DIY Blackened Seasoning (2024)

Blackened Seasoning, an easy cajun inspired DIY spice blend that is perfect for all kinds of dishes including chicken, pork, fish, shrimp, and even steak! Make your own homemade Blackened Seasoning mix in minutes for yourself or use it as a simple gift idea for your friends and family.

Another easy DIY seasoning mix for you today. This Blackened Seasoning, is a spicy mix that is great on a wide range of dishes including chicken, pork, fish, shrimp, and even steak. You can easily make a less spicy version as well, or make it spicier if you can’t get enough heat!

So yes, you can buy premade Blackened Seasoning (such as Zatarain’s or Old Bay) at your local grocery store. However, it’s not that hard to make at home and you can make it to your personal preference such as more or less spicy.

It’s delicious on fish (popular on redfish or even salmon), but also great on shrimp, steak, chicken (like this Blackened Chicken Alfredo), or pork. Could even put it on your burgers or even vegetables.

This homemade recipe makes about 1/2 cup of seasoning. It should fit in 4-ounce glass jars, mason jars, or other spice containers. If you are using a 4-ounce jar, you may need to fill the jar most of the way with the seasoning mix, then gently tap on your counter to remove any air bubbles to make room for the rest of the seasoning mix.

It also makes a simple homemade gift idea along with my other from scratch spice mixes including Chili Seasoning, Seasoning Salt, Burger Seasoning, Steak Seasoning, and Poultry Seasoning.

The seasoning mixes would be cute in glass jars with bows or ribbons for a fun gift idea. Perfect for Christmas, birthdays, or even Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. Delicious gift idea for the foodies in your life! For more gift ideas take a peek atmy long list of other Homemade Seasoning Mix Recipes.

What is Blackened Seasoning

Blackened seasoning is a spicy Cajun inspired seasoning mix said to have been invented by Chef Paul Prudhomme, at K-Paul’s in New Orleans. It’s not necessarily Cajun. You can read more about the blackening cooking technique for more info.

For the spiciest version of this Blackened Seasoning, use a spicy paprika and more cayenne pepper. For a less spicy version, use a sweeter paprika and less cayenne. You may need to adjust a little to your family’s personal preference.

Be sure to use dry spices and herbs, not fresh, for this mix.

(Full printable recipe card is at bottom of post.)

Blackened Seasoning Ingredients

• Paprika (smoked or sweet, or hot/spicy)
• Salt
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Black pepper
• Oregano
• Thyme

How to Make Blackened Seasoning

1. Mix all ingredients in small bowl until well combined.
2. Place in small glass spice jar with lid. Store at room temperature.

That’s it! It’s ready to go.

Uses for Blackened Seasoning

• Use on fish or seafood, such as redfish, salmon, or even shrimp.
• Sprinkle on beef and steaks before grilling or cooking in a pan.
• Add a little to your favorite dips for a spicier version.
• Sprinkle a little on roasted vegetables.
• Use as a rub for chicken or pork.
• Add a little to your homemade burger patties.

Quick Tips for Best Results

• Use dry herbs and spices, not fresh.
• There are lots of different types of paprika. Use one you like. For a spicy seasoning mix, use a hot/spicy version, or use a sweeter version for a less spicy seasoning mix.
• For a finer ground spice,you canuse a small spice grinder (or small food processor) to combine everything.
• Store the seasoning mix in a closed container in a dark cool place away from heat and light.

Blackened Seasoning FAQ

How should I store the blackened seasoning?
Store the seasoning mix in a closed container in a dark cool place away from heat and light.

How long will blackened seasoning last?
The seasoning mix should last about 1-3 years if your spices are fairly new, however, it may start to lose a little flavor over time as spices do.

Substitutions?
You could add chili pepper or red pepper instead of the cayenne if you’d like.

What else can I add to this recipe?
You could add other chili peppers or red pepper for some spice variation.

Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.

Vegan – The seasoning mix is vegan.

Vegetarian – The seasoning mix is vegetarian.

Low-Carb – The seasoning mix low-carb.

Gluten-Free – The seasoning mix is gluten-free.

Other Spicy Recipes You May Enjoy

• Spicy Pickles (Snappy Gourmet) – A popular pickle recipe with no canning!
• Spicy Cranberry Spread (Snappy Gourmet) – Quick and easy spread for crackers or even sandwiches.
• Spicy Cilantro Pesto (Snappy Gourmet) – A fun twist on pesto with cilantro and chipotles.
• Hot Pepper Butter (Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt) – Perfect for those who love a little heat in their dishes!

Hope you enjoy this DIY Blackened Seasoning mix. Tell me in the comments what you used it on!

You might also like this Homemade Spicy Taco Seasoning!