough to use for another year.
For the longest storage time use a jar with a tightly fitting lid. You could also store it in a zip-lock type bag, but those aren't as air tight as a jar, so I only recommend this if you know you'll use it up within 2-3 months.
A liberal sprinkling is the traditional way of making blackened dishes. But, sometimes you just want a light dusting for less powerful flavors, and that's okay too. You be the judge!
📖 Recipe
Blackened Seasoning
Ingredients
- 8 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 4 teaspoons onion powder
- 4 teaspoons garlic powder
- 4 teaspoons dry oregano
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper more or less to taste
- 8 teaspoons black pepper
- 6 teaspoons salt coarsley ground
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients and store in a tightly covered container.
Notes
- Coarsley ground black pepper is recommended.
- Seasoning blend can be stored for 1-2 years if tightly covered.
- Amount of cayenne pepper can be varied up to 4 teaspoons for a very spicy mix.
Dannii says
I used this on salmon and it was the perfect spice blend.
Pam says
Thanks, Dannii! We love it on salmon too.
Lubna says
This spice blend is new to me. As you mentioned it do sound bold and amazing.
Kathleen says
I love making homemade seasoning blends like this incredible blackened one. It is the perfect addition to my spice cabinet.
Shelby says
This is such a versatile and flavorful seasoning. We always have some on hand!
Sara Welch says
This was such a quick and easy seasoning that does not disappoint! Added the perfect amount of flavor to dinner; easily, a new favorite recipe!
Pam says
Thanks Sara!