Instant kick is applied to everything it touches, this Blackening Seasoning recipe has fuelled many a meal. Chicken, tofu, pork, vegetables, shrimp, white fish, and my favourite, salmon. It’s a kitchen staple and not just for summer meals. Nothing like a blast of culinary heat in the fall and winter months to melt those winter blahs.
Turn Up the Flavour! Easy DIY Blackening Seasoning with Everyday Spices
A bold, smoky blackening seasoning you can make in five minutes — no mystery ingredients, no fillers. Just pure, Southern-inspired flavour ready to transform chicken, fish, shrimp, or veggies into something crave-worthy.
Homemade and full of power.
There’s something deeply satisfying about a smoky, spicy blend that can turn an ordinary piece of chicken or fish into a bold, flavour-packed meal. This Blackening Seasoning recipe is my go-to for instant Southern charm — earthy paprika, a little cayenne kick, and that signature depth that makes anything taste restaurant-worthy. Once you mix a batch, you’ll never reach for store-bought again. You can see the great crust your get in our Blackened Salmon Tacos with Blackberry Salsa.
The great ideas, keep on coming!
Make your own blackening spice blend with pantry staples — perfect for quick weeknight meals or backyard grilling.
What You’ll Need:
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried thyme
- Dried oregano
- Cayenne pepper
- Black pepper
- Salt
Notes on Paprika: If you love a hint of smoke, divide the paprika measurement in half and add half regular Paprika and half Smoked Paprika. This is a personal preference. Love a custom, house-blend Blackening Seasoning mix. A little more of this, a little less of that. It’s a fun experiment to get it juuuuuuust right.
How to Make Blackening Seasoning:
- Measure & mix. Combine all the spices in a small bowl or jar.
- Store smart. Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dark spot.
- Use generously. Pat dry. Coat well before for that signature “blackened” crust.
Bold, Smoky & Southern-Inspired — The Only Blackening Seasoning You’ll Ever Need
This seasoning shines on chicken, shrimp, pork chops, or roasted vegetables like cauliflower or sweet potatoes. Stir a teaspoon into melted butter for corn on the cob, or mix a bit into mayonnaise for a smoky sandwich spread.
Adjust the cayenne to your heat preference — more for a kick, less for a milder flavour. Homemade blends let you experiment until you find your perfect balance, and they’re so much fresher than anything you’ll find in a jar at the store. You can also double the batch and keep some handy for gifting — friends will thank you.
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Blackening Seasoning Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Description
Make homemade Blackening Seasoning — a smoky, flavourful Cajun spice blend perfect for chicken, fish, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. Easy, versatile and better than store-bought.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Measure & mix. Combine all the spices in a small bowl or jar. Stir or shake until evenly blended.
- Use generously. Pat meat or fish dry, brush with melted butter, and coat well before cooking in a hot skillet for that signature “blackened” crust.
Notes
Store smart. Keep in an airtight container for up to 6 months in a cool, dark spot.
• Works beautifully on shrimp, chicken, pork chops, or roasted vegetables.
• Stir into melted butter for corn on the cob or mix with mayo for a quick Cajun spread.
• Sprinkle over fries, or toss with oil and roasted potatoes for smoky perfection.
