Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning
In short: A zesty seasoning of oven-dried lemon zest, black pepper and salt that tastes far brighter than shop blends. Use it on chicken, fish and potatoes. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 12 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 12
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 5 kcal
Lemon pepper is simply dried lemon zest ground with black pepper and salt, and the homemade version tastes much more of fresh lemon than a jar of the commercial blend. The zest is dried gently in a low oven, which concentrates the citrus oils without scorching them. Sprinkle it on chicken wings, fish, roasted potatoes, avocado toast, popcorn or steamed vegetables. Use unwaxed lemons, because you are eating the peel.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 90°C (195°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash and dry the lemons. Grate the zest with a fine grater, taking only the yellow part and not the bitter white pith.
- Spread the zest in a thin, even layer on the sheet. Dry it in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring once, until it feels dry and crumbly and not at all damp.
- Let the zest cool completely. If it feels at all soft, return it to the oven for 5 more minutes.
- Mix the dried zest with the pepper, salt and garlic powder in a bowl, rubbing the zest between your fingers to break up clumps. For a finer blend, grind everything briefly in a spice grinder.
- Spoon into a small jar. Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per portion on chicken, fish, potatoes or vegetables, and add extra salt only after tasting.
Tips
- Zest lemons before you squeeze them for other recipes, and freeze the juice in ice cube trays so nothing goes to waste.
- Try the same method with lime or orange zest for a different blend, and add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
Questions and answers
How long does homemade lemon pepper last?
In an airtight jar away from light it keeps its best flavor for 3 to 4 months. The citrus aroma fades with time, so make small batches.
Can I dry lemon zest without an oven?
Yes. Spread it on a plate and leave it somewhere warm and dry for 1 to 2 days, stirring now and then. In humid weather the oven is more reliable.
What is lemon pepper good on?
It is good on chicken wings, grilled or baked fish, shrimp, roast potatoes, steamed green beans, popcorn and eggs. Add it at the end of cooking so the zest keeps its fresh flavor.
How long does it take to make Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning?
About 55 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning?
About 5 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 1 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 5 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 580 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
