Blackened seasoning gives meat, fish or vegetables a spicy, smoky flavor. Blackened seasoning is a type of rub mixed and rubbed onto the meat or fish before it is cooked in butter or oil. The name, blackened seasoning, comes from the dark color of the cayenne and paprika after they are heated. You can buy a mix or make your own batch and store it in an air-tight container.
Ingredients
The most common ingredients are onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, white pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, sweet paprika and salt. You can also add red cayenne for a hotter version. For extra freshness, use granulated garlic, sea salt, and freshly ground black and white pepper. Some recipes include a tablespoon of sugar.
Directions
Mix the dried ingredients well. Rub the blackening mix into both sides of the meat or fish. Use a heavy, dry skillet with melted butter or oil to pan fry the meat or fish.
Fish
Blackening seasoning can be used in Cajun cooking with almost any kind of fish. Try it with catfish, tuna, grouper, redfish, or red snapper. Rub both sides of the fish with the seasoning and pan fry in oil or melted butter.
Meat
Blackened seasoning can be rubbed into meat, including chicken, pork or beef to enhance the flavor. For a simple, quick, Cajun recipe, try blackened chicken. Dip the chicken in the seasoning. Melt butter in a skillet. Dredge the chicken in the butter and cook on high heat for 10 minutes on each side.
Variations
Blackened seasoning mix can also be used as a seasoning for gumbos, soups or sauces. Add it to sauteed vegetables or black beans for a spicy dish. For a vegetarian variation, dredge tofu in blackening seasoning before you fry it in melted butter or oil.
Tags: meat fish, melted butter, Blackened seasoning, Blackened seasoning, both sides
