4-Ingredient All-Purpose Seasoning
This all-purpose seasoning is a simple blend of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. With just four everyday ingredients, it makes an easy homemade seasoning for chicken, beef, fish, vegetables, potatoes, soups, and more.
What is All-Purpose Seasoning?
All-purpose seasoning is a versatile blend of spices used to add savory flavor to everyday dishes. Recipes vary, but this simple version combines salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. You can use it to season chicken, beef, fish, vegetables, potatoes, soups, and more.
📺 Watch Me Make This Recipe
Why You’ll Love This All-Purpose Seasoning
- Only four ingredients: Made with basic spices you probably already have.
- Useful for everyday cooking: One simple blend works with meats, vegetables, potatoes, soups, and more.
- Ready in minutes: Mix the ingredients together and store the blend for whenever you need it.
Ingredients for All-Purpose Seasoning
- Salt: Seasons the food and brings the other flavors together.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory garlic flavor without the moisture of fresh garlic.
- Onion powder: Adds mild sweetness and savory depth.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and balances the garlic and onion.
How to Make All-Purpose Seasoning
- Add the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to a small bowl.
- Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Transfer to an airtight spice jar and store in a cool, dry place.
Best Uses for All-Purpose Seasoning
This seasoning works well with:
- Chicken: Sprinkle over chicken before roasting, grilling, or pan-frying.
- Beef: Use on steaks, burgers, ground beef, or roasts.
- Fish: Season lightly before baking or pan-frying.
- Vegetables and potatoes: Toss with the seasoning and a little oil before roasting.
- Soups and stews: Add a small amount while cooking, then taste before adding more salt.
Tips for the Best All-Purpose Seasoning
- Use fine-grain spices: They distribute more evenly throughout the seasoning blend.
- Mix thoroughly: Stir or shake well so the salt and spices are evenly distributed.
- Adjust the salt if needed: If you’re seasoning an already-salted dish, use less of the blend or make it with less salt.
- Shake before using: The ingredients can settle during storage.
Optional Variations and Substitutions
- Lower sodium: Reduce the salt while keeping the other spices unchanged.
- Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to taste.
- Smoky: Add a little smoked paprika.
- Herby: Add dried thyme, oregano, or parsley.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Many all-purpose seasoning blends use a long list of spices, but this recipe keeps it simple with just four ingredients: salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. The result is a basic savory seasoning that doesn’t overpower the food, making it easy to use across different dishes and cuisines.
Because the blend is simple, you can also adjust it easily—reduce the salt, increase the pepper, or add other spices depending on what you’re cooking.
How to Store All-Purpose Seasoning
Store the seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture. For the best flavor, use clean, dry measuring spoons and keep the container tightly closed between uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is all-purpose seasoning the same as seasoned salt?
No. Seasoned salt usually contains salt plus several spices and sometimes other ingredients. All-purpose seasoning recipes vary, and this version uses only salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Can I make all-purpose seasoning without salt?
Yes. Omit the salt and use the remaining spices as a salt-free seasoning blend. Add salt separately when cooking.
What does all-purpose seasoning taste like?
This blend has a simple savory flavor from garlic and onion, with mild heat from black pepper.
Related Recipes
⭐PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW
If you have tried this All-purpose Seasoning recipe and liked it, please give it a 5-star rating and comment below with your experience!
4-Ingredient All-Purpose Seasoning
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
Instructions
- Add the salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper to a small bowl and mix until evenly combined.
- Transfer the seasoning to an airtight container or spice jar and store in a cool, dry place.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh, good-quality spices.
- Shake or stir the seasoning before using, as the ingredients may settle during storage.
- Reduce the salt if you prefer a lower-sodium blend.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture.
