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Packed with fresh flavor and simple ingredients, my homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning brings any recipe to life! Learn how to dry lemon zest for a beautiful bottle of seasoning that goes great on just about everything.
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Lemon and Pepper Seasoning
When a friend first gave me a bottle of lemon pepper spice as a gift, I immediately knew I had to create my own version. The aromatic lemon combined with the distinct bite of pepper was irresistible and incredibly convenient, so I wanted to have it on hand all of the time!
Creating homemade lemon and pepper seasoning is not only fun but also tastes incredible. There’s a special feeling to making your own seasoning blends; it feels luxurious to prepare them, and even more gratifying to use them in your own home-cooked meals!
The best thing about making your own lemon pepper dry rub is that you can adjust it to your exact tastes. Experiment with additional flavors like dried cilantro, onion powder, or various peppers – the possibilities are endless!
Lemon Pepper Ingredients
- Lemon Zest: Use large, unwaxed, bright yellow lemons for zesting. The best lemons will have a strong lemony smell even before you zest them. I recommend scrubbing the rind under cold water to clean it of any debris and drying it completely before zesting.
- Garlic Powder: You can also use granulated garlic if it’s what you have on hand, but may need to use more to achieve the same taste.
- Black Pepper: Other peppercorn varieties like white pepper will work as well for a milder pepper flavor.
- Sea Salt: I use Maldon Sea Salt Flakes and highly recommend them! If you need a substitute, kosher salt is best.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- Thoroughly wash and dry the lemons. Use a microplane or zester to zest the lemons. Avoid zesting the bitter white pith.
- Spread the fresh lemon zest on a clean paper towel and let air dry until completely dry, at least a few hours.
- Once completely dry, add the dried lemon zest, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to a small bowl. Mix thoroughly, then store in an airtight bottle or bag in the fridge!
In love with lemon? Try my unforgettable Lemon Butter Sauce next!
Lemon Pepper Dry Rub Recipe Tips
- Make sure the zest is completely dry before adding it to the blend! You can even place it in the oven on a baking sheet at a very low temperature to dry it more quickly.
- To help this seasoning blend keep well, buy small preservation packets or even use some from other packaged snacks. This is especially helpful if you’re giving away bottles of seasoning as a gift.
- You can absolutely add in more seasonings to make variations. My favorites are adding dried rosemary, or a pinch of cayenne for spicy lemon pepper.
- Speaking of gifts, lemon pepper seasoning makes an incredible gift everyone will love! Store it in a jar with a homemade label and your giftee will love it!
Lemon Pepper Seasoning FAQ
Lemon pepper seasoning is a simple spice blend made from lemon zest, garlic powder, and black pepper, plus a little coarse salt! The zest is dried before being added to preserve the flavor of the other spices.
Lemon zest can be dried in an oven at a low temperature or air-dried for a few hours. Make sure it’s completely dry before mixing it with other spices to prevent mold!
Absolutely. If you need to watch your sodium intake, simply leave out the salt or lessen the amount used.
Storing Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- Fridge: Due to the use of lemon zest, this recipe is best stored in the fridge. Pour the seasoning in an airtight container or small plastic bag, then place in the fridge for up to a week. For longer preservation, add a preservation packet like the ones placed in dried snack bags!
- Freezer: To store this seasoning long-term, place it in the freezer in small bags or bottles for up to 4 months.
What to Serve with Lemon Pepper
- Chicken: Lemon pepper chicken is a classic choice! Try it with my lemon butter chicken, or use it to season air fryer chicken wings (or any wings recipe) for lemon pepper wings!
- Seafood: Seafood and lemon are a perfect match. Perfect with salmon, whitefish, or shrimp for a peppery lemon flavor!
- Popcorn: Sprinkle lemon pepper on popcorn for a quick, refreshing treat loaded with flavor!
- Vegetables: Sprinkle this seasoning over your favorite roasted veggies! I like serving it with Lemon Potatoes, or sprinkling it on my favorite Parmesan Carrots!
Seasoning Recipes
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Recipe
Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Equipment
- Baking sheet optional
- Microplane grater
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons Lemon zest about 3-4 lemons
- 2 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Sea salt
Instructions
- Wash and dry the lemons thoroughly, then use a microplane grater or zester to remove the yellow zest from the lemon peel. Make sure to only remove the top layer, not the white pith.4 Tablespoons Lemon zest
- Spread the fresh lemon zest on a clean paper towel and let air dry until completely dry, at least a few hours. Alternatively, dry them at a low temperature on a baking sheet in the oven.
- Once completely dry, add the dried lemon zest, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to a small bowl. Mix thoroughly, then store in a bottle or bag in the fridge!2 teaspoons Garlic powder, 2 teaspoons Black pepper, 2 teaspoons Sea salt
Video
Notes
- Ensure lemon zest is fully dry before blending; use low oven heat if needed.
- Use small preservation packets for longer shelf life. Lemon pepper seasoning makes a great gift!
- Customize by adding herbs like dried rosemary, or spices like cayenne for a spicy twist.
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