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Home » Recipes » Homemade Blackening Seasoning

Homemade Blackening Seasoning

by Mike Hultquist · Jul 12, 2024 · 165 Comments

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Use this piquant homemade blackening seasoning recipe (aka blackened seasoning) to blacken anything from fish and shrimp to poultry, beef and more. Time to wake up those taste buds! This seasoning is ideal for Blackened Chicken, Blackened Shrimp, and Blackened Salmon.

Homemade Blackening Seasoning Recipe (Blackened Seasoning)

Blackened Seasoning Recipe

If you're looking for big and bold flavors, look no further than this blackening seasoning blend. It 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 Cajun and Creole seasoning blends.

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.

However, 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?

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 seasoning.

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. 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.

All of the ingredients in my Homemade Blackening Seasoning Recipe

How to Make Blackening Seasoning

Use this base blend to make blackening seasoning, 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. 

Mixing up my Homemade Blackening Seasoning Recipe

Storage Information

Blackened seasoning 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.

Otherwise, store in a cool, dark place in a sealed container or spice jar.

About the Peppers

The pepper powders we're using here are paprika and cayenne pepper. These are the most typical, and the easiest to find in most grocery stores.

You can use either regular paprika or smoked paprika for some extra flavor. The choice is yours. Paprika can range from mild to hot, depending on the peppers used to make it. In the US, paprika is usually a bit sweeter and not spicy.

Cayenne powder, however, is piquant with a good level of heat, so adjust the amount included up or down, depending on your heat level preferences.

The peppers in my Homemade Blackening Seasoning recipe

The Dried Herbs

The herbs we're using for this blackened seasoning include dried basil, oregano and thyme. You can use other herbs, like parsley or cilantro, though I've found this combination to be ideal.

Especially when paired with the peppers and other spices.

The herbs in my Homemade Blackening Seasoning recipe

The Spices

The other ingredients for this blackening seasoning include onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper and salt.

Again, you can include other ingredients, such as white pepper, cumin, spicy chili flake, etc. This overall combination is the one I prefer, sometimes with an extra pinch of ghost pepper powder, or hotter! Learn more about ghost peppers here. Such a great spice mix.

The spices in my Homemade Blackening Seasoning recipe

That's it, my friends! Please let me know if you have any questions. I'm here to help!

Try it Out on These Blackened Recipes

  • Blackened Sheepshead
  • Blackened Fish

Try Some of My Other Popular Homemade Spice Blends

  • Cajun Seasoning
  • Creole Seasoning
  • Homemade Chili Powder
  • Homemade Spicy Chili Powder
  • Steak Seasoning Mix
  • Homemade Rib Rub
  • Homemade Taco Seasoning
  • Seafood Boil Seasoning Recipe
Spicy Blackening Seasoning in a spice jar (Blackened Seasoning)

Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.

Homemade Blackening Seasoning Recipe
Print

Homemade Blackening Seasoning Recipe

Use this piquant homemade blackening seasoning recipe to blacken anything from fish and shrimp to poultry, beef and more. Time to wake up those taste buds!
Save Recipe Saved!
Course: Main Course, Seasonings
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cajun, creole, recipe, seasonings, spicy
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute minute
Total Time: 6 minutes minutes
Calories: 6kcal
Author: Mike Hultquist
Servings: 16 teaspoons
Tap or hover to scale
4.99 from 63 votes
Leave a Review

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

Makes about 3 ounces, just under ½ a cup. 
Heat Factor: Mild-Medium, though you can heat things up with extra cayenne pepper, or use a spicier chili flake or powder in the mix.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 6kcal   Carbohydrates: 1g   Sodium: 146mg   Potassium: 32mg   Vitamin A: 560IU   Vitamin C: 0.3mg   Calcium: 5mg   Iron: 0.3mg
Homemade Blackening Seasoning Recipe
Did You Enjoy This Recipe?I love hearing how you like it and how you made it your own. Leave a comment below and tag @ChiliPepperMadness on social media.

— Mike Hultquist – Author of “The Spicy Dehydrator Cookbook” and “The Spicy Food Lovers’ Cookbook“.

NOTE: This recipe was updated on 7/12/24 to include new information, photos, and video. It was originally published on 5/13/19.

Reader Interactions

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Jeanie says

    March 30, 2025 at 7:08 pm

    5 stars
    great! Thank you for your inspiration!

    Reply
    • Mike H. says

      March 31, 2025 at 4:22 am

      You are very welcome, Jeanie!

      Reply
  2. Ladda says

    March 20, 2025 at 4:14 pm

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      March 21, 2025 at 5:51 am

      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. =)

      Reply
  3. Andy B. says

    March 16, 2025 at 12:16 pm

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      March 16, 2025 at 2:57 pm

      I know, right? One of the most used in my kitchen! Thanks, Andy!

      Reply
  4. DB says

    March 11, 2025 at 2:27 pm

    5 stars
    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

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      March 11, 2025 at 3:50 pm

      Boom! I love it! Thanks, DB. Yes, this is one of my very favorite spice blends. Cheers!! ☺️☺️☺️

      Reply
  5. Stewball says

    December 15, 2024 at 2:51 pm

    5 stars
    I've never eaten blackened anything. I can't get onion powder here. I was advised to double the garlic powder. what do you think?

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      December 15, 2024 at 3:19 pm

      You can double the garlic powder, yep! Extra garlic flavor!

      Reply
  6. David says

    October 23, 2024 at 7:06 pm

    5 stars
    If you want NUCLEAR hot and want to skip the ghost pepper, there is a brand of hot paprika called Pride of Szeged sold on Amazon that is no joke. I love spicy food and put Frank's Red Hot Xtra hot sauce and ground cayenne powder on just about everything and this paprika is next level. I used it to make a batch of goulash once and ended up having to toss the stew out because it literally made me cry. Moderation is key. LOL

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      October 24, 2024 at 7:16 am

      Wow! I'll have to check that out, David! Dang!

      Reply
  7. Nicole says

    August 27, 2024 at 10:51 am

    5 stars
    This is the BEST blackened seasoning I have tried. Most do not add enough cayenne, but this one is chef's kiss perfect!

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      August 27, 2024 at 10:58 am

      Yes!! Thanks, Nicole! I love it - Chef's Kiss!

      Reply
  8. John Houghton says

    August 11, 2024 at 12:52 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve made this seasoning about 50 times.

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      August 11, 2024 at 1:18 pm

      Nice! It's definitely a GO-TO for me as well!

      Reply
  9. Farrell Pierson says

    July 30, 2024 at 11:54 am

    5 stars
    This blackening mixture is very good. I don’t know if anyone else has tried it (I haven’t read all of the comments) but I added 1 tsp of caraway seeds to this for a unique flavor layer

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      July 30, 2024 at 1:04 pm

      An interesting addition, Farrell! Glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  10. Scott says

    July 16, 2024 at 12:30 pm

    5 stars
    Can't go wrong with any of Mike's recipes. My step son loves the heat !! When I ask what he wants for dinner- one of his favorite responses is Mike's Pollo Guisado !! Looking forward to using this mix on some pork chops !!

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      July 16, 2024 at 12:43 pm

      This is great to hear, Scott! I love it! Thanks so much! Tell your son I love his taste, haha!

      Reply
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