How to Make Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Homemade lemon pepper seasoning in a bowl on a serving board with fresh lemons, made with lemon zest, black peppercorns, and sea salt or kosher salt.

5 from 1 vote

How to Make Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Learn How to Make Lemon Pepper Seasoning in just a couple simple steps with 3 ingredients! Lemon pepper is a delicious, zesty seasoning that adds flavor to chicken, fish, veggies, and more. Don't waste your money on store-bought seasoning when it is so easy to make at home!

Prep Time10

Cook Time1

Total Time1 10

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: tablespoon

Calories: 28kcal

Author: Kathleen Higashiyama

Equipment

Ingredients

3-5 lemons
3 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
2 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt

Instructions

Heat oven - Preheat the oven to 200°F.
Prepare and bake lemon peels - Use a vegetable peeler to remove the lemon zest from the lemons, making sure to not leave any of the white pith on the peel. Line a baking sheet with a sheet of parchment paper and arrange the lemon peels in a single layer. Place in the oven and bake for an hour or until dry.
3-5 lemons
Blend - Once the peels are dehydrated and cooled, transfer them to a high-powered blender or food processor with the black peppercorns and sea salt or kosher salt. Pulse the mixture a few times until blended, but still has some texture.
3 tablespoon whole black peppercorns, 2 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
Store - Store in an airtight container in a cool place for up to 6 months.

Video

Notes

Top Tips

Don't peel the lemons too deeply to avoid getting the pith (the white part of the lemon) on the peel. The pith is very bitter.
It's important that the lemon peels are completely dehydrated so the moisture doesn't create mold when stored.
Use a high powered food processor, blender, or spice grinder to ensure the pepper is properly ground. If you don't have a high powered appliance, you can use pre-ground pepper or pepper grinder pepper, mince the zest, then mix the pepper, zest, and salt in a bowl.
Cook the lemon peels in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly.

Nutrition