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Lemon pepper seasoning in a jar with lid closed
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Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe

Making your own homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning is simple, rewarding, and guarantees a fresher, cleaner flavor than anything off the shelf.
Prep Time5 minutes
Active Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes

Materials

  • 54 g Dried Lemon
  • 15 g Black Pepper
  • 11 g White Pepper
  • 3 g Garlic Powder
  • 3 g Onion Powder
  • 3 g Celery Seeds
  • 2 g Oregano
  • 2 g Thyme
  • 2 g Rosemary
  • 5 g Sumac

Instructions

  • Bloom the Aromatics (2 Minutes)
    In a dry pan over low heat, gently toast the black pepper, white pepper, celery seeds, rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Keep the spices moving continuously for 1–2 minutes until they become wonderfully fragrant. You will notice the aroma becoming deeper and more vibrant as the gentle heat releases their essential oils. Remove the pan from the heat immediately once the fragrance develops. Over-toasting can quickly turn delicate herbs and spices bitter.
  • Achieve the Perfect Grind
    Allow the toasted spices to cool completely before grinding. Transfer the mixture to a spice grinder or use a traditional mortar and pestle, then process until you reach your preferred texture. For this lemon pepper blend, I recommend a medium-coarse grind because it creates the ideal balance between texture, aroma, and flavour release. A slightly textured grind allows the spices to gradually release their essential oils while giving the seasoning a more satisfying finish when sprinkled over food.
  • Assemble the Final Blend
    In a clean, completely dry bowl, combine the freshly ground spices with the garlic powder, onion powder, dried lemon, and sumac. Mix thoroughly using a whisk or spoon, making sure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the blend. This final mixing stage is important because it ensures every spoonful delivers the same balanced combination of citrus brightness, aromatic herbs, and peppery warmth.
  • Store and Preserve the Fresh Aroma
    Transfer your finished lemon pepper seasoning into a clean, airtight jar immediately after blending. You will notice the aroma is far more vibrant and intense than most store-bought versions. This is because the essential oils are still fresh from the grinding process and have not had time to fade during long periods of storage. Sealing the blend properly helps protect those delicate aromas and keeps the seasoning bright, fragrant, and ready to elevate your everyday cooking.