I know that steamed fish and chicken are tasty, but it just tastes too plain, right? Now, how do we make it better? Well, lucky you, I just happen to have the right blackened seasoning recipe to make any bland dish a meal to remember. If you’re a home cook like me, you probably already have all the ingredients in your kitchen, if not, it’s readily available in your local grocery store. I love using this as a quick fix for bland white meat, just rub rub rub and you’re all set!
Blackening a Dish
Blackening is a cooking technique where protein, usually fish or chicken, is drenched in melted butter and dredged in a mix of flavorful herbs and spices before being cooked in a hot pan. The blackened color comes from the burning of both the butter and the seasoning mix. It’s a good culinary technique to know if you want to have a smoky and earthy flavor in your dish. If the blackened seasoning is applied perfectly, the taste can penetrate the meat to its core.
What is Blackened Seasoning?
Blackened Seasoning is basically a mix of aromatic and flavorful dry spices often used to add flavor to white meat such as fish and chicken. This is why it is often referred to as Fish Seasoning. Not to be confused with Cajun Seasoning with its iconic hot flavor, Blackened seasoning is made up of dried spices with just a dash of heat. The prevailing flavor comes from the combination of the earthy spices plus the charring effect when cooked on high heat. But don’t be limited to just fish and chicken. You can also apply this to your favorite steak cuts or pork chops or to whatever floats your boat.
Blackened Seasoning Ingredients
The ingredients are simple and easy to find. So if ever you’re planning your next trip to the grocery store, make sure to take note of these ingredients: Paprika – talk about adding hue to your dish, paprika is a natural ingredient that adds heat both visually and in flavor. It makes your food look more appetizing by adding a warmer tone of red while giving it a smoky flavor. Dried Thyme – it’s time to bring thyme into the spotlight. That earthy tone you’re looking for that usually makes chicken meat irresistible is from this spice. Definitely an essential herb for our recipe. Oregano – this aromatic herb hits you with a lingering sensational after taste that would make any dish memorable. Now you have another way to use oregano outside delicious meatballs and pasta. Garlic and Onion powder – speaking of aroma, you’d know the smell of garlic and onion from a mile away even if it’s mixed in Blackened Seasoning. These powdered ingredients easily penetrate the meats by drawing out some of the moisture. Crushed parsley – of course, any dish deserves a touch of freshness. That’s the great thing about parsley, even if dried and crushed, the flavor itself brings an instant freshness to any dish. Ground Black Pepper – this precious spice is used in almost any dish. It gives our mixture a fleeting kick of heat. The familiar flavor also helps anyone who hasn’t tried blackened seasoning to settle in with the taste. Cayenne pepper –Let’s talk about heat. This last, but most certainly not the least, spice is definitely one for the books. It is the main source of heat for our mixture. But don’t worry, the spiciness is tolerable, to be more accurate, it gives a distinct smoky barbecue-ish taste.
Storing your Blackened Seasoning
If you mix the ingredients right away in a jar, you won’t have any problems with storing your blackened seasoning. Because mason jars are already airtight containers. If you don’t have that, you can use a Ziplock bag for storage. Make sure to place it away from any source of moisture to have a longer shelf life.
Ways to Use Blackened Seasoning
Already thinking of ways to use this magical homemade spice blend? Well, you can start with any of these recipes below and you’ll be raking in all the good reviews from your family and guests.
Blackened Spatchcock Chicken Blackened Shrimp and Pasta Fried Fish and Sandwich Blackened Salmon
More Homemade Spice Blend to Try
Homemade Poultry Seasoning Homemade Taco Seasoning Creole Cajun Seasoning Italian Seasoning
How to Make Blackened Seasoning
This Blackened Seasoning is so easy to make that it only takes one step, yes you heard that right, just one step – mix all the ingredients together! However, I’m going to show you three techniques on how to mix dried spices.
title: “Blackened Seasoning” ShowToc: true date: “2024-09-20” author: “Bob Decker”
What’s the Difference Between Blackened Seasoning, Cajun Seasoning, and Creole Spice?
All three spice blends fall under the same category with standard base ingredients, like paprika, pepper, garlic, and onion powder. However, Cajun Seasoning tends to be the spiciest, while Creole seasoning often has a variety of herbs mixed in. My rule of thumb: When in doubt, go with Blackened Seasoning, a spice blend that tends to fall directly in the middle.
What Is Blackening Seasoning Made Of?
A good Blackening Spice Blend offers a bit of heat, herbaceous notes, and a whole lot of zesty flavor and depth. These tempting undertones come from paprika, garlic, onions, and salt. However, my “secret ingredient” so to speak, is smoked paprika. The smoky essence of smoked paprika takes our Best Ever Blackened Seasoning to the next level. It makes everything you sprinkle seasoning mix on taste like fireworks in your mouth.
What Can I Season With Homemade Blackened Seasoning?
Use our Best Ever Blackened Seasoning to create a spicy crust on blackened fish, chicken, steaks, and grilled vegetables. You can also use it to season soups, chilis, dips and spreads, party mix, rice, and even scrambled eggs and bacon! I can’t think of a single savory dish that this dazzling little spice mix concoction wouldn’t improve. My favorite foods to use this seasoning blend with are shrimp, salmon, potatoes, pork, and hamburger patties.
How To Make Blackened Seasoning Blend
Ingredients
Smoked Paprika Onion Powder Sea Salt Garlic Powder Ground Black Pepper Dried Thyme Dried Oregano Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
Personalize Your Seasoning Blend
The beauty of making spice blends at home is the element of personalization. If you want a little more heat, add more cayenne pepper. If you want a little more herby sweetness, add more thyme or a touch of dried basil.
Make It Today
You can lower the sodium, make large batches, and you will most definitely save money this way. Most likely, you have all these spices in your pantry right now. Your seafood (and family) will thank you!
other recipes you might like:
The Best Steak Seasoning Recipe Pressure Cooker Spiced Apples Pumpkin Spice Kettle Corn How to Make Italian Seasoning Easy Adobo Seasoning Recipe Roasted Garam Masala
Check the printable recipe card below for the nutrient information including calories, carbohydrates, protein, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, potassium, fiber, vitamin c, and calcium percentages based on daily values. Share This Recipe With Friends!
