Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Lemon Pepper Seasoning is a little bit zingy and a little bit peppery, and a whole lot delightful! Making your own lemon pepper is super easy and absolutely delicious.

Making your own seasonings at home is a no-brainer, it’s fast, cheap, and better for you. Try some of my other favorite seasonings to make, Italian, Taco, and Ranch Seasonings.

Lemon pepper in a glass jar with a wooden spoon.

Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Making your own seasonings has become something I love to do. From when I first tried it and realized how easy it was to do and then how much money I could save I have tried to make as many of my own seasonings as possible. From Fajita seasoning to my own Everything But the Bagel, it is easy and tastes amazing. This lemon pepper seasoning is no exception. You are going to love the intense lemon flavor and the nice bite of pepper that comes from this homemade seasoning.

I have actually had a hard time finding lemon pepper before and so this is a sure fire way to never be out of it again. Full of zesty lemon, pungent pepper, and then rounded out with garlic and onion powder, this is a win, win seasoning. Lemon pepper goes with so many things too. You can use it in so many ways. Another thing I love about making my own spices is I can customize for my families liking. More lemon, less pepper or vice versa, it really is the way to go! You have to try it!

What is in Lemon Pepper Season

Simple ingredients combine for out of this world flavor in this lemon pepper seasoning. With pantry staple ingredients you can make this season quickly!

Dried lemon peel: You can make your own and I’ll tell you how below.
Coarse black pepper: If you can use a pepper grinder to get the right consistency for your pepper.
Salt: Regular table salt or a coarser salt can be used.
Onion powder: A great flavor enhancer.
Garlic powder: Adds a wonderful taste that compliments the lemon.

How To Make Lemon Pepper

Super simple and absolutely divine! Combine lemon peel, black pepper, salt, onion and garlic powder. Use seasoning as needed on chicken, steak, seafood and fish.

Homemade Dried Lemon Peel

This is super easy, and can even be made the same day as the seasoning if needed. Buying dried lemon peel can be more expensive than it’s worth, and can easily be made from lemons you have or already used.

Lemons: For drying lemons, I like to use organic lemons that haven’t been sprayed with chemicals if I can find them. If I can’t I thoroughly wash them and dry them.
Peel: There are two ways you can do this. You can use a sharp knife and carefully peel the lemon making sure to leave the white part or pith attached to the lemon. You do not want the pith in your peel. It will make it taste bitter. Or you can zest your lemon using a zester or a fine cheese grater.
Longer Method: Simply place your peels or zest on a plate spreading out as much as possible. Leave in a well-ventilated room where it can be placed in the sun and gets warm. It should take a few days for the lemon peel to dry out completely. The zest will be quicker, so check often.
Quick method: Spead the zest or peel on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in an oven that has been preheated to 180 degrees. It will take 25- 30 minutes to dry out. Once cooled it can be stored in an airtight container till ready for use. For the peel, you can grind it in a spice grinder when ready to use.
Dry: Make sure the peels or zest are completely dry so it will not mold.

How to Use and Store Lemon Pepper

This is a wonderful flavored spice that enhances your cooking in so many ways.

Add: Lemon pepper goes beautifully with just about any kind of meat. Add it Chicken, Steak, and Fish when you need a little something special.
Sprinkle: Enhance your popcorn, vegetables, and potatoes by sprinkling some over the top, or mixing it with melted butter and topping them.
Use: Create amazing pasta, soups, and potato dishes by adding this secret ingredient.
Dressings and Marinades: Add it to vinegar and oil for a homemade lemon pepper dressing. Swap it out for regular pepper in a marinade to add a whole new kind of wow!
Variations of Lemon Pepper: Mix and delete spices and herbs as desired. Omit salt if trying to go salt-free.
Store: Lemon pepper does best when kept in a tightly sealed jar away from heat or light. It should stay dry and cool. It will keep for up to 6 months.

Spooning out a Tablespoon of lemon pepper.