Simple Seafood Seasoning Recipe You Can Make at Home

Sometimes, I believe, great seafood is all about seasonings. It’s incredible how the right blend of herbs and spices can turn a simple fish fillet or a handful of shrimp into something extraordinary. If you’re tired of bland seafood, then you’re in the right place. This blog will walk you through a simple seafood seasoning recipe that will take your dishes from ordinary to amazing with just a few ingredients. Ready to spice things up? Let’s get started!

Why Make Your Own Seafood Seasoning?

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Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why making your own seafood seasoning mix recipe is a game-changer.

Freshness

When you make your own seasoning, you control the freshness of every ingredient. Pre-packaged seasonings, like Old Bay seasoning, can sometimes lose their potency over time. But with your own homemade seafood seasoning, you can ensure every herb and spice, like black pepper, celery seed, and bay leaves, is fresh and vibrant. Plus, you can tweak it according to your personal taste.

Customization

Everyone has their own taste preferences. Some love spicy, some prefer savory, and others want something a little milder. Making your own seasoning allows you to tailor it exactly to your liking. Want more heat? Add some cayenne. Prefer a more herbal flavor? Add extra thyme. It’s all up to you. Whether you’re making a seafood boil seasoning recipe or simply creating a seafood bay seasoning, the choice is yours.

Cost-Effective

Store-bought seafood magic seasoning can get pricey, especially if you’re using it often. By making your own seafood seasoning mix recipe, you save money in the long run. Plus, the ingredients are things you likely already have in your pantry. It’s simple, affordable, and delicious!

Simple Seafood Seasoning Recipe

Now that you know why you should make your own seasoning, let’s get into the recipe. It’s easy, quick, and flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

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• 2 tablespoons paprika (for color and mild sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder (adds a savory punch)
• 1 tablespoon onion powder (for depth)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (adds a subtle earthiness)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (classic herb for seafood)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (for a bit of kick)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest (adds a bright, fresh touch)

Directions

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1. Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Stir well to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning. If you like it spicier, add more cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the pepper or cayenne.
4. Store in a glass jar or an airtight container for up to 6 months. This seafood seasoning works great for all types of seafood, from fish fillets to shrimp, and even on shellfish like crab or lobster.

Now, before we discuss a few tips, let me share a guide on wine to pair with your favorite seafood. You’ll enjoy your dinner with these wine pairings.

Tips for Using Your Homemade Seafood Seasoning

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Now that you’ve made your seasoning, let’s talk about how to use it! The beauty of this simple seafood seasoning recipe is its versatility. Here are some great ways to use it:

Season Your Fish or Shellfish Before Cooking

Rub the seasoning directly onto your fish or shellfish before grilling, baking, or frying. For extra flavor, let it sit for about 15-30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to sink in and meld with the seafood. If you’re making a seafood boil, this seasoning is a perfect way to add flavor to your smoked sausage or crab legs.

Add It to Butter for a Quick Sauce

Melt a little butter in a pan, add a teaspoon or two of your homemade seasoning, and mix. This makes a perfect dipping sauce for shrimp, crab legs, or any other seasonal seafood you’re cooking. The seasoning blend works especially well when combined with smoked sausage for an extra savory touch.

Toss with Shrimp for a Quick Sauté

For a fast and flavorful shrimp dish, toss raw shrimp with the seasoning before sautéing them in a little olive oil or butter. It’s a simple and tasty way to bring out the natural sweetness of the shrimp and any other seafood by season, like mussels or scallops.

Sprinkle on Grilled Fish or Shrimp Tacos

Grilled fish or shrimp tacos get a huge flavor boost with this seasoning sprinkled on top. Pair it with a zesty slaw or a drizzle of lime for the perfect taco combination.

Use It on Roasted Vegetables

Don’t just use this seasoning on seafood. It’s also fantastic on roasted vegetables like zucchini, corn, and bell peppers. The citrus and herbs bring a fresh, vibrant touch to any side dish, especially when paired with in-season seafood.

Variations on the Simple Seafood Seasoning Recipe

Want to experiment with different flavors? Here are a few variations you can try:

Citrus Seafood Seasoning

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Add more zest to your seasoning by incorporating lemon or orange zest. You can also squeeze a bit of lemon juice into the seasoning for an extra citrus kick. This makes a great addition to shrimp or white fish.

Add these ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• A dash of lemon juice

Smoky Seafood Seasoning

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If you love a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika to the seasoning. It adds depth and pairs perfectly with grilled fish and shellfish.

Add this ingredient:

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (replace the regular paprika for a smokier flavor)

Spicy Seafood Seasoning

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If you like heat, you can ramp up the spice by adding more cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or even a pinch of ground chipotle for a smoky heat.

Add these ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon ground chipotle

How to Store Your Seafood Seasoning

The beauty of this simple seafood seasoning recipe is that it stores well for months, so you can make a big batch and always have it on hand. Here’s how to store it:

• Airtight container: Store the seasoning in a tightly sealed jar or container. It’ll last for about 6 months without losing its flavor.
• Cool, dark place: Keep it away from direct sunlight, heat, or humidity to preserve its potency.
• Shake before use: Spices can settle, so shake the container before each use to mix everything back up.

Final Words

In a nutshell, making your own simple seafood seasoning recipe at home is a fantastic way to enhance the flavor of your seafood dishes. It’s easy, cost-effective, and versatile. So, give it a try and enjoy the incredible flavors you can create with just a few simple ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve gathered answers to the top questions people ask when preparing seafood seasoning at home.

What’s the best way to use this seafood seasoning?

You can rub it directly on fish, shrimp, or shellfish before cooking. It also works great in butter sauces or on roasted vegetables.

How long will this seafood seasoning last?

Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, it will last for up to 6 months.

Can I make this seasoning spicier?

Yes! You can add more cayenne pepper or chili flakes to make it as spicy as you like.

Can I use this seasoning for other types of food?

Absolutely! While it’s perfect for seafood, it’s also great on roasted vegetables, chicken, or even in pasta dishes.

Can I make this seafood seasoning in bulk?

Yes! Just double or triple the recipe, and store it in a large airtight jar for future use.