Fab Four Seasoning Blend
Posted: October 29, 2025
Updated: December 3, 2025
Instinct Level 4 – Advanced Technique: Patience and precision shine here: complex steps, longer time, sharper skills required.
Instinct Level 3 – Intermediate Balance: A little layering, some timing, and a dash of judgment — you’ve got this.
Instinct Level 5 – Expert Challenge: Multi‑stage, high‑skill cooking with nuanced judgment — a true kitchen adventure.
Instinct Level 2 – Easy with Guidance: Simple skills, short prep, clear steps — just follow along and you’re golden.
Instinct Level 1 – Beginner Friendly: You’ll breeze through this: quick, easy, no judgment calls, barely any cleanup.
This Fab Four Seasoning Blend is the MVP of my kitchen: a versatile combination of garlic, smoked paprika, lemon pepper, and salt that instantly delivers flavor to veggies, meats, eggs, and even dips. With a lower ratio of salt and pepper, it lets you adjust seasoning for every dish while keeping the blend ready for anything savory on your menu.
tablespoons
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Hands-On Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Equipment
spoon
air-tight container or glass jar (for storage…I like to use leftover spice containers, no need to buy something specific)
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Ingredients
Item
Quantity
Mise en Place / Notes
granulated garlic powder
4
tablespoons
smoked paprika
3
tablespoons
lemon pepper
2
tablespoons
kosher salt (Morton)
1
tablespoon
The Process
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1.
Mix the seasoning: Mix all of the ingredients in a small bowl: 4 parts granulated garlic, 3 parts smoked paprika, 2 parts lemon pepper, and 1 part salt.
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2.
Use immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 12 months in a cool, dry place.
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Notes
Meal Suggestions
Use this blend for different dishes:
For roasted vegetables: Toss with oil and the blend before roasting.
For meat or tofu: Rub generously before grilling, roasting, or pan-searing.
For dips: Mix into yogurt, sour cream, or vegan alternatives for an instant savory dip.
FAQs
Q: What if I don't have smoked paprika?
A: Substitute with regular paprika or half paprika/half chipotle powder for a hint of smoke.
Q: Can I make this salt-free?
A: Yes, simply omit the salt and add it to individual dishes as needed.
Q: Is it allergen friendly?
The base blend contains only garlic, paprika, lemon pepper, and salt – a naturally gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free option (always check component spice labels for cross-contamination).
Q: Can I customize it?
A: Feel free to add onion powder, black pepper, or cayenne for extra flavor, or dried herbs like thyme or oregano to make it your own. Adding onion powder and dried parsley makes this mix extremely similar to the "Weeknight Hero" spice blend from Blue Apron.
Nutrition Facts
serving size: 1 tablespoon
| calories | 13 |
% daily value*
| total fat | 0.3 g | 0% |
| saturated fat | 0.0 g | 0% |
| trans fat | 0.0 g | 0% |
| polyunsaturated fat | 2.0 g | 0% |
| monounsaturated fat | 5.2 g | 0% |
| cholesterol | 0.0 mg | 0% |
| sodium | 309.4 mg | 13% |
| total carbohydrates | 2.8 g | 1% |
| dietary fiber | 0.4 g | 2% |
| sugars | 0.0 g | 0% |
| protein | 0.7 g | 1% |
micronutrients
| vitamin a | 1085.3 mcg | 121% |
| vitamin c | 2.6 mg | 3% |
| calcium | 11.5 mg | 1% |
| iron | 0.2 mg | 1% |
| vitamin d | 0.0 mcg | 0% |
| magnesium | 3.7 mg | 1% |
| potassium | 42.7 mg | 1% |
| zinc | 0.1 mg | 1% |
| phosphorus | 8.8 mg | 1% |
| thiamin (b1) | 0.0 mg | 3% |
| riboflavin (b2) | 0.0 mg | 2% |
| niacin (b3) | 0.3 mg | 2% |
| vitamin b6 | 0.2 mg | 12% |
| folic acid (b9) | 3.4 mcg | 1% |
| vitamin b12 | 0.0 mcg | 0% |
| vitamin e | 0.7 mg | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet; your needs may differ.
Nutrition information is estimated using USDA databases and may vary based on ingredient brands and preparation methods.
The 2,000-calorie reference is used as a general guide. Individual calorie needs typically range from 1,600-2,400 calories per day for adult women and 2,000-3,000 calories per day for adult men, depending on age, activity level, and other factors.
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Bloom (Spices)
A technique where whole or ground spices are heated in oil or dry-toasted to release and intensify their essential oils and flavors before adding to dishes. To bloom spices, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add your spices (whole spices first, then ground spices) and stir for about a minute until the spices sizzle and become fragrant. Listen for crackling and watch for a slight darkening. Remove immediately or add other ingredients to the pan to prevent burning.
Aromatics
Spices, herbs, and vegetables that are used to form the flavor base and add complexity to many dishes. The aromatics are typically cooked in a fat (oil, butter, lard) at the beginning of the cooking process to release flavors and aromas which carry to the entire dish. Many cuisines have typical combinations such as mirepoix used in French cooking.
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