Nothing beats the magic of a perfect seafood seasoning to transform your catch into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering, these 30 delicious ideas will inspire your kitchen adventures. From zesty blends to aromatic herbs, get ready to elevate your seafood dishes and delight every palate. Let’s dive into these flavorful recipes that promise to make every meal memorable!
Zesty Lemon Herb Seafood Seasoning
Ready to transform seafood dishes with a bright, aromatic seasoning blend. This zesty lemon herb mix adds instant freshness to shrimp, fish, or scallops. It’s simple to make and stores beautifully for quick weeknight meals.
Serving: 1 jar | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
– Lemon zest – 3 tbsp
– Dried parsley – ¼ cup
– Dried dill – 2 tbsp
– Garlic powder – 1 tbsp
– Onion powder – 1 tbsp
– Sea salt – 2 tsp
– Black pepper – 1 tsp
– Red pepper flakes – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Zest two large lemons using a fine grater until you have 3 tablespoons of zest.
2. Spread the lemon zest in a thin layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Let the zest air-dry at room temperature for 24 hours until completely brittle.
4. Combine the dried lemon zest, dried parsley, dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder in a medium bowl.
5. Add the sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the bowl.
6. Whisk all ingredients together for 1 minute until evenly distributed.
7. Transfer the seasoning blend to an airtight glass jar.
8. Store the jar in a cool, dark pantry for up to 3 months.
Makes a versatile seasoning with a crisp, citrusy punch and herbal aroma. The texture is fine and sandy, perfect for sprinkling or mixing into marinades. Try it on grilled salmon or stirred into melted butter for dipping steamed lobster.
Smoky Cajun Seafood Spice Blend
Unlock bold flavor with this smoky Cajun seafood spice blend. Use it to season shrimp, fish, or crawfish for a quick, fiery kick. It’s a pantry staple that transforms simple seafood in minutes.
Serving: 1 jar (about ½ cup) | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
– Paprika – 2 tbsp
– Garlic powder – 1 tbsp
– Onion powder – 1 tbsp
– Dried oregano – 1 tsp
– Dried thyme – 1 tsp
– Cayenne pepper – 1 tsp
– Black pepper – 1 tsp
– Salt – 1 tsp
Instructions
1. Measure 2 tbsp of paprika into a small bowl.
2. Add 1 tbsp of garlic powder to the bowl.
3. Add 1 tbsp of onion powder to the bowl.
4. Add 1 tsp of dried oregano to the bowl.
5. Add 1 tsp of dried thyme to the bowl.
6. Add 1 tsp of cayenne pepper to the bowl.
7. Add 1 tsp of black pepper to the bowl.
8. Add 1 tsp of salt to the bowl.
9. Whisk all ingredients together for 30 seconds until fully combined. Tip: For a finer blend, pulse in a spice grinder instead of whisking.
10. Transfer the mixture to an airtight jar. Tip: Store in a cool, dark place to preserve freshness for up to 6 months.
11. To use, coat 1 lb of raw shrimp or fish fillets evenly with 1–2 tbsp of the blend. Tip: Let seafood sit with the spice blend for 10 minutes before cooking to deepen the flavor.
12. Cook seafood as desired, such as sautéing shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque.
Layers of smoky paprika and sharp cayenne create a complex, well-balanced heat. The blend clings beautifully to seafood, offering a gritty texture that caramelizes when cooked. Try it sprinkled over grilled oysters or mixed into a creamy étouffée for a versatile twist.
Garlic Butter Seafood Seasoning Mix
Whether you’re grilling shrimp or pan-searing scallops, this garlic butter seafood seasoning mix elevates simple seafood with bold flavor. It comes together in minutes and stores beautifully for quick weeknight meals. Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
– Unsalted butter – ½ cup
– Garlic cloves – 4
– Paprika – 1 tbsp
– Dried oregano – 1 tsp
– Cayenne pepper – ¼ tsp
– Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Peel and mince 4 garlic cloves finely.
2. Melt ½ cup unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic to the melted butter and cook over low heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat immediately.
5. Stir in 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, and ½ tsp salt until fully combined.
6. Let the mixture cool to room temperature for 5 minutes.
7. Transfer the seasoning mix to an airtight container.
8. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
9. To use, brush the seasoning mix onto raw seafood like shrimp or fish fillets before cooking.
10. Cook the seasoned seafood in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until opaque and lightly browned.
Now you have a versatile garlic butter blend that adds a rich, savory kick to any seafood dish. Not only does it create a crispy, golden crust on shrimp or scallops, but the subtle heat from cayenne balances the garlic’s pungency. Try tossing it with pasta and steamed clams for a quick restaurant-style meal at home.
Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Shrimp Seasoning
Nothing beats the bright, herby punch of this shrimp seasoning. Need a quick dinner that feels fancy? This Mediterranean crust delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Ingredients
– Large shrimp, peeled and deveined – 1 lb
– Olive oil – 2 tbsp
– Garlic powder – 1 tsp
– Dried oregano – 1 tsp
– Dried thyme – ½ tsp
– Paprika – 1 tsp
– Salt – ½ tsp
– Black pepper – ¼ tsp
– Lemon – 1
Instructions
1. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks.
2. In a medium bowl, combine garlic powder, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the spice mixture.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
5. Add the shrimp in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding.
6. Cook shrimp for 3–4 minutes per side until opaque and the crust is lightly browned.
7. Squeeze juice from half the lemon over the shrimp immediately after removing from heat.
8. Transfer shrimp to a serving plate and garnish with remaining lemon wedges.
Vibrant and aromatic, the herb crust forms a crisp, golden exterior while keeping the shrimp juicy inside. The lemon brightens the earthy spices perfectly. Try serving over a simple salad or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful pan juices.
Tangy Citrus Seafood Seasoning
Ready to transform seafood from bland to brilliant? This zesty seasoning blend cuts through rich flavors with bright citrus notes. It’s the secret weapon your shrimp, scallops, and fish have been waiting for.
Serving: 1 jar (about ½ cup) | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
– Lemon zest – 2 tbsp
– Orange zest – 2 tbsp
– Kosher salt – ¼ cup
– Black pepper – 1 tbsp
– Garlic powder – 1 tbsp
– Paprika – 1 tbsp
Instructions
1. Zest one large lemon and one large orange directly into a medium bowl using a microplane.
2. Measure ¼ cup of kosher salt and add it to the bowl with the citrus zest.
3. Grind 1 tbsp of whole black peppercorns in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle until coarse.
4. Add the freshly ground black pepper to the bowl.
5. Measure 1 tbsp of garlic powder and add it to the mixture.
6. Measure 1 tbsp of paprika and incorporate it into the bowl.
7. Use a whisk to combine all ingredients thoroughly for 1 minute, ensuring no clumps remain.
8. Transfer the seasoning to an airtight glass jar immediately to preserve the citrus oils.
9. Store the jar in a cool, dark pantry for up to 2 weeks for optimal freshness.
Light and sandy in texture, it clings perfectly to moist seafood without clumping. The upfront citrus tang mellows into a savory, garlicky warmth that doesn’t overpower delicate proteins. Try it as a dry brine for salmon fillets 30 minutes before grilling, or shake it over popcorn for an unexpected savory snack.
Savory Old Bay Shrimp Boil Seasoning
Hear me out: this Old Bay shrimp boil seasoning is the easiest way to transform a weeknight dinner. It delivers that classic coastal flavor with minimal effort. Just toss, cook, and enjoy.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
– Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined – 1 lb
– Old Bay Seasoning – 2 tbsp
– Unsalted butter – ½ cup
– Lemon – 1
– Garlic cloves – 4
– Corn on the cob – 2 ears
– Small red potatoes – 1 lb
– Smoked sausage – 12 oz
Instructions
1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Add the red potatoes to the boiling water and cook for 10 minutes.
3. While the potatoes cook, slice the smoked sausage into 1-inch rounds.
4. After 10 minutes, add the corn ears and sausage rounds to the pot with the potatoes.
5. Continue boiling the mixture for 5 more minutes.
6. Add the raw shrimp to the pot and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Drain the entire pot contents into a large colander in the sink.
8. Melt the unsalted butter in the now-empty pot over low heat.
9. Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the melted butter, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
10. Cut the lemon in half; squeeze the juice from one half into the butter-garlic mixture and stir.
11. Return the drained shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage to the pot with the butter sauce.
12. Sprinkle the Old Bay Seasoning evenly over everything in the pot.
13. Toss all ingredients gently until fully coated in the seasoned butter sauce.
14. Transfer the mixture to a large serving platter.
15. Slice the remaining lemon half into wedges and arrange them on the platter for garnish.
Serve immediately. The shrimp should be tender and juicy, while the potatoes and corn soak up the spicy, buttery Old Bay flavor beautifully. For a fun presentation, dump everything onto a newspaper-lined table and let everyone dig in with their hands.
Spicy Chili Lime Fish Taco Seasoning
You’ve probably had fish tacos before, but this zesty homemade seasoning takes them to the next level. It’s bold, bright, and ready in minutes.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
– Chili powder – 2 tbsp
– Ground cumin – 1 tbsp
– Garlic powder – 1 tsp
– Onion powder – 1 tsp
– Lime zest – from 1 lime
– Salt – 1 tsp
– White fish fillets – 1 lb
– Olive oil – 2 tbsp
– Corn tortillas – 8
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, lime zest, and salt.
2. Pat the white fish fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks well.
3. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each fish fillet.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
5. Place the seasoned fish fillets in the skillet and cook for 4 minutes per side, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
6. Remove the fish from the skillet and let it rest for 2 minutes to keep it juicy.
7. While the fish rests, warm the corn tortillas in the same skillet for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
8. Flake the fish into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
9. Serve the flaked fish immediately in the warmed tortillas.
A vibrant kick from the chili and lime makes these tacos pop with flavor. The fish stays tender and moist, perfect for piling high with fresh toppings like slaw or avocado. Try them with a squeeze of extra lime for an added zing.
Herbed Garlic Scallops Seasoning Blend
Savor restaurant-quality scallops at home with this simple, aromatic seasoning blend. It transforms basic scallops into a gourmet dish in minutes, perfect for a quick yet impressive meal. The herby-garlic flavor pairs beautifully with the scallops’ natural sweetness.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
– Scallops – 1 lb
– Olive oil – 2 tbsp
– Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
– Dried thyme – 1 tsp
– Dried oregano – 1 tsp
– Paprika – ½ tsp
– Salt – ½ tsp
– Black pepper – ¼ tsp
– Lemon – 1, juiced
Instructions
1. Pat the scallops completely dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
2. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the scallops to the skillet in a single layer, leaving space between them to prevent steaming.
5. Cook the scallops for 2–3 minutes without moving them until a golden-brown crust forms on the bottom.
6. Flip each scallop carefully using tongs and cook for another 2–3 minutes until opaque and firm to the touch.
7. Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the scallops in the skillet and cook for 30 seconds to toast the herbs.
8. Remove the skillet from heat and immediately drizzle with fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
9. Serve the scallops hot from the skillet, spooning any pan juices over the top.
Notice the scallops develop a caramelized crust that gives way to a tender, buttery interior. The herbed garlic seasoning infuses each bite with savory depth, while the lemon adds a zesty finish. Try serving them over creamy polenta or alongside a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Lemon Pepper Grilled Seafood Rub
Freshen up your seafood game with this zesty, versatile rub. It transforms simple fish or shrimp into a bright, peppery delight in minutes. The lemon zest cuts through richness while black pepper adds a warm kick.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
– Lemon zest – 2 tbsp
– Black pepper – 1 tbsp
– Kosher salt – 1 tsp
– Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Instructions
1. Zest two large lemons to yield 2 tbsp of zest, avoiding the bitter white pith.
2. Combine 2 tbsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tsp kosher salt in a small bowl.
3. Pat 1 lb of seafood (like salmon fillets or shrimp) completely dry with paper towels to help the rub adhere.
4. Rub 2 tbsp olive oil evenly over all surfaces of the seafood.
5. Sprinkle the lemon-pepper-salt mixture generously over the oiled seafood, pressing gently to form a crust.
6. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F) for 5 minutes.
7. Place seafood on the hot grill; for 1-inch-thick fillets, grill for 4–5 minutes per side until opaque and firm.
8. For shrimp, grill for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and curled.
9. Remove seafood from heat when internal temperature reaches 145°F for fish or shrimp is opaque throughout.
10. Let rest for 3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Perfectly grilled, the rub creates a crisp, golden crust that locks in moisture. The lemon brightens each bite with a tangy freshness, balanced by the pepper’s subtle heat. Try it over a salad or with grilled vegetables for a light, summery meal.
Southern-Style Blackened Fish Seasoning
Get ready to add bold, smoky flavor to your fish with this straightforward blackened seasoning. Great for quick weeknight dinners or impressive weekend meals, it transforms simple fillets into a Southern-inspired feast. Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
– Paprika – 2 tbsp
– Garlic powder – 1 tbsp
– Onion powder – 1 tbsp
– Dried thyme – 1 tsp
– Cayenne pepper – ½ tsp
– Salt – 1 tsp
– Black pepper – 1 tsp
– Olive oil – 2 tbsp
– White fish fillets (like tilapia or catfish) – 4 (6 oz each)
Instructions
1. Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
2. Pat the fish fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks properly.
3. Rub 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over both sides of each fillet.
4. Generously coat both sides of each fillet with the seasoning mixture, pressing it gently into the flesh.
5. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s very hot, about 3–4 minutes.
6. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and swirl to coat the bottom.
7. Place the seasoned fillets in the skillet without crowding them; cook in batches if necessary.
8. Cook the first side for 3–4 minutes until a dark, crusty blackened layer forms.
9. Flip the fillets carefully using a spatula.
10. Cook the second side for another 3–4 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
11. Remove the fillets from the skillet and let them rest on a plate for 2 minutes before serving. Perfectly blackened fish boasts a crisp, spicy crust that gives way to tender, flaky meat inside. Pair it with creamy coleslaw or over a bed of rice to balance the heat, or try it in tacos with fresh lime and avocado for a fun twist.
Tropical Papaya Seafood Seasoning
Dive into a vibrant blend of tropical and coastal flavors with this quick seasoning. It transforms seafood instantly with sweet, spicy, and savory notes. Keep it jarred for easy weeknight meals.
Serving: 1 jar | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
– Dried papaya – ½ cup
– Garlic powder – 2 tbsp
– Onion powder – 2 tbsp
– Smoked paprika – 1 tbsp
– Cayenne pepper – 1 tsp
– Sea salt – 1 tbsp
Instructions
1. Measure ½ cup of dried papaya into a food processor or blender.
2. Add 2 tbsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp onion powder, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tbsp sea salt to the processor.
3. Pulse the mixture for 15–20 seconds until the papaya is finely ground and all ingredients are evenly combined. Tip: For a coarser texture, pulse in shorter bursts.
4. Check the consistency; it should resemble coarse sand with no large papaya chunks.
5. Transfer the seasoning to an airtight glass jar immediately. Tip: Store in a cool, dark place to preserve freshness for up to 3 months.
6. To use, sprinkle 1–2 tsp per pound of raw shrimp, fish, or scallots before grilling or sautéing. Tip: For maximum flavor, let the seasoned seafood sit for 10 minutes before cooking.
Bright and zesty, this seasoning delivers a crunchy texture from the papaya with a smoky, slightly spicy kick. It pairs perfectly with grilled mahi-mahi or as a rim for seafood cocktails.
Asian-Inspired Ginger Sesame Seafood Rub
Bold Asian flavors transform simple seafood into a restaurant-worthy meal in minutes. This ginger sesame rub delivers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic heat. It’s a versatile mix that works with shrimp, scallops, or firm white fish.
Serving: 4 | Pre Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Ingredients
– Fresh ginger – 2 tbsp, finely grated
– Toasted sesame oil – 2 tbsp
– Soy sauce – 1 tbsp
– Honey – 1 tbsp
– Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
– Red pepper flakes – ½ tsp
– Scallions – 2, thinly sliced
– Shrimp or scallops – 1 lb, peeled and deveined
– Vegetable oil – 1 tbsp
Instructions
1. Pat the shrimp or scallops completely dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
2. In a small bowl, combine the grated ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth.
3. Place the seafood in a medium bowl and pour the ginger sesame mixture over it. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for 5 minutes at room temperature.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
5. Add the seafood in a single layer, reserving any excess marinade in the bowl. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
6. Cook without moving for 2 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust, then flip each piece.
7. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, until the seafood is opaque and the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Remove from heat and immediately garnish with the sliced scallions.
The rub creates a glossy, sticky glaze with a subtle kick from the ginger and pepper flakes. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice to soak up the sauce, or toss with noodles for a quick weeknight dinner.
Classic Creole Shrimp Seasoning
Essential for any Louisiana-inspired seafood dish, this Classic Creole Shrimp Seasoning delivers bold, balanced flavor in minutes. Every home cook needs this versatile blend in their pantry. It’s the secret to transforming simple shrimp into a standout meal.
Serving: Makes about ½ cup seasoning | Pre Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients
– Paprika – 2 tbsp
– Garlic powder – 1 tbsp
– Onion powder – 1 tbsp
– Dried oregano – 2 tsp
– Dried thyme – 2 tsp
– Cayenne pepper – 1 tsp
– Black pepper – 1 tsp
– Salt – 1 tsp
Instructions
1. Measure 2 tablespoons of paprika into a medium mixing bowl.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of garlic powder to the bowl.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of onion powder to the bowl.
4. Add 2 teaspoons of dried oregano to the bowl.
5. Add 2 teaspoons of dried thyme to the bowl.
6. Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the bowl.
7. Add 1 teaspoon of black pepper to the bowl.
8. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the bowl.
9. Whisk all ingredients together for 1 full minute until fully combined and uniform in color.
10. Transfer the seasoning blend to an airtight glass jar immediately.
11. Store the jar in a cool, dark pantry away from heat and sunlight.
12. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of raw shrimp, coating evenly before cooking.
Outstanding for its deep, aromatic warmth, this seasoning creates a savory crust when seared. The texture is finely ground and clings perfectly to shrimp. Try it sprinkled over roasted vegetables or mixed into mayonnaise for a quick remoulade.
Aromatic Herb Butter Lobster Seasoning
Perfect for elevating weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this aromatic herb butter lobster seasoning transforms simple lobster into a restaurant-quality dish. The blend of fresh herbs and butter creates a fragrant, savory coating that clings to every bite.
Serving: 2 | Pre Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup
- Fresh parsley – ¼ cup, chopped
- Fresh thyme – 2 tbsp, chopped
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Lemon – 1, juiced
- Lobster tails – 2 (8 oz each)
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped parsley, chopped thyme, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Using kitchen shears, cut through the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise.
- Gently pull the meat upward through the slit, leaving it attached at the base.
- Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the herb butter mixture generously over the exposed lobster meat and shells.
- Bake the lobster tails in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and firm to the touch.
- Broil the lobster tails on high for 2 minutes to lightly brown the tops.
Rich and buttery, the lobster meat stays tender while the herb crust adds a crisp texture. The garlic and lemon brighten each bite without overpowering the seafood’s natural sweetness. Serve it over creamy polenta or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the flavorful butter.
Conclusion
You’ve now got 30 delicious seafood seasoning recipe ideas to explore! From simple blends to bold flavors, there’s something for every home cook. We hope you’ll try a few, leave a comment with your favorites, and share this roundup on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
