Blackening is a Cajun cooking technique that involves searing seasoned meat or vegetables over high heat to create a flavorful crust. Pair the homemade blackened seasoning with fish, shrimp, beef, vegetables, and chicken to take your meal to the next level.
What is Blackening Seasoning
Blackening spices heighten the flavor of whatever they coat, but the term “blackening” has less to do with the spice blend and everything to do with the cooking process.
The cooking technique requires coating a protein or vegetables in butter, followed by a generous application of the blackened seasoning before cooking over high heat (usually in a cast-iron skillet), resulting in the characteristic blackened appearance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chili Powder: Chili powder lends savoriness to the seasoning.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder carries the same garlicky flavor from which it gets its name, but unlike fresh garlic, garlic powder is sweet.
- Oregano: The earthy bitterness of dried oregano makes it my favorite spice in the blend.
- Smoked Paprika: Use smoked paprika to give the spice blend a smoky flavor you will crave.
- Cumin: Ground provides an earthy, citrusy flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper: Add heat that doesn’t overpower the other spices using cayenne powder.
- Salt +Pepper: Finish the seasoning with salt and pepper.
If you enjoy this recipe, try one of these spice blend favorites!
Serving Suggestions
- Season chicken, beef, or pork chops.
- Sprinkle the seasoning over popcorn with butter and salt.
- Use the spice blend to flavor roasted potatoes and corn on the cob.
- Toss vegetables in a bag along with butter and blackened seasoning before grilling or roasting them.
- Coat seafood, such as shrimp, catfish, salmon, tilapia, or blackened mahi-mahi with the blackening seasoning.
What to do with the Leftovers
- Storage – Store the leftover seasoning in an airtight container. Blackened seasoning keeps for one year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I blacken food?
1. Lightly coat a protein or vegetable in melted butter using a pastry brush.
2. Combine the blackening spices in a bowl, and generously cover the ingredient in the seasoning.
3. Over medium-high heat, warm oil in a cast-iron skillet until it begins to smoke.
4. Once heated, carefully add your protein and cook on both sides to get a nice blackened crust.
More Southern Recipes:
Blackened Seasoning
- Airtight Container
- 1½ tablespoons chili powder
- 1½ tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, coarse ground
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir to combine.
- Store the spice blend in an airtight container.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Jessica T.
Monday 20th of February 2023
I tried the Blackened Seasoning recipe, and it added so much flavor to my grilled chicken. The warm and savory taste was a perfect addition to my meal. I can't wait to try it on other meats and vegetables.
Jeff
Friday 16th of September 2022
I am finally coming back here to leave a comment. We put this seasoning on everything from chicken to fish.
Tressa Jamil
Friday 16th of September 2022
We feel the same way about the seasoning. Thank you.