Lawry’s Seasoned Salt (Copycat Recipe)

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Unlocking the secret to Lawry’s seasoned salt at home isn’t just a kitchen hack—it’s a game changer. When you’re out of your favorite spice blend or you simply want more control over the flavors in your dishes, having a DIY seasoned salt recipe at your fingertips makes weeknight dinners and special meals alike even better. Here’s how to make a copycat version of Lawry’s seasoned salt that rivals the original in taste and versatility, all with ingredients you most likely already have on hand.

Why Make Lawry’s Seasoned Salt at Home

Store-bought seasoned salt is a pantry essential in many homes, thanks to its warm, savory profile and ability to enhance everything from fries to roasted meats. What makes the homemade version even more appealing is the ability to adjust it to your preference—lower the sodium, skip preservatives or tweak the spices for your ideal flavor. Plus, whipping up your own blend costs just a fraction of purchasing the iconic orange shaker.

Ingredients Breakdown

Creating a blend that mirrors Lawry’s familiar, zesty taste involves balancing salt with just the right supporting spices. For this recipe, you’ll find both kitchen staples and a few specialized additions.

Core Ingredients:
– Salt: Regular fine table salt or kosher salt
– Sugar: A small amount of granulated sugar softens and rounds out the flavors

Key Seasonings:
– Paprika: Adds color and warmth
– Turmeric: Delivers subtle earthiness and appealing golden hues
– Onion Powder: Boosts savoriness
– Garlic Powder: Deepens umami notes

Optional Enhancers:
– Cornstarch: Helps keep the blend free-flowing and makes it adhere better when seasoning food
– Celery Salt: For an added traditional note (optional)
– Smoked Paprika: For a bolder, smoky flavor dimension (optional)
– Cumin: If you don’t have turmeric on hand, cumin’s warm earthiness is a fine substitute

Below is a simple table to guide your measuring:

*optional—use as desired

Step-by-Step: Making Lawry’s Seasoned Salt

Making your own seasoned salt is incredibly straightforward. Here’s how you can put it together in minutes.

1. Gathering and Measuring

Measure out each ingredient accurately for the right balance. Use level tablespoons and teaspoons, and have a small mixing bowl ready.

2. Mixing the Blend

Add all the ingredients to the bowl. Whisk vigorously until the mixture looks uniform—the cornstarch and tiny grains of turmeric or paprika should be distributed evenly throughout the salt and spices. Any clumps can be broken apart with the back of a spoon.

3. Storing for Freshness

Pour the finished seasoned salt into a clean, dry spice jar or airtight glass container. A funnel makes this easier and prevents spills. Store the jar in a cool, dark spot in your pantry or spice cabinet, away from direct sunlight or heat.

4. Shelf Life and Quality

As long as it’s kept dry and tightly sealed, your homemade Lawry’s seasoned salt can retain its fresh aroma and flavor for 12 to 24 months. Just re-shake or stir if it begins to settle or clump.

Ways to Customize Your Blend

The beauty of a copycat recipe lies in its adaptability. Try these tweaks to fit your taste and culinary habits.

• Reduce the sodium: Swap half the salt for a potassium-based alternative or leave it out altogether for a sprinkle-on-at-the-table approach.
• Add mild heat: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper to give grilled meats an extra kick.
• Adjust the sweetness: For those who prefer a more savory profile, use less sugar or skip it entirely.

Think about how you use seasoned salt. If mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables are your favorites, try the smoked paprika upgrade for deeper flavor. For classic fried chicken or French fries, the original profile may suit you best.

Best Uses for Lawry’s Seasoned Salt

Homemade seasoned salt is one of those pantry staples that finds its way into countless recipes. Here are some of its best applications:

On Meats and Proteins

• Steak and Burgers: Rub generously before grilling or pan-searing for a flavor-packed crust.
• Chicken: Sprinkle over whole birds or boneless cuts ahead of roasting, grilling or frying.
• Fish and Seafood: Use as a pre-cook seasoning or finish with a light dusting just before serving.

On Vegetables

• Potatoes (fries, wedges, mashed): Toss cut potatoes in olive oil and seasoned salt before roasting for perfectly seasoned, crisp edges.
• Corn on the Cob: Butter hot corn then dust with your salt blend for instant flavor.
• Roasted Veggies: Try it with broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a savory upgrade.

Snacks and Sides

• Popcorn: Sprinkle homemade seasoned salt onto freshly popped popcorn for a simple, addictive snack.
• Oven Chips: Shake over oven-crisped pita or tortilla chips.
• Eggs: A pinch on scrambled or fried eggs adds complexity with zero effort.

In Sauces, Batters, and Marinades

• Marinades: Use as a key ingredient for chicken or pork marinades.
• Batters for Frying: Add to flour or breadcrumbs for a flavor boost during breading.
• Salad Dressings: Add a pinch to homemade vinaigrettes for extra depth.

Unexpected Uses

• Bloody Marys: Rims glasses for savory cocktails or spices up tomato juice.
• Toasted Nuts: Season freshly roasted nuts for a simple bar snack.

Storage and Longevity

Keeping your seasoned salt tasting fresh is easy when you follow a few basic guidelines:

• Container: Always use an airtight jar. Glass is best, since plastic can absorb odors or flavors over time.
• Light and Heat: Keep the jar in a spice drawer or cabinet away from your stove or any heat source.
• Moisture: Avoid dipping a wet spoon into the blend or storing above the dishwasher, as moisture can lead to clumping and loss of potency.

If you notice the blend starts to lose aroma or tastes flat, it’s time to whip up a new batch. To keep flavors vibrant, label your container with the date it was made.

Why This DIY Lawry’s Seasoned Salt Works

The appeal of Lawry’s lies in its well-rounded, consistent flavor that compliments a wide range of foods. This copycat version brings together saltiness, sweetness, savoriness, and warmth without reliance on anti-caking agents or artificial additives. Making it yourself means you’ll taste only real spices, fresh and full-bodied, every time.

Unlike store-bought, you have the final say on every ingredient. Sensitive to garlic or onion powder? Leave one out or reduce the amount. Want a salt blend without sugar for a stricter diet? It still works beautifully. The blend scales easily, so double or triple it if you cook for a crowd, or halve for a smaller household.

Bringing Flavor to Your Kitchen

Mastering homemade seasoned salt isn’t just about saving a trip to the store—it’s about infusing your food with flavor and freshness, every single day. This Lawry’s seasoned salt copycat adapts to your taste, stretches your grocery budget, and assures you always know exactly what’s in your seasoning blend. Once you try it, you may never go back to the store-bought version.

Try your first batch, experiment with variations, and soon you’ll have a seasoning staple that suits every dish and every craving. Happy seasoning!