Updated on April 9th, 2023
Lemon pepper is a seasoning derived from granulated lemon zest and cracked black peppercorns. The lemon zest alongside the pepper is mashed together to ensure that the citrus oil from the lemon is properly infused into the pepper. Afterward, the combination is baked and dried and is used as a seasoning on poultry, seafood, and even pasta. As is common with many seasonings, there is no information about the origin of the lemon pepper seasoning. However, its two main ingredients- lemon and black peppercorn originated from India. These ingredients are commonly used in many Indian cuisines.
Lemon pepper has a sharp citrus tang because of the lemony and zingy peppery flavor due to the black peppercorns. The combination of the lemon and pepper gives you strong citrus tastes of lemon oil with slightly spicy and bitter hints of black pepper. As a result of the black pepper, lemon pepper usually has a rough powdered texture. However, its texture is mostly dependent on your choice.
The lemon pepper seasoning is used as a flavoring for fish and seafood. It can be sprinkled on the fish before grilling. This spice is also popularly used on chicken wings (Lemon pepper wings, which are particularly popular in Atlanta, USA) and other chicken parts. Lemon pepper has a bright flavor profile, which is why it is used as a seasoning for roasted asparagus, pork chops, and other side dishes.
Lemon Pepper Nutrition Facts:
The unique taste of the lemon pepper seasoning makes it a great addition to many dishes. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you are out of lemon pepper, you can make use of substitutes. These substitutes are other seasonings that have a similar taste and performance to lemon pepper. When used in the required quantity, they will provide a flavor and aroma similar to the lemon pepper seasoning. Please note that these substitutes may not taste the same as lemon pepper, but they promise to provide your dish with that citrus and a peppery tang. They include:
- Lemon Thyme.
- Shichimi Togarashi.
- Lemon curry powder.
- Minced Onion and lemon thyme.
- DIY Homemade blend.
These substitutes will provide your dishes with the necessary flavor and taste of the lemon pepper seasoning. Lemon thyme is a herbal supplement with a natural lemon zest flavor, which does a great job of standing in for the lemon flavor component of lemon pepper. Its herbal flavor also stands in as the pepper element of the lemon pepper, making it an adequate substitute. Shichimi Togarashi is a seven-spice Japanese blend used in grilled and braised dishes. It contains peppercorns, Szechuan, and orange peels, which give off citrus and peppery taste. Lemon curry powder, which is made up of curry, powdered lemon juice, and dried lemon zest, is also a good substitute. This is because curry powder contains peppercorns, and the other lemon ingredients provide the necessary citrus flavor.
Minced onion and lemon thyme is another good substitute because it provides a sharp and spicy flavor similar to peppercorns. When combined with the lemon thyme, your dish is sure to have that lemon pepper taste. Lastly, the DIY homemade blend is a mixture of lemon zest, black pepper powder, and salt. You can do this in your kitchen, and it will give your food the same citrus peppery taste of lemon pepper.
Substitutes for Lemon Pepper
Substitute for Lemon Pepper on Salmon
The salmon fish is a tasty fish, rich in protective anti-oxidant and high-quality proteins. It is unique because of its high quantity of Omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to healthy brain function. Salmon can be cooked in various ways, but just like most fishes, it is usually seasoned with lemon pepper. In the absence of lemon pepper, you can make use of a homemade blend of lemon zest and black pepper. Both ingredients, when combined, will produce citrus and peppery taste. This will give your baked or seared salmon a healthy balance of citrus and pepper, which further enhances the fish’s taste. The basic quantity to be used is 1/4 teaspoon of lemon zest mixed with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and a sprinkle of some black pepper powder.
Substitute for Lemon Pepper in Pork Chops
Pork chops are the loin cuts taken from the spine of a pig. Over time, they have become one of the most common meat delicacies in the world. Pork chops are made to be juicy, tender, and full of flavor. The use of lemon pepper in pork chops preparation helps provide a wonderful burst of flavor to the meat. The bright citrus of the lemon and the pepper’s sharpness enhances the rich taste of your pork chops. However, in the absence of lemon pepper, you can make use of Lemon thyme. Lemon thyme will give your pork chops a simple yet complex flavor because of its citrus punch, which will make your dish savory. The quantity to be used is the same as the quantity of lemon pepper your dish would have required.
Substitute for Lemon Pepper on Steak
One of the most expensive meats in the world, steak, is any meat sliced across the muscle fibers. There are so many types of steak delicacies, and it can be cooked in different ways. Steak has a tender, juicy flavor like no other meat. It has a rich, intense taste filled with flavors, especially when seasoning like lemon pepper is added or used as marinades. To season your steak without lemon pepper, you can make use of lemon curry powder. Lemon curry powder is a mix of curry, dried lemon zest, and lemon juice. This combination helps create the blend and flavor of the lemon pepper seasoning in your steak marinade. The curry powder blends the different flavors and gives robust flavors. However, you must be careful because curry powder changes the appearance and color of food. So, be sure to keep this in mind and use it in little quantities.
Substitute for Lemon Pepper on Wings
Chicken wings, as they are widely called, are a chicken delicacy enjoyed by many. They can be made to be crispy and very flavorful because of the infusion of ingredients such as teriyaki and different dressings they can be served with. Wings are prepared in different ways and with different ingredients. The lemon pepper wings are made with lemon pepper, which provides a combination of citrus and pepper flavors and other spices in your chicken wings. If you have no lemon pepper, but you want to make some lemon pepper wings, why not try a homemade blend? The homemade blend consists of lemon zest, black pepper powder, and salt in most cases (more ingredients can be added). The homemade blend combines all the necessary flavors of lemon pepper. When added as a seasoning to your wings, it balances the citrus and peppery flavor and gives a unique taste.
Substitute for Lemon Pepper in Fries
The conventional potato fries can also be seasoned with lemon pepper for a peppery citrus tang. This provides an additional taste and flavor to the fries. It also adds a mildly spicy kick to your potato fries, making them more desirable to eat. In the absence of lemon pepper, you can make use of lemon thyme as a close substitute. Lemon thyme has a natural zest flavor and a herbal flavor, which serves as the pepper substitute. When added to your fries, you are sure to have tasty fries with a peppery citrus blend.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Why does lemon pepper clump?
When exposed to moisture, the lemon pepper clumps together. The carbohydrates or proteins present in the spice dissolve a little. This makes it sticky, causing its granules to stick together.
Does lemon pepper have sodium?
The lemon pepper seasoning contains all the zesty lemon and black pepper flavor you need without the added salt. The absence of salt makes it perfect for individuals on a low-sodium diet.
Is lemon thyme edible?
The plant is ornamental as well as edible. It is both useful in a landscape and flower garden for ornamental purposes and a designated edibles garden for eating. Please note that it should only be grown in full sunlight.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lemon pepper is an excellent seasoning for different kinds of dishes. However, when it is not available, you can make use of other substitutes that will offer you a similar taste like the lemon pepper. Substitutes such as minced onion and lemon thyme, lemon thyme, homemade blends, lemon curry powder, and Shichimi Togarashi, when coupled with their unique flavors, are sure to give you a balanced mix of citrus and pepper hints and give you a flavorful dish.