Ever wonder what gives blackened fish that amazing smoky, spicy kick? It’s all thanks to a magical blend called blackened seasoning! But when you walk down the spice aisle, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. So many jars and pouches promise the perfect flavor, but how do you know which one will actually deliver that delicious, crusty goodness on your chicken or shrimp? It can feel like a guessing game, and nobody wants to waste money on a seasoning that just doesn’t taste right.
That’s where we come in! This post is your secret weapon for navigating the world of store-bought blackened seasonings. We’ll break down what to look for, what to avoid, and which ones are truly worth bringing home. You’ll learn how to pick a winner every time, saving you time and ensuring your meals are packed with incredible flavor.
Get ready to discover the best store-bought blackened seasonings that will transform your weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary. Let’s dive in and find your new favorite spice!
Our Top 5 Store Bought Blackened Seasoning Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Zatarains blackened seasoning 3 ounce (pack of 2) | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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McCormick Culinary Seasoning | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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Chef Paul Blackened Redfish Magic Seasoning Blends | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Chef Paul Blackened Redfish Magic Seasoning Blends | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Zatarain’s Big & Zesty Blackened Seasoning | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Store Bought Blackened Seasoning Detailed Reviews
1. Zatarains blackened seasoning 3 ounce (pack of 2)
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to bring the bold flavors of New Orleans to your kitchen with the Zatarain’s Blackened Seasoning, a two-pack of 3-ounce shakers. This seasoning blend is your secret weapon for adding that signature smoky, spicy, and savory taste to your favorite dishes. It’s incredibly versatile, making it easy to transform ordinary meals into something extraordinary with just a sprinkle.
What We Like:
- The blend offers a fantastic balance of heat and flavor that isn’t overwhelming.
- It works wonderfully on chicken, fish, pork, and even vegetables.
- The two-pack means you’ll have plenty of this delicious seasoning on hand.
- It’s a quick and easy way to add a gourmet touch to weeknight dinners.
- The convenient shaker bottles make application simple and mess-free.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the spice level a bit high if they are sensitive to heat.
- A larger size option could be beneficial for frequent users.
This Zatarain’s Blackened Seasoning is a kitchen staple for anyone who loves flavorful, inspired cooking. It’s an easy way to impress your family and friends with delicious, restaurant-quality meals.
2. McCormick Culinary Seasoning
Rating: 9.2/10
McCormick Culinary Blackened Seasoning is a chef-favorite blend that brings the vibrant, spicy taste of Louisiana to your kitchen. This large 23 oz container is packed with a powerful mix of spices, perfect for creating that signature blackened crust on all your favorite dishes. It’s non-GMO and has no added MSG, making it a great choice for a wide range of diners.
What We Like:
- Bold Flavor: This seasoning delivers an authentic, Louisiana-inspired blackened taste.
- Versatile Use: It works wonders as a rub for shrimp, chicken, steak, fish, and more.
- Chef-Approved: Developed by McCormick for professional kitchens, it guarantees quality.
- Dietary Friendly: It’s gluten-free and doesn’t have added MSG, catering to various dietary needs.
- Convenient Blend: Contains paprika, black pepper, red pepper, oregano, and garlic for easy flavor.
What Could Be Improved:
- Spice Level: For those who prefer very mild flavors, it might be a bit too spicy.
- Container Size: While great for commercial kitchens, home cooks might find 23 oz quite large for occasional use.
McCormick Culinary Blackened Seasoning is a fantastic way to elevate your cooking. It makes achieving that delicious, blackened flavor simple and consistent.
3. Chef Paul Blackened Redfish Magic Seasoning Blends
Rating: 9.1/10
Unleash the authentic taste of Louisiana with Chef Paul Blackened Redfish Magic Seasoning Blends. This Cajun-style spice mix is your secret weapon for creating delicious meals right in your own kitchen. It’s packed with bold flavor and is perfect for grilling, cooking, and BBQs. You get a generous 24 oz canister, so you’ll have plenty to experiment with.
What We Like:
- Signature Cajun Flavor: It brings the true smoky, slightly spicy taste of Louisiana to your food.
- Quality Ingredients: Made with salt, paprika, garlic, onion, and other spices. It’s gluten-free and has no MSG or preservatives.
- Versatile: Great for fish, chicken, shrimp, crab, tacos, roasted vegetables, and more. You can use it in marinades, rubs, soups, and as a general seasoning.
- For Any Cook: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this blend adds fantastic flavor to any dish.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bold flavor might be too spicy for some people with sensitive palates.
- The large canister size might be a bit much for very small kitchens or if you don’t cook often.
This seasoning blend is a fantastic way to add authentic Cajun flavor to a wide variety of dishes. It’s a simple way to elevate your home cooking.
4. Chef Paul Blackened Redfish Magic Seasoning Blends
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to bring the vibrant flavors of Louisiana right into your kitchen with Chef Paul Blackened Redfish Magic Seasoning Blends! This two-pack of 2 oz canisters offers a taste of authentic Cajun cooking, perfect for anyone who loves bold, smoky, and slightly spicy food. It’s made with quality ingredients and is free from MSG and gluten, making it a healthy choice for your meals.
What We Like:
- Signature Cajun Flavor: Tastes like real Louisiana cooking, with smoky and spicy notes.
- Creates a great crust on fish and other meats when cooked.
- Quality Ingredients: Made with good stuff like paprika, garlic, and onion, no fillers.
- Gluten-Free and No MSG: A healthier option for your cooking.
- Very Versatile: Works great on seafood, chicken, veggies, and even in soups.
- Perfect for Any Cook: Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, it adds amazing flavor.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 2 oz size might be a bit small if you cook a lot for a big family.
This seasoning blend is a fantastic way to add a punch of flavor to almost any dish. You’ll love the authentic taste and how easy it is to use.
5. Zatarain’s Big & Zesty Blackened Seasoning
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready for some serious flavor! Zatarain’s Big & Zesty Blackened Seasoning is here to transform your meals. This isn’t your average blackened seasoning; it packs a much bolder punch. It brings a delightful kick of heat that’s perfect for shrimp, fish, or chicken. You only need about one tablespoon for every pound of meat or seafood. This blend features a fantastic mix of red pepper, garlic, onion, and paprika, making it an ideal choice for grilling.
What We Like:
- The flavor is big and zesty, just like the name says!
- It adds a noticeable but not overwhelming heat to dishes.
- It’s super easy to use – just sprinkle and cook.
- The blend of spices, including red pepper, garlic, onion, and paprika, creates a delicious taste.
- It’s perfect for grilling, adding a great char and flavor.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “big and zesty” flavor might be too intense for those who prefer milder seasonings.
- A slightly larger container option could be nice for frequent users.
Zatarain’s Big & Zesty Blackened Seasoning truly delivers on its promise of bold flavor. It’s a simple way to elevate your grilled dishes and add an exciting kick.
Your Guide to Delicious Blackened Seasoning
Blackened seasoning is a pantry essential for anyone who loves a little spice and a lot of flavor. It’s perfect for chicken, fish, and even vegetables. Finding the right store-bought blend can take your cooking from good to amazing. This guide will help you pick the best blackened seasoning for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
1. Flavor Profile
The best blackened seasonings have a good balance of heat, savory notes, and a touch of smokiness. You want paprika for color and mild flavor, cayenne pepper for a kick, and garlic and onion powder for savory depth. Some blends might also include herbs like thyme or oregano, which add another layer of taste.
2. Spice Level
Blackened seasoning can range from mildly warm to quite spicy. Check the ingredient list for the type and amount of peppers. If you’re sensitive to heat, look for blends that list paprika as the primary pepper, or those that specifically mention a mild or medium spice level.
3. Ingredient Quality
High-quality ingredients make a big difference. Look for seasonings with natural spices and no artificial fillers or anti-caking agents. Freshness is also important; spices lose their flavor over time.
Important Materials (Ingredients)
Most store-bought blackened seasonings share common ingredients. Here are the key ones:
- Paprika: This is the star ingredient. It gives the seasoning its signature reddish-black color and a mild, sweet flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper: This provides the heat. The amount of cayenne determines how spicy the blend will be.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a pungent, savory taste that’s crucial for depth.
- Onion Powder: Contributes another layer of savory, slightly sweet flavor.
- Black Pepper: Adds a classic pepper flavor and a bit of bite.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors. Some blends might have less salt if you prefer to control it yourself.
- Other Spices: Some blends include thyme, oregano, cumin, or even a touch of sugar or brown sugar for a hint of sweetness and caramelization.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Fresh Spices: Spices that are recently ground and packaged will have a much stronger and more vibrant flavor.
- Natural Ingredients: Blends without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives tend to taste better and are often healthier.
- Balanced Blend: A good quality seasoning has all its flavors working together harmoniously, not one overpowering another.
- Fine Grind: A finer grind helps the seasoning stick to food better and creates a more even crust when cooked.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Old Spices: Spices that have been sitting on the shelf for too long will taste dull and lose their potency.
- Artificial Additives: Fillers and artificial ingredients can sometimes create an off-flavor or a less pleasant texture.
- Overly Salty: Some seasonings are packed with salt, which can make it hard to season your food properly without making it too salty.
- Too Much Heat or Not Enough: An unbalanced blend where one spice dominates can be disappointing.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using store-bought blackened seasoning is incredibly easy. You just sprinkle it on your food before cooking. It’s a fantastic shortcut to big flavor.
Common Uses:
- Seafood: It’s famously used on fish like salmon and catfish, creating a beautiful dark crust when seared in a hot pan.
- Chicken: Chicken breasts, thighs, or wings coated in blackened seasoning and then grilled, baked, or pan-seared are a hit.
- Steak: A rub for steaks before grilling adds a delicious smoky and spicy crust.
- Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini get a flavor boost.
- Eggs: A sprinkle on scrambled eggs or omelets adds a surprising kick.
- Popcorn: It can even be used as a savory seasoning for popcorn.
The user experience is generally very positive. People love how quickly it transforms simple ingredients into flavorful meals. The convenience of having a pre-made blend means you can achieve authentic blackened flavors without measuring out multiple spices yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is blackened seasoning?
A: Blackened seasoning is a spice blend that gives food a dark, caramelized crust and a spicy, savory flavor. It’s often used for searing fish or chicken.
Q: What are the main ingredients in blackened seasoning?
A: The main ingredients are usually paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
Q: How spicy is store-bought blackened seasoning?
A: The spice level can vary. Some are mild, while others are quite hot. It depends on the amount of cayenne pepper used.
Q: Can I use blackened seasoning on vegetables?
A: Yes! Blackened seasoning is great on vegetables like broccoli, corn, and bell peppers. Just toss them with oil and the seasoning before roasting or grilling.
Q: Is blackened seasoning the same as Cajun seasoning?
A: They are similar but not exactly the same. Blackened seasoning is often spicier and has a more distinct dark crust when cooked. Cajun seasoning is a broader term and can have more herbs.
Q: How do I get the “blackened” crust?
A: To get the crust, coat your food generously with the seasoning. Then, sear it in a very hot, well-oiled pan or grill. The high heat causes the spices and sugars to caramelize and char.
Q: How long does store-bought blackened seasoning last?
A: Properly stored in a cool, dry place, it can last for about 1-2 years. However, the flavor will be best within the first 6-12 months.
Q: Can I make my own blackened seasoning?
A: Yes, you can! You can mix your own spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper at home.
Q: Does blackened seasoning contain MSG?
A: Some brands may contain MSG, while others do not. Always check the ingredient list if you are trying to avoid it.
Q: What kind of pan is best for cooking with blackened seasoning?
A: A cast-iron skillet is ideal because it gets very hot and distributes heat evenly, which is key for creating that blackened crust.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.