Homemade Blackening Seasoning Recipe

Blackened Seasoning Recipe

If you're looking for big and bold flavors in a spice blend, look no further. This mix is guaranteed to deliver the spiciness you crave.

Blackening seasoning, aka "Blackened seasoning", is a mixture of chili powders, herbs and spices. It is spicy and piquant, very much a cross between a Cajun Seasoning blend and a Creole Seasoning.

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, to 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. Let's discuss.

What is Blackening Seasoning?

Blackening seasoning is a mixture of chili powders, spices and herbs, very similar to Cajun and Creole seasonings. The most typical ingredients include a mixture of chili pepper, 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.

What is Blackening?

Blackening is the process of cooking fish, shrimp, or other foods that have been dipped in butter and seasoned, then seared over high heat, usually in a cast iron skillet.

The combination of butter, high heat, and seasoning develops a telltale dark crust on the meat that gives blackened foods its characteristic look and flavor.

How to Blacken Foods with Blackened Seasoning

The process is quick and easy. Simply dredge or brush your protein in melted butter, then season heavily with blackening spice.

Heat a cast iron pan to medium-high heat or high heat, then set the meat into the pan. You're looking for a dark, crusty char on each side of the protein.

Cooking usually only takes a few minutes per side. It's a very popular cooking technique for fish and shrimp, though you can realistically blacken anything from chicken to beef to vegetables.

The blackening seasoning, of course, is essential to the overall blackening process.

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.

How to Make Blackening Seasoning

Use this base blend to make blackening spice, then adjust to your own preferences after you've used it a few times:

• 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

Mix all of the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until they are well combined. Store the seasoning blend in an airtight container. 

Storage Information

Store blackened seasoning in a cool, dark place in a sealed container or spice jar.

Blackening spice will last a long time, though it does start 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

• Homemade Taco Seasoning
• Homemade Chili Powder
• Steak Seasoning Mix
• Homemade Rib Rub
• Seafood Boil Seasoning Recipe