Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe
Add a zesty, vibrant kick to your cooking with this homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning. This blend delivers bold citrus brightness from dried lemon zest and a punchy heat from black pepper - perfect for elevating everything from grilled chicken and seafood to roasted vegetables, pasta, and even popcorn.
Equipment
- Microplane or fine grater for zesting lemons
- Baking sheet or dehydrator optional, for drying lemon zest
- Mixing bowl
- Spice grinder, food processor, or mortar and pestle
- Airtight spice jar or container
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp dried lemon zest from about 4 lemons
- 2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp coarse sea salt optional or to taste
- 1 tsp onion powder optional
- garlic powder optional
Instructions
- Zest the Lemons: Use a microplane or fine grater to zest 4 lemons. Avoid the white pith to prevent bitterness.
- Dry the Zest:1 (Quick Method): Spread the zest on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it dry at room temperature for 2–3 hours or overnight.2 (Oven): Dry in the oven at the lowest heat (170°F/75°C or lower) for 20–30 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning.3 (Dehydrator): Dry using a dehydrator for about 1–2 hours at 95°F/35°C.
- Grind Ingredients: In a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle, combine dried lemon zest, black pepper, salt (if using), and optional garlic and onion powder. Grind to your preferred texture—coarse or fine.Store: Transfer to an airtight jar. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips:
- For a salt-free version, simply omit the sea salt.
- Use fresh, organic lemons for the most vibrant flavor and to avoid wax coatings.
- Adjust the pepper-to-lemon ratio to suit your taste—more pepper for heat, more zest for brightness.
- Double the batch to keep a larger stash on hand for meal prep or gifting.
| Nutrient | Amount (per tsp / ~2g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 6 |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Protein | 0.1g |
| Fat | 0.1g |
| Serving Size | ~2g |
| Sodium | 97mg (varies with salt use) |
| Potassium | 9mg |
| Fiber | 0.3g |
| Sugar | 0.1g |
| Vitamin A (IU) | 4 IU |
| Vitamin C | 2mg |
| Calcium | 6mg |
| Iron | 0.1mg |