Blackening Seasoning
Heat is only one part of a good blackening crust. This blend builds a smoky, herbal depth first, then lets the cayenne give the finish a little bite.

Recipe link
Prep time5 min
Cook time0 min
Total time5 MINUTES
- Course
- Pantry, Marinades Rubs
- Cuisine
- American
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Est. calories / serving
- 6
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
- 1 tablespoon granulated onion
- 1 tablespoon oregano (dried)
- 1 tablespoon thyme (dried)
- ½ teaspoon basil (dried)
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1½ teaspoons black pepper (coarse, freshly ground)
- 1½ teaspoons cayenne pepper
Instructions
Instructions
- Measure the Spices: Add the smoked paprika, sweet paprika, granulated garlic, granulated onion, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried basil, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to a small mixing bowl.2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp sweet paprika, 1 tbsp garlic, 1 tbsp onion, 1 tbsp oregano, 1 tbsp thyme, ½ tsp basil, 1½ tsp kosher salt, 1½ tsp black pepper, 1½ tsp cayenne
- Mix Thoroughly: Whisk until the seasoning is fully combined and evenly colored.prepared seasoning
- Store: Transfer the blackening seasoning to an airtight spice jar or container.blackening seasoning
- Use: Pat chicken, fish, steak, shrimp, tofu, mushrooms, vegetables, or potatoes dry. Coat lightly with oil, season generously with blackening seasoning, and cook over medium-high to high heat until the spices darken and toast.blackening seasoning, protein or vegetables, oil as needed
Notes
- Heat Level: This blend has noticeable heat, but it is still balanced enough for a wide range of palates.
- Adjust the Cayenne: Use 1 teaspoon cayenne for a milder blend or 2 teaspoons for more heat.
- Cook Hot: Blackening seasoning needs direct heat. A hot skillet, grill, griddle, or broiler helps the spices toast and darken.
- Pat Food Dry: Moisture prevents the seasoning from forming a good crust, especially on fish, tofu, mushrooms, and chicken.
- Use with Oil or Butter: Brush food lightly with oil before seasoning, or finish with butter after cooking for a richer blackened flavor.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
Per 1 teaspoon
- Calories
- 6
- Carbohydrates
- 1 g
- Protein
- 0 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Saturated Fat
- 0 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat
- 0 g
- Monounsaturated Fat
- 0 g
- Cholesterol
- 0 mg
- Sodium
- 125 mg
- Potassium
- 28 mg
- Fiber
- 0 g
- Total Sugars
- 0 g
- Vitamin A
- 310 IU
- Vitamin C
- 0 mg
- Calcium
- 8 mg
- Iron
- 0.4 mg
Equipment
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Airtight spice jar or container