Are you tired of bland, uninspired meals? Looking to add a kick of flavor to your dishes without all the artificial additives? Homemade blackened seasoning might just be the answer you’ve been searching for.
Today, we’ll delve into the world of homemade blackened seasoning – a versatile blend of herbs and spices that can elevate your cooking to new heights. From the perfect balance of paprika to the smoky notes of cayenne pepper, we’ll explore how you can create your own signature seasoning right in your own kitchen. Get ready to spice up your culinary creations and impress your taste buds with this flavorful guide to homemade blackened seasoning.
What is Blackened Seasoning?
This is a combination of herbs and spices utilised for blackening fish or meat. This cooking technique typically involves using a heated pan along with oil or butter, followed by searing the meat until a blackened crust forms.
This seasoning can also be utilised as a dry rub for grilling fish or meat. When grilling fish, it is advisable to utilise a specialised grate designed for fish to prevent it from falling through the grill.
Key Spices For Making Blackened Seasoning
Blackened seasoning is a popular spice blend that adds a flavorful kick to dishes. Key spices for making blackened seasoning include:
Smoked Paprika 2 Tablespoon
Smoked paprika is essential for blackened seasoning. It gives the blend a rich, smoky flavour, improving the dish. Smoked paprika adds a unique flavour to the seasoning mix with its deep red colour and subtle sweetness.
Cayenne Powder 1 Tablespoon
Cayenne powder is a key spice for making blackened seasoning. Its fiery kick adds that signature heat and depth of flavor to the seasoning blend. Just a pinch of cayenne can elevate your dish to a whole new level, giving it that perfect balance of spicy goodness.
Onion Powder 1 Tablespoon
Onion powder is a key spice for making blackened seasoning, adding depth and savory flavor to your dishes. Its aromatic essence enhances the overall taste profile of the seasoning, making it a must-have ingredient for that authentic blackened flavor.
Garlic Powder 1 Teaspoon
Its pungent and distinct flavor adds depth and richness to the seasoning blend. When combined with other spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano, garlic powder helps create a well-rounded mix that is perfect for adding a bold and flavorful kick to meats and seafood.
Ground Black Pepper 1 Teaspoon
Ground black pepper is essential for blackened seasoning. Bold and pungent, it adds depth and complexity to the seasoning blend while adding heat. Ground black pepper, along with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, gives blackened dishes their smokey, spicy flavour.
Sea Salt 1 Teaspoon
Sea salt not only enhances the taste of the other spices but also helps to create a well-rounded seasoning mix. Its slightly briny and mineral-rich profile can elevate the overall taste of your dishes. The coarse texture of sea salt can provide a nice crunch to meats and vegetables when used as a finishing touch.
Dried Basil ½ Teaspoon
Its aromatic notes complement the other spices in the blend, enhancing the overall taste of dishes like blackened fish or chicken. When combined with other spices like paprika, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper, dried basil helps create a robust and flavorful seasoning that is perfect for giving your meals a spicy kick.
Dried Oregano ½ Teaspoon
Its earthy and slightly bitter notes complement the other spices like paprika, thyme, and garlic powder commonly found in blackened seasoning recipes. Dried oregano brings a Mediterranean flair to the seasoning mix, enhancing the overall taste profile with its aromatic qualities.
Dried Thyme ½ Teaspoon
Dried thyme is a key spice in making blackened seasoning. Its earthy and slightly floral flavor adds depth to the seasoning blend, complementing the smokiness of other spices like paprika and cayenne pepper. Thyme also brings a subtle herbaceous note that enhances the overall profile of the seasoning mix.
How to Make Homemade Blackened Seasoning?
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Ensure that it is blended uniformly.
- Store in airtight containers and utilize as required.
How to Use Blackened Seasoning on Meats and Vegetables?
Blackened seasoning can add a flavorful kick to both meats and vegetables. To use blackened seasoning on meats, start by patting the meat dry with a paper towel to ensure the seasoning sticks. Rub the blackened seasoning generously onto the meat, making sure to cover all sides evenly. Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke, then add a small amount of oil before placing the seasoned meat in the skillet. Cook each side for a few minutes until blackened and cooked to your desired level of doneness. For vegetables, toss them in olive oil and sprinkle with blackened seasoning before roasting or grilling for a tasty and spicy twist. Enjoy the bold flavors that blackened seasoning brings to your favorite dishes!
Storage Tips For Homemade Blackened Seasoning
When it comes to storing homemade blackened seasoning, there are a few key tips to keep in mind to maintain its freshness and flavor.
- To ensure your seasoning stays potent, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, away from heat and sunlight.
- This will help preserve the integrity of the spices and prevent them from losing their potency.
- Additionally, labeling the container with the date of preparation can help you keep track of its freshness and ensure you use it before it loses its flavor.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy delicious and flavorful dishes seasoned with your homemade blackened seasoning for months to come.
Blackened Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Cayenne Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Dried Basil
- ½ Teaspoon Dried Oregano
- ½ Teaspoon Dried Thyme
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl
- Ensure that it is blended uniformly
- Store in airtight containers and utilize as required
Nutrition
Final Words
Spice up your dishes with the bold flavors of homemade blackened seasoning! This versatile blend is perfect for adding a kick to your favorite meats, seafood, or veggies. By creating your own blackened seasoning at home, you can customize the heat level and flavor profile to suit your taste preferences. Say goodbye to store-bought seasonings and elevate your cooking game with this easy-to-make recipe. Get ready to impress your taste buds and take your culinary creations to the next level with this flavorful blackened seasoning!
FAQs
Is Blackened Seasoning The Same As Cajun Seasoning?
Blackened seasoning is a type of Cajun seasoning blend that creates a very dark, “blackened” crust on food when cooked at high heat, often with a slightly higher proportion of black pepper and sometimes a bit of sugar to help caramelise. Cajun seasoning can be more versatile with a wider range of spice levels and applications.
How Do You Get Blackened Seasoning To Stick?
Traditional methods for blackening fish or other proteins begin with dipping or brushing the food in butter. You can either dredge the food in the seasoning mix or apply it generously by sprinkling it on. Apply gentle pressure to ensure the seasoning adheres to the food prior to placing it in the pan.
What’s The Difference Between Blackening And Charring?
The process of blackening involves the use of herbs and spices, along with a cooking technique that results in a deep brown crust. Charring entails the application of heat or flames to cook food intensely, approaching the point of burning, without the inclusion of herbs or spices.
