How to Make Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Are you looking for a way to add some zing to your food? Look no further than homemade lemon pepper seasoning! This simple blend of tangy citrus and spicy black pepper can perk up everything from grilled chicken to roasted veggies. Best of all, making your own seasoning mix is easy and affordable.

To start, you’ll need just two main ingredients: dried lemon zest and black pepper. You can find dried lemon zest in the spice aisle of most grocery stores, or make your own by grating fresh lemon peel and drying it in the oven. Simply mix the dried lemon zest with freshly ground black pepper in a 1:1 ratio, and you’re ready to season to your heart’s content. Feel free to customize your blend with additional herbs or spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or thyme.

Ingredients for making Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Are you someone who enjoys the tanginess of lemons and the spiciness of pepper? If yes, then Lemon Pepper Seasoning is something you should definitely try! This flavorful seasoning adds a zesty twist to your dish and is perfect for seafood, salad dressing, marinades, and more. If you’re someone who wants to learn how to make it from scratch, then you’re at the right place! Here’s what you’ll need for preparing this seasoning:

1. Lemon zest:

To make Lemon Pepper Seasoning, the first and foremost ingredient you’ll need is lemon zest! This will bring out the freshness and tanginess that you’re looking for. Make sure to use fresh and organic lemons to obtain the best flavors.

2. Black pepper corns:

Black pepper corns are an essential component of lemon pepper seasoning. They add a mild spiciness to the mix that complements the brightness of the lemon zest perfectly.

3. Sea salt:

A pinch of sea salt is all that you’ll need for lemon pepper seasoning. It enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and helps to balance the flavors.

4. Garlic powder:

Garlic powder is a must-have ingredient for creating a well-balanced flavor profile in lemon pepper seasoning. It adds a slight hint of savory flavor to the seasoning.

5. Onion powder:

Just like garlic powder, onion powder also plays a crucial role in the flavor profile of the seasoning. It adds a slightly sweet and savory flavor that complements the other ingredients.

6. Dried thyme:

Dried thyme is an optional ingredient, but if you choose to include it, it adds a slight earthy flavor to the seasoning. It enriches the overall aroma and flavor.

7. Dried oregano:

Dried oregano has a robust flavor that compliments the other ingredients in the seasoning perfectly. It’s optional but if you want to include it, it will add a slight bitterness to the seasoning.

8. Optional ingredients:

You can also include various optional ingredients like cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, sugar, and more. These will add some extra heat and sweetness to the seasoning mix if that’s your preference.

9. Mortar and pestle:

A mortar and pestle will be needed to grind the black pepper corns. It’s best to use a mortar and pestle rather than a spice grinder to avoid heating the spices, which reduces the flavor.

10. Airtight container:

Lastly, you’ll need an airtight container to store your homemade lemon pepper seasoning. This will ensure that the flavors stay intact and your seasoning remains fresh for a long time.

Now that you have all the ingredients let’s dive into the recipe to create a delicious Lemon Pepper Seasoning!

Choosing the Right Lemons

When making lemon pepper seasoning, choosing the right lemons is crucial to achieving the perfect flavor. You want to use fresh, ripe lemons that are fragrant and juicy. The best lemons for seasoning are typically the ones with thick, textured skins that are yellow or slightly green. Avoid overly ripe or soft lemons, as they may be too sour or lack the necessary acidity.

Prepping the Lemons

Once you have selected the lemons, it’s important to wash them thoroughly under cold running water. Dry them completely with a clean towel or paper towel. Cut the lemons into thin slices and remove any seeds that may be present. If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, you can also grate the lemon zest and add it to the seasoning.

Choosing the Right Pepper

The next key ingredient in lemon pepper seasoning is, of course, the pepper. You want to use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. Avoid pre-ground pepper, as it may have lost its potency. For an extra kick, you can also add some crushed red pepper flakes.

Preparing the Pepper

To prepare the black pepper, you will need a good quality pepper grinder. Grind the black peppercorns into a coarse consistency. You don’t want the pepper to be too fine or too coarse, as this can affect the texture and flavor of the seasoning. Once you have ground the pepper, set it aside in a bowl.

Blending the Lemon and Pepper

Now it’s time to mix the lemon and black pepper together. Combine the lemon slices or zest, the pepper, and any additional spices or herbs you desire in a bowl. Gently toss the ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.

Adding Salt

Salt is an important ingredient in lemon pepper seasoning, as it brings out the flavors of the lemon and pepper and balances the bitterness of the lemon. You can use any type of salt you prefer, such as kosher salt, sea salt, or Himalayan pink salt. Add the salt to taste, starting with a small amount and adjusting as necessary.

Customizing Your Seasoning

At this point, you can get creative and customize your lemon pepper seasoning to your liking. Some popular additions to lemon pepper seasoning include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley flakes, or basil. Experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect flavor profile for your dish.

Storing Your Seasoning

Once you have blended your seasoning, you’ll want to store it in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or spice container. Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Your seasoning will stay fresh for up to 6 months if stored properly.

Using Your Seasoning

Now that your lemon pepper seasoning is ready, it’s time to put it to use! Lemon pepper seasoning is perfect for adding flavor to grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables. You can also use it as a rub for meats or in marinades. Sprinkle it over popcorn or roasted nuts for a tasty snack, or mix it with olive oil and use it as a dipping sauce for bread.

Conclusion

Making your own lemon pepper seasoning is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. By following these simple steps, you can create a homemade seasoning that is bursting with flavor and perfect for a variety of dishes. So, grab those lemons and start seasoning!

Ingredients for making lemon pepper seasoning

Making homemade lemon pepper seasoning entails using fresh ingredients that you can find in your local grocery store. To create lemon pepper seasoning, you will need:

Step-by-step instruction on How to make Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Now that you have got an idea of what ingredients you need, let us take you through the methods and steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Prepare the lemon zest

Before making the lemon pepper seasoning, you will need to prepare the lemons to obtain their zest. Ensure that the lemons are washed and dried before zesting. Use a grater or a zester to obtain enough lemon zest you will need for the recipe. The lemon zest is the most critical component of this recipe as it will provide the unique citrus aroma and flavor.

Step 2: Toast the black peppercorns

Take the black peppercorns and toast them over medium-high heat in a skillet. The peppercorns must be heated until fragrant or until they turn into a light brown color. Shake the skillet regularly, so the peppers toast evenly, but be careful not to burn them.

Step 3: Allow the toasted peppercorns to cool

After taking the peppercorns off of the heat, allow them to cool down. This step is crucial because it prevents the seasoning from becoming damp and caking when mixed.

Step 4: Grind the black peppercorns

Once the black peppercorns have cooled down, grind them using a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle. Ground the peppercorns until they become a coarse consistency without being too powdery.

Step 5: Mix all the ingredients

Add the sea salt, ground black peppercorns, and lemon zest into a mixing bowl. Combine all the ingredients until they’re well mixed. The completed mixture is now your homemade lemon pepper seasoning. Store it in an airtight container or a spice jar, and it can last up to six months.

In conclusion, making your lemon pepper seasoning can be fun and cost-efficient. Using fresh ingredients, this seasoning will take your culinary expertise to the next level and elevate the dishes you prepare. Follow this recipe, and you will have a homemade lemon pepper seasoning in no time.

Time to Spice Up Your Life with Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning!

Hope you found this article on how to make lemon pepper seasoning helpful and easy to follow. We guarantee that once you start making your own seasoning, your taste buds will be in for a treat. It’s fresh, homemade and has the perfect combination of tangy and peppery flavours. So why not thank your lucky stars for this quick, easy and delicious recipe? We are sure this seasoning will become a staple in your kitchen like it is in ours. Do come back to our website for more exciting recipes, until we see you next time!