Kickin Cajun Blackened Seasoning
Ditch the storebought stuff This Blackened seasoning recipe is so easy flavourful Perfect Cajun spice blend for fish chicken or steak Get my secret tips ... Healthy Eats
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy bringing some Louisiana heat to your kitchen? This Blackened seasoning recipe is your ticket! It delivers a fantastic smoky, spicy flavour that's just perfect on loads of dishes.
Brief Overview
Blackened seasoning is proper Cajun cooking at its best. It is so easy to make, ready in just 5 minutes. It will yield approximately 1/4 cup (12 teaspoons).
Main Benefits
This blackening spice rub is healthier than shop-bought stuff. It lets you control the ingredients. Use this blackened salmon seasoning for a quick midweek meal or spice up your BBQ game! This easy blackening seasoning recipe adds a unique twist to your dishes.
Why Make Your Own Cajun Spice Blend?
Honestly, making your own cajun spice blend is a game-changer. Store-bought versions can be a bit bland. Plus, they often have loads of salt and other bits you don't need.
This Blackened seasoning recipe homemade allows you to adjust the heat.
What You'll Need: The Spice Rack Essentials
Right, let's get this homemade spice mixes sorted.
Here's what you'll need: 2 tablespoons paprika (30ml), 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (5ml), 1 teaspoon onion powder (5ml), 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5ml), 1 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt (5ml), 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2.
5ml), 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (2.5ml), 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (2.5ml) and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (2.5ml).
This spice blend for blackening will absolutely bring that Cajun magic. I honestly think this is the best blackened seasoning recipe
Let's Talk Ingredients: A Bit More Detail
Okay, paprika is your base for the cajun blackened seasoning . You can use normal paprika or smoked paprika for extra smokiness.
Now, cayenne pepper is where you control the heat. Add less if you are not keen on things too spicy.
All the dried herbs, thyme, basil and oregano provide that brilliant flavour.
Alright, let's talk ingredients. This blackened seasoning recipe is super simple. You probably have most of this stuff in your cupboard already.
It's way better than anything you can buy in the shops, honestly. And it's totally customizable.
Kickin Cajun Blackened Seasoning Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment
Essential Ingredients for Your Blackened Seasoning Recipe Homemade
Here's the shopping list for this Cajun spice blend , using both US and metric measurements.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) paprika. Go for a good quality one for deeper flavour. I like smoked paprika too.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) cayenne pepper. Careful! This is where the heat comes from.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) onion powder. Don't skip this, it's essential.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder. Obvs.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) sea salt or kosher salt. Crucial!
- ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) black pepper. Freshly ground is best.
- ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) dried thyme. Adds a bit of earthiness.
- ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) dried basil. A little bit of sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) dried oregano. For that proper Cajun blackened seasoning vibe.
Seasoning Secrets and Flavor Boosters
Let’s talk about flavours, shall we? This spice blend for blackening is all about balance. Paprika gives it colour, and cayenne packs the punch.
You can use this blackening spice rub for your blackened salmon seasoning
The thyme, basil, and oregano are a classic combo. If you're missing something, don't stress. A pinch of chili powder could sub in for cayenne in a pinch.
Really though, you should try this easy blackening seasoning recipe as it is first. It’s the best blackened seasoning recipe and is great for blackened fish seasoning .
Gear Up: Essential Kitchen Kit
You really don't need much fancy kit for this.
- A small mixing bowl or a jar with a lid.
- Measuring spoons.
Honestly? A clean jam jar works brilliantly. You can mix it all up in there, put the lid on, and give it a good shake. Easy peasy.
Right, let's get our aprons on, shall we? We're diving into the world of homemade spice mixes, particularly the absolute star, a banging Blackened seasoning recipe .
I'm talking proper restaurant-quality flavour, but made in your own kitchen. No more bland meals, I tell you!
Unleashing the Flavor: Your Blackened Seasoning Recipe Homemade
Honestly, crafting your own Blackened seasoning recipe homemade is a total game-changer. You control the spice levels, the quality of ingredients, and can tweak it to your heart's content.
Plus, it's dead simple. What is a Cajun spice blend other than a great way to pimp up your food? You won't be reaching for those dodgy supermarket versions ever again.
Fancy a bit of Blackened salmon seasoning ? We got you covered.
Prep: The Spice Rack's Ready for Action
- Essential mise en place: Grab your measuring spoons and a small bowl. Or, even better, a jar with a lid. Less washing up, innit?
- Time-saving organization tips: Have all your spices lined up like little soldiers before you start. It's strangely satisfying.
- Safety reminders (if applicable): Nah, no fire involved here. Just try not to snort any cayenne pepper!
The Step-by-Step: Blackening Spice Rub Magic
- Combine: In your bowl (or jar), bung in 2 tablespoons paprika (30ml) , 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (5ml) , 1 teaspoon onion powder (5ml) , 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5ml) , 1 teaspoon salt (5ml) , ½ teaspoon black pepper (2.5ml) , ½ teaspoon dried thyme (2.5ml) , ½ teaspoon dried basil (2.5ml) , and ½ teaspoon dried oregano (2.5ml) .
- Mix: Give it a good whisk or, if you're using a jar, pop the lid on and shake it like you mean it. Ensure is thoroughly combined.
- Store: Decant that Cajun blackened seasoning into an airtight container.
- Keep it in a dark place.
- It is ready to go!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Blackening Game
- Heat Control: The cayenne pepper is where the heat's at. Reduce it for a milder blend; crank it up if you're feeling brave and your body needs a Spice blend for blackening .
- Even Coating: Pat your meat or fish dry before you rub on the Blackened fish seasoning . That helps the seasoning stick and form a beautiful crust.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This Easy blackening seasoning recipe lasts for ages! Keep it stored properly, and you'll have flavour on hand whenever you need it. Honestly, the Best blackened seasoning recipe ever!
Right then, let's talk about using this amazing Blackened seasoning recipe homemade . Honestly, it's more than just a recipe; it's a flavour bomb waiting to explode in your kitchen! Here's how to get the most out of your very own Cajun spice blend .
Recipe Notes for the Best Blackened Goodness
Serving Suggestions: Time to Get Fancy (Or Not!)
Plating? Who am I kidding? Just get it on a plate and scoff it down! Seriously though, for presentation, think a bright green salad next to your Blackened fish or chicken.
A wedge of lemon is a must. For sides, creamy coleslaw is a winner. Drinks-wise? Ice-cold beer or a crisp white wine does the trick.
My personal favorite is to use the Blackening spice rub on salmon. Blackened salmon seasoning , then serve over a bed of quinoa.
Delicious!
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh, Keep it Spicy!
Once you've made your homemade spice mixes , you'll want to keep it banging, yeah? Store your Blackened seasoning recipe in an airtight container.
A cool, dark cupboard will do nicely. It'll keep for ages, up to a year. There's no need to freeze it.
Remember to avoid direct sunlight!
Variations: Mix it Up a Bit, Why Don't Ya?
Want to tweak your Cajun blackened seasoning ? If you're watching your salt intake, simply reduce the salt. Or use a low-sodium alternative.
Want to go veggie? Try it on cauliflower steaks. Sub smoked paprika. It gives an amazing flavor twist. For a sweeter spice blend, add a pinch of brown sugar.
Nutrition Basics: Good for You, Sort Of!
Let's be real. This isn't a kale smoothie. But a teaspoon of this spice blend for blackening contains about 6 calories.
It has a tiny bit of protein and carbs. It brings plenty of flavor. Also a hefty dose of deliciousness.
Most of the calories come from all of the other ingredients.
So there you have it! Now you know how to serve, store, and tweak your easy blackening seasoning recipe . And remember, the best blackened seasoning recipe is the one you love! Get in the kitchen and have a go.
You’ll be amazed. Now go on, get cooking! You can do it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is blackened seasoning and what makes it so special?
Blackened seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that creates a dark, flavorful crust when seared onto food, think of it like the Cajun cousin of your regular spice rack! It's traditionally used in Cajun cuisine and features ingredients like paprika, cayenne pepper, and various herbs. The key is achieving that almost-burnt, but perfectly delicious, exterior - almost like the Mary Berry's definition of "baking perfection" but for savory dishes.
How spicy is this blackened seasoning recipe? I'm not a fan of blow-your-head-off heat!
The spice level of this blackened seasoning is easily adjustable! The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, but you can easily reduce that to 1/2 teaspoon or even 1/4 teaspoon for a milder flavor. Alternatively, if you're a chilli-head, feel free to add more cayenne. Remember, you can always add more spice, but it's harder to take it away!
Can I use this blackened seasoning on anything besides chicken and fish?
Absolutely! Blackened seasoning is incredibly versatile. It's fantastic on steak, shrimp, tofu, or even vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Think of it as a flavor booster for almost anything you fancy grilling or pan-frying. Just remember to pat your ingredient dry before applying the seasoning for optimal crust formation.
How long does homemade blackened seasoning last, and how should I store it?
Homemade blackened seasoning will last for up to a year if stored properly. The key is to keep it in an airtight container, like a mason jar or a resealable plastic bag, in a cool, dark, and dry place. Avoid storing it near the stove or oven, as heat and moisture can degrade the spices and shorten their shelf life.
I'm missing a few spices. Are there any good substitutes I can use in this blackened seasoning recipe?
Don't worry, you can still whip up a delicious batch! If you're out of paprika, a mix of sweet pepper flakes and a tiny pinch of chili powder can work in a pinch, though it won't be exactly the same. For cayenne pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes will add heat, although the texture will be different. Don’t be afraid to experiment with what you have on hand!
Is blackened seasoning healthy? What's the nutritional information?
Blackened seasoning is generally low in calories and fat, but it does contain sodium. This recipe is about 6 calories, 0.2g of fat and 195mg of sodium per teaspoon. It adds flavor without significantly impacting your overall calorie intake. Using it can also help you reduce the need for extra salt or fatty sauces, so it can be a healthy way to add flavour. Of course, you can easily reduce the amount of sodium by using a low-sodium salt substitute.
