Unleash a citrus blast with Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning! This savory mix transforms any dish with its zesty lemon and bold black pepper. It's your secret weapon for fresh taste on fish, vegetables, and more.
Why You'll Love This Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe
Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning is versatile way to elevate any meal. Whether you're cooking up chicken, fish, salads or pastas - this classic blend of spices will give every dish a surprising kick!
- Freshness Explosion: Store-bought blends often sit on shelves for a while, losing their potency. A homemade version uses fresh ingredients, guaranteeing a vibrant burst of zesty lemon and the invigorating bite of black pepper in every sprinkle.
- Customize to Your Taste: Store-bought blends can be hit-or-miss. Making your own lets you control the exact ratio of lemon zest to black pepper. Want a stronger citrus punch? Add more zest! Craving a fiery kick? Include a pinch of red pepper flakes! The possibilities are endless.
For more DIY spice blends and homemade pantry staples, see our homemade seasoning and pantry substitutions page.
Ingredients Overview
Buying in bulk lets me blend my own spices. They are fresher, and I can ensure there are none of the filler ingredients used to prevent caking in store bought spice blends.
Spices Needed to Make this Blend
- Dried Lemon Zest - Get this from Atlantic Spice and SAVE TONS.
- Fine Cracked Black Pepper - Don't get fine ground, or coarse. Look for the fine cracked pepper grind.
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Sea Salt
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Make The Best Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning
This seasoning blend can be adjusted to suit your tastes. Leave the salt out for a no salt Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning, and use as a lemon pepper substitute in recipes calling for regular Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning salt.
Measure The Spices
- Measure all the ingredients into individual small bowls. For Salt Free Lemon Pepper Substitute, omit the salt, or use low sodium Good Salt.
Mix Spices in a Bowl
- Add all the ingredients into a larger bowl and mix with a spoon. Sample a pinch to see if has enough salt for your tastes. For Salt Free Lemon Pepper Substitute, omit the salt, or use low sodium Good Salt.
Fill Jars with the Lemon Pepper Salt
- You will want to store this seasoning blend in jars that have a tight seal. Either spice jars you can buy off of Amazon, saved empty spice jars, or even small Mason jars.
- Fill and store in a cool, dry pantry.
Serving Suggestions
This really is the BEST Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning blend, whether you make it as a salt free lemon pepper substitute, or with the salt. Use with our Honey Lemon Pepper Wings recipe, on our Air Fried Salmon Bites, and with our Broiled Chicken Thighs recipes.
Substitutions
If you are controlling salt in your diet, I want to share a fabulous product I have been using. I can so far only find it on Amazon though:
- Good Salt - The Better Salt with Potassium and Magnesium, Tasty Low Sodium Iodized Mineral Salt, Less Sodium Healthy Salt Substitute with Real Salt Taste
Variations
Enjoy a few sensational variations to this Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning blend with just a few changes:
- Lime Pepper Seasoning - Substitute the dried lemon zest for dried lime zest. You may have to make it, but that is easy. Peel 4 to 6 limes and use a mini food processor to cut the peel into tiny piece. Spread the zest over a parchment paper lined baking sheet and set in the oven at 250 until the zest is dry and crisp, about 30 minutes. For a real kick, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to this Lime Pepper Seasoning.
- Orange Pepper Seasoning - This orange pepper seasoning is amazing on barbecue chicken, fish, and just about anything you love our Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning blend on. Just like the Lime Pepper seasoning, it can also include a tiny amount of ground cayenne or habanero chili powder!
Tips for Success
- If you live in a humid climate, add a few dry beans in the jar of seasoning. The dry beans will absorb the moisture and prevent the salt from clumping.
- Use a spice jar with a sprinkle top that has holes big enough for the Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning blend to come out, but not large enough for the dry beans.
Storage Options
- Store leftover Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning salt in empty spice jars that have lids that screw on tight. Like any other spice or herb blend, keep out of direct light to extend it's shelf life.
- If you live in a humid climate, add a few dry beans in the jar. The dry beans will absorb the moisture and prevent the salt from clumping.
Related Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
Lemon pepper can be used in any recipe calling for black pepper or recipes that benefit from a boost of zesty lemon flavor.
The blend is popular on fish and poultry dishes, specifically roasted or grilled chicken, salmon, and shellfish.
The best Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning, stored properly, will last for up to 1 year with good flavor.
More Pantry Staples Recipes
Get The Recipe!
Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Equipment
- Spice Jars
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoon Lemon zest dried, coarsely ground
- 4 tablespoon Black Pepper Fine Grind Cracked Pepper
- 2 tablespoon Onion Powder
- 2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 2 tablespoon Sea Salt
Instructions
- Measure all the ingredients into individual small bowls. For Salt Free Lemon Pepper Substitute, omit the salt.8 tablespoon Lemon zest, 4 tablespoon Black Pepper, 2 tablespoon Onion Powder, 2 teaspoon Garlic Powder, 2 tablespoon Sea Salt
- Add all the ingredients into a larger bowl and mix with a spoon. Sample a pinch to see if has enough salt for your tastes. For Salt Free Lemon Pepper Substitute, omit the salt.
- You will want to store this lemon pepper salt in jars that have a tight seal. Either spice jars you can buy off of Amazon, saved empty spice jars, or even small Mason jars. Fill and store in a cool, dry pantry.
Notes
- If you live in a humid climate, add a few dry beans in the jar with the lemon pepper seasoning salt. The dry beans will absorb the moisture and prevent the salt from clumping.
- Use a spice jar with a sprinkle top that has holes big enough for the lemon pepper seasoning blend to come out, but not large enough for the dry beans.
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