This is the best blackening seasoning recipe (aka blackened seasoning) for adding big and bold flavor to anything from fish and shrimp to poultry, beef and more. Time to wake up those taste buds!
Blackened Seasoning Recipe
If you're looking for big and bold flavors in a spice blend, look no further than Blackening seasoning, aka "Blackened Seasoning". This mix is guaranteed to deliver the spiciness you crave.
If you enjoy Cajun and Creole cooking, you'll love blackening as well. The seasoning is "spicy" for sure, but not overly hot, so if you're looking for that huge flavor without too much of a heat blast, this is the perfect blend.
You can easily adjust it to your own heat preferences by adding other spices and make it your own, so much better than any store bought blend.
The term "blackening", though, doesn't refer to the seasoning itself, but to the cooking process.
What is Blackening Seasoning?
Blackening seasoning is a mixture of chili powders, spices and herbs, very much a cross between Cajun seasoning and Creole seasoning. Typical ingredients include a mixture of chili powder like cayenne and paprika, garlic and onion powder, black pepper, oregano and thyme, along with salt, though many variations exists from cook to cook.
You can make your own blends by varying up the ratios and also by either subtracting or adding other ingredients to your own preference.
I often like to slip in a bit of ghost pepper powder into my mix for an extra spicy blend. I usually have to keep this particular blend to myself, as it is too hot for most people. Bear this in mind when cooking for others.
Ingredients
- Smoked paprika (or use regular paprika)
- Cayenne pepper (use more for a spicier blend)
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Ground black pepper
- Sea salt
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Dried thyme
You can also include brown sugar for extra "blackening" powder.
The full ingredients list with measurements is listed in the recipe card below.
How to Make Blackening Seasoning
Mix all of the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until they are well combined. Store the seasoning blend in an airtight container.
Use this base blend to make blackening spice, then adjust to your own preferences after you've used it a few times.
What is Blackening?
Blackening is the process of cooking fish, shrimp, or other foods that have been dipped in butter and highly seasoned, then seared over high heat, usually in a cast iron skillet.
The combination of butter, high heat, and spices develops a telltale dark crust on the meat that gives blackened foods its characteristic look and flavor.
How to Use Blackened Seasoning
Want to learn how to blacken foods, like fish or chicken? The process is quick and easy.
- Dredge or brush your protein or vegetable in melted butter, then season heavily with blackening spice.
- Heat a cast iron pan to medium-high heat or high heat. Set the meat or veg into the pan and sear until you achieve a dark, crusty char on each side.
Cooking usually only takes a few minutes per side. It's a very popular cooking technique for fish and shrimp, though you can easily blacken anything from chicken to beef to vegetables.
Here are some of my personal recipes you are sure to enjoy. I've been making these for many years.
- Blackened Chicken Recipe
- Blackened Shrimp Recipe
- Blackened Salmon Recipe
- Blackened Fish Recipe (works with any fish), like Blackened Sheepshead.
Storage Information
Store blackened seasoning in a cool, dark place in a sealed container or spice jar.
Blackening spice will last a long time in airtight containers, though it starts to lose potency after about 6 months. Because of this, it is best to make small batches that you'll use in that time frame.
Try Some of My Other Popular Homemade Spice Blends
Did you make this homemade blackened seasoning? I love hearing your feedback - please leave a star rating and a quick comment below. Your feedback helps me keep the recipe info and FAQs up to date and helps more spicy food lovers discover Chili Pepper Madness. Thanks! - Mike H.
Homemade Blackening Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika or use regular paprika
- 1 tablespoon cayenne powder use more for a spicier blend
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl. Make sure it is blended evenly.
- Store in airtight containers and use as needed.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
— Mike Hultquist – Author of "Flavor Madness", "The Spicy Dehydrator Cookbook" and "The Spicy Food Lovers’ Cookbook" (affiliate links).
NOTE: This recipe was updated on 10/9/25 to include new information, photos, and video. It was originally published on 5/13/19.
Destiny says
I had tried a lot of different blackening seasoning recipes online but they’re never quite right. This one is perfect. I slightly reduced the cayenne to make it less spicy but otherwise made as written.
Mike Hultquist says
Excellent!! Glad you enjoy it the way I like it, Destiny. Thanks so much!
Ed says
This has become one of my go-to seasonings. It's perfect for just about everything. Thank you very much, Mike.
Mike H. says
You are very welcome, Ed. Thank you very much for the review!
Mark says
How hot is this recipe? Making it for my family. They like some heat. Do I need to reduce amount of cayenne?
Mike Hultquist says
It's fairly hot, Mark, but yes, you can reduce the cayenne.
Sally Benner says
excellent recipe with perfect balance!
Mike H. says
Thank you, Sally!
Karen says
Love your recipes!
Mike H. says
Thank you!
Jeanie says
great! Thank you for your inspiration!
Mike H. says
You are very welcome, Jeanie!
Ladda says
Hi Mike, I am Thai person from Thailand I happen to see your spicy food on line. I eat most Thai food are very spicy too. I am going to try to make Dirty Rice to see is better than from the restaurant that I really don’t like it and I hope your recipe is better.
Mike Hultquist says
I hope you enjoy it, Ladda. This seasoning will add lots of flavor. I LOVE Thai food! Feel free to email me suggestions for recipes to make. =)
Andy B. says
This is just an absolute staple in my pantry now. I'll always keep this on hand. Sick of the ole garlic butter chicken you have every Wednesday? Blacken it instead. Not feeling the same mundane salmon? Blacken it. Shrimp on sale? BLACKEN IT!
Mike Hultquist says
I know, right? One of the most used in my kitchen! Thanks, Andy!
DB says
amazing! thanks for sharing, you are awesome☺️ my family loves it, on everything...even eggs! I do add cumin and sometimes coriander, if I want a more Brazilian feel. thanks again, it's delicious
Mike Hultquist says
Boom! I love it! Thanks, DB. Yes, this is one of my very favorite spice blends. Cheers!! ☺️☺️☺️