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Homemade blackening seasoning is a great seasoning to have on hand as you can use it in a variety of ways to liven up the most boring chicken, steak, salmon, fish, shrimp — you name it! It’s even great to sprinkle on roasted vegetables.

a bowl of blackening seasoning with a gold 1/4 teaspoon spoon inside next to blackening seasoning on the table
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If you’re looking to amp up flavor at dinner, you’ve got to make yourself a batch of blackening seasoning! I always found myself ordering blackened something at restaurants because the flavor boost it gives is so unmatched. You’ve got to be careful though, not every restaurant thinks of “blackened” like the blackened spice. Sometimes it’s just seared until charred, but what I’m talking about here is the blackening seasoning which is a mixture of spices that create a lot of flavor and spice.

I easily make a batch at home and keep it in a small glass jar in the spice cabinet. Of course, you may buy store-bought but I like making this at home because I can control the spice and the sodium.

What is blackening seasoning?

Blackening seasoning is a combination of spices and herbs that gives it a spicy flavor. It’s called blackening because sometimes when you cook the dish in this seasoning, it gives it a darker appearance due to the paprika darkening with a sear.

Is it blackening seasoning or blackened seasoning?

It’s technically blackening seasoning. Blackened is the act of what the seasoning does.

a bowl of blackening seasoning with a gold 1/4 teaspoon spoon inside next to blackening seasoning on the table

Why You’ll Love This

  • You’re in control. I’ve noticed I have different sensitivity levels for spice and with blackening seasoning, my sensitivity is a lot higher. It might be due to the cayenne. Either way, when you make blackening seasoning at home, you are in control of the spice level. You’re also in control of the sodium. The packets or jars of pre-made spices at the store have a ridiculous amount of sodium in them!
  • Cheaper than store-bought. Making this at home with the spices you already have in your spice cabinet really help reduce the cost. Store it in a glass jar for up to a year and you can use this many times over!
  • Makes a great gift. This might not be something you ever thought about but during the holidays a lot of people make homemade vanilla extract and gift them to friends and family. How about making your own spice box to gift? You could include this blackening seasoning and faijta seasoning!
blackening seasoning ingredients

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make blackening seasoning. Make sure to scroll down to view the full recipe for exact measurements.

  • Smoked paprika
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Toasted onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Black pepper
  • Kosher salt
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried thyme
  • Dried basil

What’s the difference between blackening seasoning and Cajun seasoning?

They’re very similar and they’re often used interchangeably, however, I find Cajun seasoning spicier…but it really depends on what the spice mixture is. They might have added more cayenne pepper. You could honestly say the same thing about blackening seasoning if there’s more cayenne in it.

How To Make

Blackening seasoning might be the easiest “recipe,” ever!

all blackening seasoning ingredients in a white, gold rimmed bowl next to gold measuring spoons

Mix it up! Add all the spices and herbs into a small bowl then mix it all together with a spoon.

Keep in a tiny glass jar with a lid. Add the seasoning to a glass jar with a lid and keep in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.

Difference between smoked paprika and regular paprika?

Smoked paprika just has a smokier flavor while regular (sweet) paprika doesn’t and has a very slight hint of sweetness. You can swap them out for each other. I love smoked paprika though because it gives it a nice smokey flavor to really help the flavors of the blackening seasoning.

a bowl of blackening seasoning with a gold 1/4 teaspoon spoon inside next to blackening seasoning on the table

More Ideas On What To Use Blackening Seasoning On:

5 from 1 vote

Blackening Seasoning

An extremely flavorful blend of spices and herbs that will liven up any poultry, steak, or seafood!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 ounces

Ingredients 

  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • ½ tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon toasted onion powder, regular onion powder works too
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl, mix all spices and herbs together with a spoon or small whisk.
  • Pour spice mixture into a sealable glass jar and store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.
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Nutrition

Serving: 1.5ounces, Calories: 35kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0.2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Sodium: 782mg, Potassium: 206mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 1g

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe.

The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.

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3 Comments

  1. Krisha says:

    Happy to hv this recipes

  2. Edina Kaludjercic says:

    Hi Julie,

    What is toasted onion powder? Do you pour into a skillet like you would when toasting sesame seeds or coconut?

    Thanks! Looking forward to trying this!

    1. Julie Chiou says:

      hi Edina, no you don’t do that. it’s just something i got at the spice store. regular onion powder works too! i just added a note in the recipe for it, hope that helps!