Homemade recipe for blackening seasoning is perfect on chicken, fish or your favorite meats!
Making blackened seasoning at home with ingredients right from the spice cabinet means you can control the heat and spice levels to your liking.
What is Blackened Seasoning?
Blackening seasoning is a savory combination of spices, dried herbs, salt and pepper that’s rubbed directly on meat (and blackened fish). The seasonings cook into the brown sugar, creating a sweet and savory coating that is absolutely next level delicious!
Blackening seasoning also tastes good on roasted potatoes or mixed into mayo for a savory spread for burgers, wraps, and sandwiches!
Ingredients
SPICES Cumin, paprika, onion, garlic, and chili powder all add to the flavor of this seasoning.
SUGAR Brown sugar caramelizes with spices to create a ‘blackened’ look.
Feel free to create your own special signature blend! The spice mix can be switched up by changing the ingredients or amounts! Want some more heat? Add cayenne powder! Prefer it a little milder? Omit the chili powder and skip the cayenne.
How to Make Blackened Seasoning
This spice blend is super easy to mix up, and can keep on the shelf for up to 6 months!
- Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Store blackening seasoning in a spice jar or mason jar.
How To Use Blackening Seasoning
- For any kind of meat, pat it dry with a paper towel so the seasoning will stick. Coat the meat thoroughly and evenly before baking, roasting, grilling, or pan-frying.
- Use to season Tilapia or Salmon, or on roasted root vegetables!
- Perfect baked potatoes would taste great with blackened seasoning!
Tips for Storing Spices
- Spices don’t last forever and most will lose their potency after about 6 months.
- Each spice has a different expiration date, but to keep spices at their peak freshness, leave them in their original containers and keep them in a cupboard away from direct light or extreme temperatures.
More Homemade Spice Blends
- Fajita Seasoning – perfect for Mexican-night
- Chicken Seasoning – savory & a little spicy
- Seasoned Salt – tastes great on fries
- Cajun Seasoning – flavor with a kick
- Taco Seasoning Recipe – so much better than store-bought
- Chili Powder – simple spice blend
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning – fresh & zesty
Did you use this Blackening Seasoning? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Blackened Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or 1/4 teaspoon table salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne powder optional
Instructions
- Combine spices and brown sugar in a small bowl.
- Store in a small sealed container up to 6 months.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Pantry, Seasonings, Spices
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Great stuff… you’re right a lot better than store bought. Used it to make blackened haddock tonight, my wife raved over it!
So glad you both enjoyed it Bill!
This Blackening seasoning is amazing. I am on my second batch.
Thanks, Lesley! We love it too!
What is the best way to cook the fish once the seasoning is on?
Hi Becky, follow this recipe for instructions on how to pan-fry Blackened Salmon. Let us know how it works out for you!
I was in a pinch one night with a HUNGRY teenage son. His request, tilapia. So I goggled. The blackened seasoning was so easy to make because I had all the simple ingredients already on hand. My son loved it. I also liked the tip of making extra to store. I’m glad I found Spending with Pennies. Hats off to the chef.
Thanks Anna! So glad this recipe helped :)