If you love vibrant flavors that instantly brighten up any dish, you are going to fall head over heels for this Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe. It’s zesty, peppery, and incredibly versatile, made from simple yet powerful ingredients that come together to create a seasoning blend that elevates everything from grilled chicken to roasted veggies. Once you try making your own, you’ll never want to buy it pre-made again – homemade just tastes fresher and packs a delightful punch of citrusy brightness paired with a bold pepper kick.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, but each one plays a crucial role in crafting the balanced flavor and texture that makes this seasoning so special. The combination ensures your seasoning isn’t just lemony or peppery, but a harmonious blend with just the right hint of saltiness and a savory garlic and onion touch.
- 10 lemons: Fresh lemon peels provide the essential zesty brightness, and using the peel keeps it natural and vibrant.
- 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper: Adds a sharp, pungent heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1 tablespoon granulated onions: Offers a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the citrus and pepper.
- 2 teaspoons flaky sea salt: Enhances and balances the flavors helping each ingredient to shine.
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic: Brings savory warmth to round out the seasoning.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The low temperature will slowly dry out the lemon peels without cooking or burning them, preserving their bright flavor and aroma.
Step 2: Peel the Lemons
Using a vegetable peeler, carefully strip away only the thin yellow zest from your lemons, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. This ensures your seasoning remains perfectly lemony without any bitterness.
Step 3: Arrange the Peels
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out the lemon peels in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. This allows air to circulate around each piece so they dry evenly without sticking together.
Step 4: Bake Until Dry
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, watching for the edges to curl up and the peels to become dry and fragile. This gentle drying process intensifies the lemon fragrance, creating the perfect base for your seasoning blend.
Step 5: Cool and Grind
Once the peels are dried, let them cool for a few minutes so they’re safe to handle. Then transfer to a food processor or blender and pulse for 30 seconds to a minute, until the peels turn into a fine, aromatic powder.
Step 6: Mix the Seasoning
In a bowl, combine your freshly ground lemon peel powder with black pepper, granulated onions, sea salt, and granulated garlic. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all flavors so every pinch of this seasoning is perfectly balanced.
Step 7: Store or Use Immediately
You can use your seasoning right away to elevate any dish, or store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It will stay fresh and vibrant for up to three months, making it a fantastic staple to keep on hand.
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe
Garnishes
This seasoning makes a fantastic finishing touch. Sprinkle it over grilled fish or chicken to add an instant burst of citrusy pepper flavor. It also works beautifully sprinkled on avocado toast or mixed into homemade salad dressings for an extra zing.
Side Dishes
Try tossing roasted or sautéed vegetables in a little olive oil and this lemon pepper seasoning for a quick flavor upgrade. It brightens potatoes, green beans, and even corn on the cob with minimal effort, transforming ordinary sides into something special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, mix the seasoning into homemade mayonnaise or yogurt to create a zesty dip or sauce. You can also rim cocktail glasses with it for a surprising citrus-pepper kick that pairs amazingly with Bloody Marys or margaritas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe in an airtight container away from moisture and direct sunlight. Stored this way, it maintains its bold flavors and aromatic qualities for up to three months, so you can enjoy it long after making it.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t necessary, you can store the seasoning in a sealed container in the freezer if you want to extend its life even further. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before using to avoid clumping.
Reheating
No reheating is required since this seasoning is used as a dry rub or sprinkle, but if you add it to warm sauces or dishes, the heat will release its delightful aroma and flavor immediately.
FAQs
Can I use dried lemon peel instead of fresh lemons?
Absolutely, but freshly dried lemon peel from real lemons in this recipe gives a much brighter, more vibrant flavor than store-bought dried peel, making all the difference in the final taste.
How spicy is the black pepper in this seasoning?
The black pepper adds a gentle heat that complements the citrus rather than overpowering it. If you prefer more or less heat, you can easily adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Is this seasoning gluten-free and vegan?
Yes! All of the ingredients in this Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe are naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it a perfect addition to a variety of diets.
Can I use this seasoning on seafood?
Definitely. Lemon and pepper are classic companions to seafood, and this seasoning adds a fresh, peppery zest that enhances fish, shrimp, and shellfish perfectly.
How long does it take to prepare this seasoning?
Prep time is about 10 minutes for peeling the lemons, plus 30 to 35 minutes for drying. It’s a little project with a fantastic payoff that’s well worth the effort.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making this Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe enough. It’s simple, fresh, and so full of life, turning everyday meals into something truly memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting to explore homemade seasonings, this recipe invites you to have fun and elevate your flavor game with ease. Give it a try today – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/4 cups
- Category: Seasoning
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant Lemon Pepper Seasoning combines zesty dried lemon peel with freshly ground black pepper and aromatic spices to create a versatile, flavorful blend. Perfect for seasoning chicken, fish, vegetables, or popcorn, this homemade mix is easy to prepare and brings bright, tangy notes with a savory kick.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 10 lemons
- 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon granulated onions
- 2 teaspoons flaky sea salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat an oven to 200 degrees F to prepare for drying the lemon peels.
- Prepare Lemon Peel: Using a vegetable peeler, carefully remove thin strips of lemon peel, avoiding the thick white pith for a bright and flavorful zest.
- Arrange Peels: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the lemon peels out flat, ensuring they do not overlap or touch to allow even drying.
- Bake Peels: Bake the lemon peels for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges begin to curl, indicating they are sufficiently dried.
- Cool and Process: Remove the dried peels from the oven and let them cool for 2 to 3 minutes. Then, pulse them in a food processor or blender for 30 seconds to 1 minute until finely ground.
- Mix Seasoning: Combine the ground lemon peel with black pepper, granulated onions, sea salt, and granulated garlic in a bowl and stir thoroughly to blend all flavors evenly.
- Store or Use: Use the seasoning immediately, or store it in a sealed container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the lemon peel is peeled thinly to avoid bitterness from the pith.
- The drying process is crucial for shelf stability and flavor concentration.
- Use the seasoning on grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a zesty sprinkle on snacks like popcorn.
- Store in airtight container away from moisture and sunlight to preserve flavor.
- If you prefer a finer powder, continue pulsing in the blender until desired consistency.
