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Easy Zesty Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe

Easy Zesty Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe

A bright, savory lemon pepper blend made with freshly grated lemon zest, cracked black pepper, kosher salt, and optional garlic and onion powders. It dries quickly in the oven and keeps well in an airtight jar.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 1 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 medium lemons Finely grated zest from medium lemons
  • 2 tablespoons Coarsely ground black pepper or freshly cracked peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
Optional Savory Additions
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Wash and thoroughly dry four medium lemons. Finely grate only the yellow outer peel, avoiding the white pith, then combine the zest with black pepper, kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder if using.
  2. Spread the mixture in a thin, even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Dry it in a 170–200°F oven for 20–30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the lemon zest is completely dry.
  3. Cool the seasoning completely before transferring it to a jar. If using whole peppercorns, pulse the cooled mixture in a spice grinder until it reaches your preferred texture.
  4. Store the finished seasoning in an airtight jar in a cool, dry cupboard. For the best flavor, use it within about 2–3 months.

Notes

A microplane creates fine zest that dries evenly and distributes well. Make sure all moisture is gone before storage to prevent clumping. Freshly cracked black pepper provides a stronger aroma than pre-ground pepper.