Name: Homemade Blackening Spice
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup paprika; 2 Tablespoons cayenne pepper; 2 Tablespoons garlic powder; 2 Tablespoons onion powder; 4 teaspoons black pepper; 2 teaspoons Kosher salt; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 teaspoons dried basil

This homemade blackening spice is easy to make with staples from your spice cabinet and full of bold Cajun-style heat. Perfect for your favorite recipes that use blackened seasoning, including all kinds of meats and seafood dishes.

Table of Contents

Delicious Details

Cuisine Inspiration: American (Cajun)
Primary Cooking Method: No-cook
Dietary Info: Gluten-free, Dairy-free
Skill Level: Easy

If you’ve ever considered making blackened recipes at home, I can highly recommend beginning with your own homemade blackening spice! Blackening is a method of cooking that originated in New Orleans. The technique was made popular by the late Chef Paul Prudhomme, and involved brushing meat with butter, dry rubbing it with spices, and then cooking the meat quickly in a cast iron skillet. The combination of fat, spices, and high heat forms a blackened crust, which is where the name comes from, and the technique caught on like wildfire!

Just so we’re clear: Blackened does not mean charred or burned! The crispy “blackened” crust is made up of savory, aromatic spices and herbs, including paprika, garlic, and cayenne heat blend together into a versatile seasoning that you can use on tons (literally tons) of dishes. The flavor is bold and delicious!

Make Your Own Homemade Blackening Spice

Here’s why…

Simple and flavorful. I can’t tell you enough how easy this Cajun-style spice is to make, or how big it is on flavor. You’re just going to have to find out for yourself! But I will tell you, making your own is always better than buying it pre-made because the flavor is better, and you can customize it to your tastes.
Great to have on hand. I love mixing up a big batch of this blackening seasoning to keep in my pantry whenever inspiration strikes. From recipes like my Blackened Chicken, to blackened fish and shrimp, it never fails to spice things up in the best possible way. Read on further for ideas!
No sneaky gluten. Some pre-made spice blends can use fillers that are a source of hidden gluten. Making your own from individual spices and herbs is an easier way to ensure you avoid any cross-contamination.

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s a rundown of what I used in my blackened seasoning recipe. Keep reading for ways you can customize it to your tastes. Then scroll to the recipe card for the full amounts.

Paprika: The mild, sweet, earthy flavor ties in perfectly with the cayenne heat.
Cayenne Pepper: Include more or less cayenne depending on how spicy you like your seasoning.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: The combination of the two is what makes this seasoning so flavorful!
Herbs: I use dried oregano and dried basil for this blend.
Black Pepper
Kosher Salt

All of the dried herbs and spices for making a blackening seasoning mix in an oval dish each with a text label.

How to Make Blackened Seasoning

To make blackening spice, combine all the above ingredients in a bowl and mix them together. It takes less than 5 minutes, and now you have a bold, spicy seasoning that you can use for so many recipes! Use your blackening spice right away, or store it in a jar for later use.

The herbs and spices for blackening spice are whisked together in a bowl. — Add the spices to a bowl or dish.

Quick Tips

Save on clean-up. You can combine the spices in a ziplock bag or a jar and give it a good shake. Then keep it stored right in the bag or jar.
Make as much as you need. You can also multiply or divide the recipe as needed, for more or less seasoning.
Use in place of Cajun seasoning. This homemade blackening seasoning is pretty interchangeable with Cajun seasoning, if you ask me. So feel free to switch it up when it comes to achieving authentic NOLA flavor in all kinds of Cajun or Creole-inspired recipes!

Storage Instructions

Store batches of blackening seasoning in airtight containers or jars, in a cool, dry location. When stored properly, it will keep fresh for 6 to 12 months! I’d suggest using containers that are proportionate (not too large) compared to the amount of seasoning, leaving less room for air.

Spices stay freshest when stored away from sunlight, in places like drawers or cupboards.

Blackened Seasoning Variations

Adjust the Heat: If you really want to feel the burn, add in extra cayenne pepper. If you’re looking for a milder heat, opt for less.
Switch Up the Herbs: Substitute different dried herbs, like thyme and marjoram.
Try Spice Variations: Swap out regular paprika for smoked paprika for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
Add In Other Spices: You can change up this recipe to include extra ground spices such as cumin, clove, allspice, coriander seed or celery seed, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Tasty Ways to Use It

If you’re a fan of extra heat, there are countless ways that you can incorporate blackening seasoning into your favorite dishes! While this seasoning is usually used in seafood recipes, it pairs just as deliciously with chicken, beef, and other ingredients. Here are some suggestions for how to use it:

Seafood: Sprinkle blackening seasoning over shrimp, salmon, and other fish like tilapia or catfish to bring bold, blackened flavor to your favorite seafood dishes.
Chicken: Blackening seasoning and poultry go hand in hand. See for yourself with this easy recipe for Baked Blackened Chicken!
Steak: Give your pan-fried or grilled steaks a Cajun-style twist. These Black & Blue Steaks taste amazing with a rub of this seasoning!
Dips and Sauces: Spice up sauces, condiments, and dips like my Jambalaya Dip by adding a spoonful of blackening seasoning into the mix.
Veggies: This spice brings loads of flavor to grilled or roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can even use it in recipes like these Jambalaya Stuffed Sweet Potatoes!

More Pantry Staples

5 from 2 votes

Homemade Blackening Spice

Homemade Blackening Spice is easy to make and full of bold Cajun-style heat. Perfect for your favorite recipes that use blackened seasoning, from meats to seafood!

Prep: 5

Total: 5

Ingredients

Instructions

Combine 1/4 cup paprika, 2 Tablespoons cayenne pepper, 2 Tablespoons garlic powder, 2 Tablespoons onion powder, 4 teaspoons black pepper, 2 teaspoons Kosher salt, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, and 2 teaspoons dried basil in a bowl and mix together evenly. Use immediately or transfer to a bottle or jar for storage.

Notes

You can divide or multiply these quantities to make as much or as little as you would like to have on hand.

Disclaimers: Please discuss your individual dietary needs (i.e. gluten free) with a physician. Even when not specified, be sure to verify all ingredients are gluten free, if needed, by reading labels on all packaging and/or confirming with the manufacturer this varies by brand and can change at any time. Nutrition information shown is an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate.

Blackening Spice