Homemade Blackening Seasoning
Can you imagine how bland the food will taste without seasoning? Spices are essential ingredients for every dish. This homemade blackening seasoning is always in my spice drawer. I use it to season meat and seafood. Most often I use it for shrimp and chicken. It adds so much flavor and elevates my dishes.
I’ve tried blackened seafood when I moved to Louisiana and I fell in love with the flavor of the seasoning. I tried to recreate it at home multiple times. I adjusted and tested this recipe until I found the perfect combination of spices. It tastes slightly smoky, aromatic and it has just the enough heat.
Why should you make your own seasonings?
I’m a firm believer of making my own spice mixes. Most spice blends sold at the store contain cheap fillers, like potato or corn starch. This not only dilutes the flavor of the spices, but it can also ruins the texture of the dish you are cooking. Some of the seasonings sold at the store contain preservatives, sugar or artificial flavorings too.
Another reason to make your own seasonings is that it is so much cheaper. I shop for spices from the bulk sections at Whole Foods or Sprouts. Next time you go to the store calculate the price per ounce at the bulk section verses the price per ounce for a pre-made spice mix. You will see that you are paying extra for the ready to use seasoning. That is because you pay for the packaging.
By making your own seasonings you are in control of the flavor. You can also adjust the level of spiciness. If you have kids at home, you can omit the cayenne pepper completely.
Food safety.
Wash and dry your hands well before you prepare the homemade blackening seasoning. Store it in a sealed container away from heat and moisture. I keep mine in a small glass jar.
Homemade Blackening Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp paprika
- 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 Tbsp dry thyme
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper you can reduce the amount if you don’t like spicy
Instructions
- Measure and combine all the spices.
- Use immediately or store in an air tight container away from heat, moisture and sunlight. Best stored a cool dry place.
