I love making my own seasoning mixes instead of using the store bought one. I love this homemade blackened seasoning recipe to use in some of my favorite recipes!
This homemade blackened seasoning recipe is easy to make!
Homemade blackening seasoning is a lot easier than you think to make.
Do you ever go to a restaurant and have blackened chicken Alfredo or maybe blackened salmon and you wonder how they did it? How do they get it to look so good and taste amazing?
The secret is in the blackening spices and that is what I’m going to show you today.
Sure, you can head to the store and buy blackened seasoning. However, it is going to be expensive and full of stuff you can’t pronounce. 😉
Making your own blackened spices is a lot easier than you might think, so let’s get started.
What is blackened seasoning?
Blackened is actually a term that describes a cooking process versus a seasoning. The cooking process is when chicken or fish is soaked in butter or oil and then dipped in seasonings.
Then it’s cooked in a cast iron skillet on extremely high heat. The combination of the seasoning and the cooking process make the chicken or fish look black so that is how this seasoning was named.
What is the difference between Cajun and Blackened Seasoning?
Both are seasoning mixes; however, cajun seasoning generally tends to be more spicier. Blackened seasoning does have some heat but if you have sensitivity to spice than I would choose the blackened seasoning over the cajun seasoning.
What ingredients are needed to make homemade blackening seasoning?
My favorite thing about seasoning mixes is that they are just a seasoning blend with spices that you probably already have in your pantry. Also, you might already have everything you need to make this easy seasoning mix.
Once I realized that it was made of ingredients that I already had, I knew there was no reason why I wouldn’t be able to make my own. Here is what you need to create this easy blackened seasoning recipe.
- Paprika or Smoked Paprika
- Salt
- Coarse Garlic Salt
- Parsley
- Onion Granules
- Black Pepper
- Cayenne Pepper
- Oregano
How to make Homemade Blackened Seasoning recipe:
Ok, now that you have everything you need, let’s get started with how to make this blackened seasoning mix.
First, combine all the ingredients in an airtight container. I like to use these small mason jars (or you can use these glass spices jars that even have the shakers on them) for my homemade seasonings.
Then mix together and save. I store this seasoning mix in an airtight container and store in a cool dry place.
Homemade blackened seasoning is easy to make.
I told you it was easy and you probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry. What are you waiting for? Make some yummy blackened seasoning tonight!
How do you blacken food?
Now that you have the needed seasoning, let’s learn how to blacken food so that you can enjoy it!
To blackened food, first heat a skillet to a high temperature. We recommend using a cast iron skillet when blackening food.
Then dip the chicken or fish in melted butter or your favorite cooking oil. I have used olive oil before and it works great. Then dip the chicken or fish in the blackened seasoning and flip it to make sure that both sides are completely covered in the seasoning.
Next place the chicken or fish directly in the cast iron skillet and cook each side for approximately 3 minutes until the chicken or fish is cooked through. The time may vary based on the size and type of food that you are cooking.
Also, be prepared for a lot of smoke and steam in the home since this process requires you to cook on high heat.
Tips and hacks for perfectly blackened food:
1.Don’t use a non stick pan – use a high heat pan like a cast iron skillet (I love this cast iron griddle). Extreme heat needed for good blackening will destroy your non stick pan.
2. Make sure you have ventilation – it will get smokey. Blackening works great on your grill especially with the cast iron griddle that I love. This way you can keep in the smoke out of your home.
3. Coat your meat (chicken or fish) with non stick spray or oil before you rub the spice blend on it. It makes the seasoning stick better to get that beautiful crust.
4. Only flip once. You want the the seasoning to get a beautiful crust, so you only want to flip it once. You will think it is going to burn, but it is just getting black.
5. Time your cooking. On high heat thicker fish will take about 3 minutes on each side, thinner fish (like tilapia) will take about 2 minutes on each side and chicken (filleted) will take about 4-5 minutes on each side. Set a timer so you have beautifully blackened fish or chicken.
Print the recipe for homemade blackened seasoning:
Forget buying blackened spices when you can make this easy Homemade Blackened Seasoning Recipe at home for a lot less. Enjoy Blackened salmon and more!
- 1 Tbsp paprika
- 2 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp garlic salt
- 1 Tbsp parsley
- 2 Tbsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper (more or less depending how spicy you want it)
- 1 Tbsp oregano
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Combine all ingredients together in a small bowl and store in an air tight container.
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Use 1/2 Tbsp on your favorite type of protein and enjoy!
Recipe Video
This homemade seasoning should last 2-3 years as long as it’s stored in a cool, dark place like a pantry.
Try one of these Blackened Recipes!
Once you have made this easy spice mix, I hope you try one of our favorite blackened recipes.
- Best Blackened Chicken Seasoning Recipe
- Blackened Salmon Recipe
- The Best Blackened Fish Seasoning Recipe – Tilapia
If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you try these other homemade seasonings:
- How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Easy Homemade Chili Seasoning
- Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe
- Homemade Fajita Seasoning
Jacky Mullin says
I just made this. It was wonderful. The flavour came very close to the Blackened Chicken I had at the Cactus Club. Can’t wait to make it again.
Joanne says
What are onion granules?
Carrie says
Joanne – Onion granules are dehydrated onions that are grounded up. They are found in the spice section of your grocery store. You can also try onion powder but I would use 1 teaspoon instead of a tablespoon as I find that the onion powder is a bit strong. Let me know how it turns out. I hope you love it 🙂
Vaughn says
Can this be made ahead of time in huge batches and reheated (say, in a chafing dish), to be served as part of a Cajun themed wedding buffet dinner?
Carrie says
Vaughn – Yes, I make this in a large batch and store in a glass container and it works perfectly!
Valerie Martindale says
Carrie-
What can be used to prepare this recipe if you don’t own a cast iron skillet?
Carrie says
I find that it works best on a cast iron skillet. But you can also do this with a regular skillet as well on high heat. Thank you.
Tina says
It was extremely salty. We couldn’t eat it. Does the recipe really need 2 tablespoons of salt or is that a typo?
Carrie says
Yes, it requires a lot of salt as a lot of the blacken seasoning cooks off when it’s cooking. I would just use less salt next time if it was too salty for your preference. Thank you!
Jeanean Diehl says
Tried this last night with tilapia…we loved it..,.,Keeper! Thank you!
TS says
I love garlic but no garlic in this. Suggestion for adding garlic?
Carrie says
I would add in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Let me know how you like it. We love this blackened seasoning. 🙂
David Daniels says
Great blackening season recipe! I substitute dehydrated onions for the onion and fresh parsley.
Lynne says
So I guess I’ll follow your video vs this recipe (where you say you can use olive oil). I think what you said in the video, basically about olive oil and high heat not being a good thing makes a lot of sense. This sounds SO good. I can’t wait to try it!
Carol says
Thanks for reposting your recipe. I used this last year for our grilling and lost the recipe. This is so flavorful the family raved about the taste!!!