Lemon pepper seasoning is a versatile spice blend that adds a zesty and tangy flavour to a variety of dishes, especially chicken. However, there may be times when you don’t have any on hand or simply want to try something different. Fortunately, there are several substitutes for lemon pepper that you can use to add a similar flavour to your recipes. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best options to substitute lemon pepper with and how to make your own lemon-pepper blend.
What are the Best Lemon Pepper Substitutes
When looking for a lemon pepper replacement, it’s important to consider the flavors and ingredients in the dish you’re making. A little experimentation with different spices and herbs can lead to exciting new flavors in your cooking. Here are some substitutes to use instead of lemon pepper.
Lemon Thyme
If you’re looking for a more herbaceous flavour, try using lemon thyme instead of lemon pepper. Lemon thyme has a similar lemony flavor but with a subtle herbal note that complements roasted meats and vegetables.
Lemon Curry Powder
Lemon curry powder is a blend of spices that includes turmeric, coriander, cumin, and ginger, along with the lemon peel. This substitute for lemon pepper adds a spicy kick along with the tangy lemon flavour. It’s a great option for adding flavor to roasted vegetables, tofu, or seafood.
Roasted Orange Peel
Roasted orange peel can be used as a substitute for lemon pepper seasoning because it has a similar tangy and slightly bitter flavour. Simply roast orange peel in the oven until it’s dry and crispy, then grind it into a fine powder. You can mix it with ground black pepper for a balanced flavour.
Shichimi Togarashi
Shichimi togarashi is a Japanese spice blend that includes several ingredients like red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, and dried orange peel. It has a spicy and tangy flavour profile, making it a great substitute for lemon pepper seasoning. Use it to add heat to stir-fries or soups.
Lemon Juice and Black Pepper
If you don’t have any lemon zest on hand, you can use lemon juice instead. Mix it with ground black pepper for a simple yet effective substitute for lemon pepper spice. It’s perfect for adding a beautiful lemon flavor to grilled chicken or fish.
Can I Make My Own Lemon Pepper Seasoning?
Making lemon pepper blend is an easy and cost-effective alternative to buying pre-made seasoning. To make your own, you will need dried lemon zest, ground black pepper, and a few other ingredients such as onion powder, garlic powder, and black sesame seeds. Simply mix all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container. You can adjust the proportions to suit your taste.
Homemade Lemon Pepper Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe for homemade lemon pepper seasoning:
Ingredients for Lemon Pepper
- 2 tablespoons freshly ground black peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
optional: 1 tsp of garlic powder and 1 tsp of onion powder
How to Make Lemon Pepper
- Preheat your oven to 170°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the lemon zest out in a thin layer on the parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the zest is completely dry.
- Once the zest is dry, remove it from the oven and let it cool.
- Once the zest has cooled, use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to grind it into a fine powder.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ground lemon zest, black pepper, and salt.
- Store the lemon pepper seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Recipes With Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Here are a few recipe ideas that you can make with your homemade lemon pepper seasoning:
- Honey & Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Lemon Pepper Hummus
- Lemon Pepper Roasted Vegetables
- Lemon Pepper Shrimp
- Lemon Pepper Salad Dressing
Homemade Lemon Pepper
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons freshly ground black peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- optional: 1 tsp of garlic powder and 1 tsp of onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 170°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the lemon zest out in a thin layer on the parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the zest is completely dry.
- Once the zest is dry, remove it from the oven and let it cool.
- Once the zest has cooled, use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to grind it into a fine powder.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ground lemon zest, black pepper, and salt.
Notes
Store the lemon pepper seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
In conclusion
Lemon pepper seasoning is a popular spice blend, but there are many substitutes that can be used to add a similar flavour profile to your dishes. From homemade lemon pepper to shichimi togarashi, there are plenty of options to choose from. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs to find the perfect substitute for your recipe.
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
