Seasoned Salt Recipe

Salt: The base of the blend, providing the essential salty flavor.

Black pepper: Adds a sharp, pungent taste and a bit of heat.

Paprika: Contributes a mild sweetness and vibrant color.

Garlic powder: Infuses a savory, aromatic flavor.

Onion powder: Adds a subtle, sweet onion taste.

Cayenne pepper: Brings a spicy kick to the mix.

When making seasoned salt, ensure that the salt you use is finely ground to allow for an even distribution of flavors. If your black pepper or paprika is coarse, consider giving them a quick pulse in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to achieve a consistent texture. This will help the seasoning blend more uniformly, enhancing the overall taste of your dishes.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and salinity but may offer a slightly different mineral taste.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger grains and a purer taste, making it a good alternative.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to maintain the peppery taste without the black specks.

• black pepper - Substitute with ground cumin: Ground cumin provides a warm, earthy flavor that can complement the other spices.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth to the seasoning, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder offers a similar color and a bit more heat, which can add complexity to the seasoning.

• garlic powder - Substitute with granulated garlic: Granulated garlic has a coarser texture but provides the same garlic flavor.

• garlic powder - Substitute with garlic salt: Garlic salt can be used, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

• onion powder - Substitute with granulated onion: Granulated onion has a similar flavor but a slightly different texture.

• onion powder - Substitute with dried minced onion: Dried minced onion offers a more intense onion flavor and a bit of texture.

• cayenne pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes provide a similar heat level and can add a bit of texture.

• cayenne pepper - Substitute with hot paprika: Hot paprika offers a similar heat with a slightly different flavor profile.

• Ensure your seasoned salt is stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and potency. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids or plastic containers with secure seals work best.

• Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A pantry or a kitchen cabinet is ideal. Exposure to moisture and light can degrade the quality of the seasoned salt.

• Label the container with the date you made the seasoned salt. While it can last for several months, it's best to use it within six months for optimal flavor.

• If you live in a humid climate, consider adding a few grains of uncooked rice to the container. The rice will absorb excess moisture, preventing the seasoned salt from clumping.

• For long-term storage, you can freeze the seasoned salt. Place it in a freezer-safe, airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This method can extend its shelf life up to a year.

• When ready to use, allow the seasoned salt to come to room temperature before opening the container. This prevents condensation from forming inside, which could introduce moisture.

• Avoid using wet utensils when scooping out the seasoned salt. Always use dry measuring spoons or clean, dry hands to prevent contamination and clumping.

• If you notice any changes in color, smell, or texture, it's best to discard the seasoned salt and make a fresh batch. Freshness is key to achieving the best flavor in your dishes.

• Consider making smaller batches if you don't use seasoned salt frequently. This ensures you always have a fresh supply on hand without the risk of it losing its potency over time.

• preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). spread your leftover meat or vegetables on a baking sheet, sprinkle with a bit of your seasoned salt, and cover with foil. heat for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

• for a quick microwave option, place your leftover soup or stew in a microwave-safe bowl. sprinkle a pinch of seasoned salt on top, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• if you're reheating leftover pasta, add a splash of olive oil or water to a skillet over medium heat. toss in the pasta, sprinkle with seasoned salt, and stir occasionally until heated thoroughly.

• for leftover pizza, preheat a skillet over medium heat. place the pizza slices in the skillet, sprinkle with a touch of seasoned salt, and cover with a lid. heat for 5-7 minutes until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.

• to reheat leftover rice, add a tablespoon of water or broth to a microwave-safe bowl of rice. sprinkle with seasoned salt, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, fluffing with a fork afterward.

• for leftover roasted vegetables, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). spread the vegetables on a baking sheet, sprinkle with seasoned salt, and roast for 5-10 minutes until they regain their crispiness.

• if you have leftover fish, preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). place the fish on a baking sheet, sprinkle with seasoned salt, and cover with foil. heat for 15 minutes or until the fish is warmed through without drying out.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the salt and other spices.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for precise measurement of the pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

• Whisk: Useful for stirring the ingredients together to ensure an even mix.

• Airtight container: Important for storing the seasoned salt to keep it fresh and prevent moisture from getting in.

• Funnel: Helps in transferring the seasoned salt into the airtight container without spilling.

Measure ingredients in advance: Pre-measure all ingredients and store them in small bowls to streamline the mixing process.

Use a spice grinder: If you have whole spices, use a spice grinder to quickly achieve the desired consistency.

Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of seasoned salt and store it in multiple containers for future use.

Label containers: Clearly label your airtight containers to avoid confusion and save time when you need the mix.

Mix in a jar: Combine all ingredients directly in a jar with a tight lid and shake well to mix, saving you from washing an extra bowl.