How to Make Lemon Pepper Seasoning at Home: A Quick and Easy Guide

Making lemon pepper seasoning at home is simple and requires just a few ingredients. This recipe is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes, whether it's chicken, fish, vegetables, or even popcorn. Follow these easy steps to create your own unique blend.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons lemon zest (finely grated) 1 tablespoon black peppercorns or coarsely ground black pepper 1 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt (Optional) 1 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder for added flavor

Instructions

Prepare the Lemon Zest

Use a zester or fine grater to remove the zest from fresh lemons. Make sure to avoid the bitter white pith underneath. Depending on the size of your lemons, you may need to start with four lemons and zest more if you need the required amount.

Dry the Zest

Spread the lemon zest on a baking sheet and let it air dry for several hours. Alternatively, you can dry it in a low oven (around 200°F or 93°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Ensure it doesn't burn.

Grind the Peppercorns

If using whole peppercorns, grind them using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle until they reach your desired coarseness.

Combine Ingredients

In a bowl, mix the dried lemon zest, ground black pepper, and sea salt. If you're adding garlic or onion powder, include that as well.

Store

Transfer the seasoning into an airtight container. It can be stored in a cool, dark place for several weeks. For extended storage, you can also store it in an airtight jar in a cool dry location for up to six months.

Method 1: Quick-Mix Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Pour the lemon pepper seasoning into an airtight jar or similar container. Store it in a cool dry location for up to six months. Add the dried lemon peppercorns and salt to the bowl of a food processor. Quickly stir them together with a fork. Since the dried spices used in this version are larger in size, you'll need to grind them down into finer pieces before you can use them as a spice blend. Pulse the mixture in several short bursts, continuing until everything is finely ground and evenly combined. Pausing to stir the mixture as needed if some of the spices do not reach the blades on their own. Pulsing the spices this way should grind them down while simultaneously mixing them together. Scoop the lemon pepper seasoning into an airtight jar. Store the blend in a cool dry area for up to six months.

Method 3: Fresh Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (90 degrees Celsius). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. If your oven does not reach such temperatures, preheat it to the lowest possible temperature. Zest fresh lemons using a standard kitchen grater to get about 3/4 cup (180 ml) of fresh lemon zest. Start with four lemons and zest more if necessary. Rinse the lemons under running water and dry them with clean paper towels, using clean unblemished lemons only. Place the peppercorns in a spice grinder and pulse for several seconds until lightly and consistently crushed. Do not fully grind the peppercorns during this step. If you do not have a spice grinder, use a food processor or a clean coffee grinder. Combine the lemon zest and crushed peppercorns in a mixing bowl, stir them together, and use the back of a fork to mash the lemon zest and crushed pepper together. This will help hold the mixture together and blend the flavors more effectively. Transfer the mixture to a prepared baking sheet, spread it into an even layer, and bake it for 60 minutes or until all the zest is completely dried. After 30 minutes, check the mixture, gently stir it, and continue checking every 10 to 15 minutes stirring as needed to ensure even drying. Scoop the dried mixture back into the spice grinder and process it until everything is finely ground. Combine the lemon pepper blend with salt in a mixing bowl, stirring well until the ingredients are evenly combined. Use a spice grinder to pulse the salt into the seasoning if you choose to use large-grain salt. If you're making this blend without salt, keep in mind that it might not taste like commercially prepared versions. Transfer the seasoned mixture to an airtight container for storage.

Usage

Lemon pepper seasoning is versatile and can be used on chicken, fish, vegetables, and even popcorn. Adjust the proportions to suit your taste! Add it to your favorite recipes and enjoy the fresh burst of flavor.