Flavorful Seafood Seasoning Blend for Shrimp, Fish & Crab

This DIY Seafood Seasoning is a well-balanced mix of herbs and spices that adds bright, savory flavor to fish, shrimp, and other seafood. It combines garlic, dill, paprika, dry mustard, celery seed, parsley, and a touch of sweetness for a versatile seasoning you’ll reach for again and again.

Homemade Seafood Seasoning

Making your own spice blends is an easy way to avoid additives and control cost while still enjoying delicious, ready-to-use seasoning. This seafood blend is simple to prepare, stores well, and delivers a balanced profile of sweet, herbal, and slightly spicy notes. Keep a jar in your pantry to season fish fillets, shrimp, seafood salads, chowders, or even roasted vegetables and chicken.

What You’ll Need

This flavorful mix uses common pantry spices that combine into a complex, versatile rub:

• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar — adds mild sweetness and helps form a caramelized crust when cooking.
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt — use your preferred salt, adjusting to taste.
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley — brings fresh herbal color.
• 1 tablespoon dill weed — a classic pairing with seafood.
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder — concentrated, savory garlic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon paprika — adds color and a sweet-earthy note.
• ½ tablespoon freshly ground black pepper — for pungent heat and aromatics.
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper — optional; adjust for desired spiciness.
• 1 teaspoon celery seed — enhances savory, slightly bitter undertones common in seafood seasonings.
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder — adds depth and a gentle tang.
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander — lends a fragrant, citrusy-herbal finish.

How to Make Seafood Seasoning

Making this blend takes only minutes and is a great activity to do with kids to teach measuring and scent recognition.

• Measure and mix: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until evenly blended.
• Store: Transfer the seasoning to an airtight jar or container and keep in a cool, dry place for up to one year. For longer storage, the freezer works well.

Ways to Use this Spice Blend

• Use about 2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of seafood as a general guideline. Adjust to taste when seasoning shrimp, fish fillets, or scallops.
• Sprinkle on before baking, grilling, or pan-searing; mix into breading or breadcrumbs; or stir a teaspoon or two into soups, chowders, dips, and seafood salads.
• Try it on chicken, roasted vegetables, or potatoes when you want a bright, savory boost.

How to Store

• Store the blend in a glass jar with a tight-fitting plastic or glass lid to avoid oxidation. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight.
• The blend remains flavorful for up to a year; freezing can extend freshness beyond that.