I have found that I really enjoy using fresh lemon juice in many of my recipes, such as chicken piccata. Especially since our family lives in a country where fresh citrus fruits are widely available. This lemon pepper spice mix was born when I wanted to find a way to use up all the leftover lemon and lime peels!
I use leftover skins in Cleaning products several times, but I also found a way to dry/dehydrate them for food use. I had used lemon zest, salt and pepper in quite a few recipes when I realized that I need to mix them in advance and have them ready to use.
Plus, it's cheaper and healthier than lemon pepper relish from the grocery store! Most store-bought spices have many synthetic ingredients added as food.
How to make lemon pepper
This process is very simple and you can do it in one of two ways. If you are using fresh lemon peels (lime works too) then they will need to be dried in the oven or dehydrator first. I then mix the freshly dried peels with whole pepper and salt. Either a food processor or spice grinder works well for this.
For an even quicker version, you can combine previously dried lemon peel grains with ground black pepper and salt. I have included links to all the different ingredients in the recipe below.
Lemon pepper seems to be a polarizing spice, so if that's not your thing, look elsewhere mixture of herbs and spicesis here.
What to combine with lemon spices
I didn't think I liked lemon pepper until pregnancy cravings made me obsessed with it. And the obsession never left. Perfect for everything, in my opinion, it adds a delicious, slightly spicy lemon flavor to foods. For an extra nice flavor on meats and vegetables, add some onion and garlic powder as well.
I like to use this spice in recipes like these:
Here's how to make your own lemon pepper!
Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe
Homemade lemon pepper seasoning with lemon or lime zest, pepper and salt is a great addition to fish, chicken or vegetables.
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If using fresh lemons, heat the oven to the lowest setting. Cut the lemons whole and spread the fresh lemon on a baking sheet lined with baking paper.
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Put in the oven at the lowest temperature and leave until completely dry. Mine took about 70 minutes.
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When completely dry, blend with the peppercorns and salt in a food processor until well blended. If you're making it with pre-dried lemon peel, just blend all the ingredients in a food processor until blended.
Nutrition facts
Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe
Amount per serving (1 teaspoon)
Calories 3
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.03 g0%
Saturated fat 0.01 g0%
Unsaturated fat 0.01 g
Monounsaturated fat 0.01 g
Sodium 764 mg33%
potassium 14 mg0%
Carbohydrates 1 g0%
Fiber 0.4 g2%
Sugar 0.1 g0%
Protein 0.1 g0%
Vitamin A 6 IU0%
Vitamin C 2 mg2%
Calcium 6 mg1%
Iron 0.1 mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Store in a tightly sealed jar or airtight container in the cupboard.
Do you make any of your own spices?
