Are you a fan of lemon pepper seasoning? Do you love the taste of crispy, flavorful fried chicken?
If so, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll be sharing a recipe for making your own version of Captain Jay’s Lemon Pepper seasoning.
This popular seasoning blend is known for its tangy citrus flavor and spicy kick, making it the perfect addition to any fried dish. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and will have you enjoying delicious lemon pepper chicken in no time.
So let’s get started!
How To Make Captain Jay’s Lemon Pepper?
To make Captain Jay’s Lemon Pepper seasoning, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 2 tablespoons of lemon zest
– 1 tablespoon of black pepper
– 1 tablespoon of sea salt
– 1/2 tablespoon of garlic powder
– 1/2 tablespoon of onion powder
– 1/2 tablespoon of paprika
To begin, use a microplane or zester to remove the zest from two lemons. Be sure to only remove the yellow part of the skin, as the white pith can be bitter. Once you have your lemon zest, combine it with the black pepper, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a small bowl.
Mix all of the ingredients together until they are well combined. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your personal taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier seasoning, add more black pepper or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Once your seasoning blend is complete, it’s time to use it on your favorite fried dishes. Simply sprinkle the seasoning over your chicken, fish, or fries before frying or after cooking for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients Needed For Captain Jay’s Lemon Pepper Seasoning
If you want to make Captain Jay’s Lemon Pepper seasoning, you’ll need a few specific ingredients. Here are the key components:
– 2 tablespoons of lemon zest: This provides the lemony flavor that is essential to this seasoning blend. Be sure to use fresh lemons and only zest the yellow part of the skin.
– 1 tablespoon of black pepper: This adds a spicy kick to the seasoning and pairs well with the lemon flavor.
– 1 tablespoon of sea salt: This enhances the overall flavor of the seasoning and helps to bring out the other ingredients.
– 1/2 tablespoon of garlic powder: This adds a savory element to the blend and complements the other flavors.
– 1/2 tablespoon of onion powder: This provides a subtle onion flavor that works well with the other spices.
– 1/2 tablespoon of paprika: This adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the seasoning blend.
By combining these ingredients in just the right amounts, you can create a delicious and versatile seasoning that can be used on a variety of dishes. Whether you’re frying up some chicken, fish, or even vegetables, Captain Jay’s Lemon Pepper seasoning is sure to add an extra burst of flavor.
Step-by-step Instructions For Making Captain Jay’s Lemon Pepper Seasoning
If you want to make your own homemade Captain Jay’s Lemon Pepper seasoning, follow these step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Gather all the necessary ingredients.
As mentioned earlier, you will need 2 tablespoons of lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of sea salt, 1/2 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1/2 tablespoon of onion powder, and 1/2 tablespoon of paprika.
Step 2: Prepare the lemon zest.
Use a microplane or zester to remove the zest from two lemons. Make sure to only remove the yellow part of the skin, as the white pith can be bitter.
Step 3: Combine all ingredients.
In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, black pepper, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix all of the ingredients together until they are well combined.
Step 4: Adjust seasoning to taste.
You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your personal taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier seasoning, add more black pepper or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Step 5: Use the seasoning on your favorite dishes.
Once your seasoning blend is complete, it’s time to use it on your favorite fried dishes. Simply sprinkle the seasoning over your chicken, fish, or fries before frying or after cooking for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips For Using Captain Jay’s Lemon Pepper Seasoning On Fried Chicken
Captain Jay’s Lemon Pepper seasoning is perfect for adding a zesty kick to your fried chicken. Here are some tips for using it:
1. Use it as a dry rub: Before frying your chicken, rub the seasoning blend all over the meat to ensure that every bite is packed with flavor.
2. Mix it with your breading: For an extra layer of flavor, mix the seasoning blend with your breading mixture before coating your chicken.
3. Sprinkle it on after frying: If you prefer a lighter coating of seasoning, sprinkle the blend on your chicken after frying while it’s still hot.
4. Adjust the amount to your taste: As mentioned earlier, you can adjust the amounts of each ingredient in the blend to suit your personal taste preferences. Experiment with different ratios until you find the perfect balance for you.
5. Try it on other dishes: While Captain Jay’s Lemon Pepper seasoning is perfect for fried chicken, don’t be afraid to try it on other dishes like fish, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables for a burst of citrusy flavor.
Variations And Substitutions For The Seasoning Blend
If you don’t have all of the ingredients for Captain Jay’s Lemon Pepper seasoning or want to switch things up, there are a few variations and substitutions you can try. Here are some ideas:
– Lemon Thyme: This herb has a lemony flavor and can be used in place of lemon zest. Simply chop up some fresh lemon thyme and add it to the seasoning blend.
– Lemon Juice: If you don’t have any lemons on hand, you can use lemon juice instead of zest. Keep in mind that the flavor won’t be as intense, so you may need to add more juice and adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
– Shichimi Togarashi: This Japanese spice blend contains seven different spices, including chili pepper, orange peel, and sesame seeds. It has a similar citrusy flavor to lemon pepper and can be used as a substitute.
– Lemon Curry Powder: This spice blend combines the flavors of curry powder with lemon zest. It’s a great option if you want to add some extra depth to your seasoning blend.
Experiment with different variations and substitutions to find the perfect flavor for your taste buds. Just remember to always taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Other Dishes To Try With Captain Jay’s Lemon Pepper Seasoning
While Captain Jay’s Lemon Pepper seasoning is perfect for grilled fish, chicken, and pork, it can also be used to add flavor to a variety of other dishes. Here are some other ideas to try:
– Popcorn: Sprinkle the seasoning over freshly popped popcorn for a zesty snack.
– Dips: Add a tablespoon or two of the seasoning to your favorite dip recipe for an extra burst of flavor.
– Salads: Use the seasoning as a dry rub for grilled shrimp or chicken to top your favorite salad.
– Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite vegetables in olive oil and sprinkle with the seasoning before roasting in the oven.
– Mashed Potatoes: Mix a teaspoon or two of the seasoning into your mashed potatoes for a flavorful twist on a classic side dish.
No matter how you use Captain Jay’s Lemon Pepper seasoning, it’s sure to add a punch of flavor to any dish. Experiment with different combinations and find your own unique way to enjoy this delicious seasoning blend.
