Homemade Blackening Seasoning
This homemade blackening seasoning is perfect for adding extra flavor and spice to chicken, fish, steak, and more! This recipe will help give your food a bold and flavorful kick that can’t be found in store-bought seasonings.

Key Takeaways
- Homemade blackening seasoning boosts flavor for chicken, fish, and steak.
- It includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for a bold kick.
- This recipe is customizable, cost-effective, and delivers impressive flavor.
- Store the seasoning in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
- Blackening seasoning differs from Cajun seasoning, having more black pepper and less cayenne.
What is blackening seasoning made of?
It typically contains paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. This savory mixture adds a smoky flavor and bold kick to any meal. It is often used on grilled or pan-seared meats and seafood, as well as vegetables. It can also be used to make homemade blackened seasoning mixes for fish tacos, chili, or other dishes.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a small dish and whisk or stir until fully mixed.

Use immediately or store in an airtight container in a dry pantry for up to 6 months.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your personal preference. This means that if you like a stronger flavor of one herb or spice more, adjust it to your liking. Don’t forget to write down the changes you made to your recipe for future use.
- You can use smoked paprika in place of normal paprika for a burst of extra flavor.
- Using quality spices will enhance your seasoning mixture. Cheaper spices result in less flavor.
- Use this seasoning the same as you would store-bought.
People Also Ask
Cajun seasoning is a combination of spices, including paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and other herbs and spices. It is usually used to season meat and vegetables. Blackening seasoning is similar to Cajun seasoning but typically contains more black pepper and less cayenne pepper for a bolder flavor. It is often used on grilled or pan-seared meats and seafood.
Blackening seasoning is used to coat foods before cooking over high heat, creating a flavorful, slightly charred crust. It’s commonly used on fish, shrimp, chicken, steak, pork chops, and even vegetables. Despite its name, the seasoning doesn’t burn the food—it helps create the signature “blackened” crust that’s packed with smoky, spicy flavor.
Yes. The terms blackening seasoning and blackened seasoning are generally used interchangeably. Both refer to a spice blend designed for the blackening cooking technique popularized by Chef Paul Prudhomme. Recipes can vary slightly, but they typically include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, herbs, black pepper, cayenne, and salt.
If you enjoy making your own spice blends, be sure to check out some of my other homemade seasoning recipes. My Homemade Fajita Seasoning, Greek Seasoning, and Cajun Seasoning are pantry staples that make weeknight cooking easier and let you control exactly what goes into your food. Having a collection of homemade blends on hand means bold flavor is always just a spoonful away.

Blackening Seasoning
Ingredients
Method
- Combine all ingredients in a small dish and whisk or stir until fully mixed.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container in a dry pantry for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your personal preference. This means that if you like a stronger flavor of one herb or spice more, adjust it to your liking. Don’t forget to write down the changes you made to your recipe for future use.
- You can use smoked paprika in place of normal paprika for a burst of extra flavor.
- Using quality spices will enhance your seasoning mixture. Cheaper spices result in less flavor.
- Use this seasoning the same as you would store-bought.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Last Bite
A good spice blend can transform an ordinary meal into something you’ll want to make again and again, and this homemade blackening seasoning is no exception. Mix up a batch to keep in your pantry, then use it on everything from chicken and shrimp to roasted vegetables and potatoes. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how you used it – or tell me your favorite food to blacken in the comments!
