Last Updated on November 25, 2023 by Toya
This aromatic seafood seasoning needs to be used in all your seafood dishes! From succulent shrimp to tender crab, the flavors of the ocean are a true delight to the senses. However, preparing seafood can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to seasoning. That’s why having a versatile and flavorful seafood seasoning mix on hand is a game-changer.
The perfect seafood seasoning should bring out the natural flavors of the fish, shrimp, or crab while adding a kick of spice and a depth of aroma. In this recipe, I’ll be using a blend of nine essential spices to create a savory and aromatic seasoning that is sure to take your seafood dishes to the next level.
Seafood seasoning ingredients
Salt: Let’s start with salt, the backbone of any seasoning blend. It enhances the natural flavors of seafood and adds a depth of flavor that is unparalleled.
Sumac: Sumac is a tangy, sour spice that adds a hint of citrus to the blend. Its unique flavor profile makes it a popular ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Coriander seeds: Bring a subtle sweetness to the blend, which is balanced out by the pungent heat of the mustard seeds. These two spices work in harmony to add complexity and depth to the seasoning.
Paprika: This is a mild yet flavorful spice that is commonly used in Spanish and Latin American cuisine. Its bright red color adds a pop of color to the blend, while its smoky flavor complements the natural flavors of seafood.
Thyme: A versatile herb that pairs well with seafood. Its woody aroma and savory flavor add a touch of earthiness to the blend.
Whole black pepper: Brings a spicy kick to the blend, while its aromatic oils enhance the flavors of the other spices.
Onion powder: A must-have in any seasoning blend. Its sweet and savory flavor adds a depth of umami to the seasoning.
Garlic powder: Brings a bold and pungent flavor that complements seafood perfectly.
When combined, these nine spices create a seafood seasoning that is both complex and versatile. It can be used to season shrimp, crab, fish, and even vegetables. Simply mix the ingredients in a bowl and pass them through a grinder for a finer texture.
With this seafood seasoning mix on hand, preparing flavorful and delicious seafood dishes has never been easier.
So why not give it a try and elevate your next seafood feast?
Ingredients Measurements
- 1/4 cup of salt
- 1 tbsp of sumac
- 1 tbsp of coriander seeds
- 1 tsp of mustard seeds
- 2 tbsp of paprika
- 1 tbsp of thyme
- 1 tbsp of whole black pepper
- 2 tbsp of onion powder
- 1 tbsp of garlic powder
- 1 tsp of cornstarch (optional)
How to make seafood seasoning
Gather all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Measure out 1/4 cup of salt, 1 tablespoon of sumac, 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds, 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds, 2 tablespoons of paprika, 1 tablespoon of thyme, 1 tablespoon of whole black pepper, 2 tablespoons of onion powder, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (optional).
Using a spoon or spatula, mix all the ingredients together in the mixing bowl. Ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Once the ingredients are mixed, transfer the mixture to a coffee grinder. Make sure that the coffee grinder is clean and dry before using it.
Grind the mixture for less than a minute or until the desired consistency is achieved. Some people prefer their seafood seasoning to be more coarse, while others prefer a finer grind. The choice is up to you!
After grinding, transfer the seafood seasoning to an airtight container. If you plan on storing the seasoning for a long period of time, consider adding a teaspoon of cornstarch to help prevent clumping and ensure the mixture stays fresh.
That’s it! Your homemade seafood seasoning is ready to use in your favorite seafood dishes.
How to use seafood seasoning
Once you make this seafood seasoning mix, there are many ways you can use it. Here are some ideas:
- Season seafood with this delicious mix. You can sprinkle it on shrimp, scallops, crab legs, lobster, prawns, crawfish, oysters, fish, or other seafood you enjoy.
- Use the seafood seasoning blend to season the water you use to cook flavorful seafood boil recipes.
- Use it to season various types of seafood sauces like this uber-flavorful seafood boil sauce recipe.
Storage
Once the spice blend is made, pour it into a spice jar with a tight-fitting lid, or a zip-lock bag. Seal and store in a dry dark place for up to six months.
Other seafood seasonings worth trying
I’ve shared many seasonings that can be used for different seafood recipes such as: