This homemade blackened seasoning rub is super simple to make with ordinary spices, yet will give your shrimp, chicken, or pork chops tons of flavor. Plus, you can control the salt and the quality of ingredients while skipping a trip to the store. What’s not to love?
Table of Contents
What is Blackened Seasoning Mix?
Blackened spice mix is a popular Creole seasoning with a bold flavor. It’s made from ingredients common in Cajun cooking, like smoked paprika, dried herbs, and hot cayenne pepper.
Combined, it’s smoky, savory, and a little herbaceous with a subtle kick from the cayenne pepper and black pepper. It’s a flavor powerhouse and can make it way easier to eat more lean protein throughout the week!
But, let’s be clear. Blackening is really all about the cooking process. Blackening is a method of cooking seasoned meat in a hot skillet to develop a delicious char and a black crust.
It doesn’t always turn actual black, but the high heat will give it a good sear and lock in maximum flavor.
Why We Love This Blackened Seasoning Recipe
- Can control the quality of ingredients (no additives, anti-caking agents, or preservatives)
- Can be made once and then stashed in the pantry for months
- Adjust the heat or salt level to make it your own
- Takes moments to make, even a big batch!
- The secret to lightning-quick proteins on busy nights
- Easier to grab one jar from the spice cabinet than to measure out all the different spices each time
Ingredient Notes
- Smoked paprika: This is the secret ingredient and absolutely crucial! Smoked paprika is sweet, smoky, and full-bodied. Regular paprika just doesn’t come close.
- Ground black pepper: I like to use black pepper, but feel free to play around with other types for a different flavor profile. White pepper is a little milder and has a nice fruitiness.
- Cayenne pepper: You can adjust to taste. Feel free to skip it completely if you aren’t a fan of heat. Feel free to try using chili powder instead.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix together all of the spices in a small bowl or jar. Use to season your favorite meat, poultry or fish, or store in a jar or air-tight container for later.
Scroll to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!
Expert Tips
- I kept this seasoning on the milder side to make it kid-friendly too. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper to 3/4 -1 teaspoon.
Storage Guidelines
Store any leftover blackened seasoning mix in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. Since the spices are all shelf-stable, it has a long shelf life. It can start to clump from the moisture in the air after a while, so it’s good to give it a shake every once in a while!
Serving Suggestions
Although you can use this blackening spice mix in lots of different ways, I especially love it with seafood! The warm spices pack a major punch without being too spicy, which makes it easier than ever to serve seafood, even to picky eaters.
You can use it on different types of fish, too. We love it with mild whitefish, like this Blackened Cod, or to make these Air Fryer Blackened Salmon Bites or Blackened Shrimp Tacos!
That’s just the start, though. Use it on pork chops, chicken breast, shrimp, and more.
Just rub meat, chicken or fish with olive oil or melted butter, and season generously. Crank up a cast iron skillet over high heat, sear, and cook through. That’s the secret to blackening – lots of seasoning and a quick, hot cook.
More Homemade Spice Blends
- Homemade Healthy Taco Seasoning
- Authentic Fajita Seasoning Recipe
- Dry Rub for Chicken Wings {Air Fryer}
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a star rating and review!
Blackened Seasoning Rub Spice Mix
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 8 teaspoons onion powder
- 4 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more if you prefer it spicier)
Instructions
- Mix together all of the spices in a small bowl or jar. Use to season your favorite meat, poultry or fish or store for later.
Notes
- I kept this seasoning on the milder side to make it kid-friendly too. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper to 3/4 -1 teaspoon.
Nutrition
Recipe Variations
- Season veggies or sides: Although you usually blacken your protein, you can use this seasoning mix on anything! It’s especially great over grilled veggies.
- Make it salt-free: Salt brings out flavor, but I know lots of people have lower sodium requirements for health reasons. You can easily skip it completely and adjust the amount depending on your personal requirements.
- Add some sweetness: If you prefer sweeter flavors, you can add a little brown sugar but keep in mind that it will burn quickly at high heat. Sometimes I like to drizzle my blackened chicken or shrimp with a little honey after cooking to get that sweet-smoky-savory flavor.
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