Homemade Blackening Seasoning Recipe

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

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