There’s nothing like the taste of lemon pepper on a piece of fish, chicken, or seafood.
But what if you’re out of lemon pepper or don’t have time to run to the store? No problem!
There are plenty of substitutes that will give your dish the same lemon pepper flavor.
In this article, we’ll list 10 substitutes that taste incredible. We’ll also provide examples of how we’ve used them.
So next time you’re in a bind, don’t worry – there’s a substitute for lemon pepper that will work great for you!
Substitutes for Lemon Pepper
- Homemade Lemon Pepper
- Lemon, Basil, And Black Peppercorns
- Lemon, Mint, And Black Peppercorns
- Lemon Verbena And Black Peppercorns
- Lemongrass And Black Peppercorns
- Lemon Balm And Black Peppercorns
- Lemon Extract And Black Peppercorns
- Lemon Curry Powder
- Shichimi Togarashi
- Lemon, Thyme, And Black Peppercorns
Homemade Lemon Pepper
Freshly ground black pepper and lemon zest make a fabulous, fragrant substitute for already-mixed lemon pepper seasoning.
The zesty flavor of lemon zest pairs perfectly with the earthy, slightly spicy taste of black pepper, making this blend a great all-purpose seasoning.
Best of all, it’s easy to adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more or less of either ingredient.
If you’re looking for a bit more heat, add a little extra black pepper; if you want more lemon flavor, add an extra zest or two.
Lemon, Basil, And Black Peppercorns
Lemon, basil, and black peppercorns make an excellent substitute for lemon pepper.
This zesty combination can be used to flavor chicken, fish, vegetables, and more.
Basil adds a touch of sweetness, while black peppercorns provide a fiery kick.
This versatile spice blend can be used in many different recipes. Additionally, it is a great way to add flavor without using salt.
Lemon, basil, and black peppercorns are also easy to find and relatively inexpensive.
Plus, they offer other health benefits. Black peppercorns contain antioxidants that can help prevent disease.
Basil is a good source of vitamin K, which is essential for bone health.
When substituting lemon, basil, and black peppercorns for lemon pepper, it is important to adjust the proportions to suit your taste.
Start with equal parts of each ingredient and add more or less according to your preferences.
This spice blend can be used in many different recipes or as a simple seasoning for everyday meals.
Lemon, Mint, And Black Peppercorns
Lemon, mint, and black peppercorns make an excellent substitute for lemon pepper.
This combination can be used to replace lemon pepper in any recipe that calls for it, and it offers several benefits.
First, the lemon and mint provide a refreshing flavor that is perfect for summer dishes.
Second, the black peppercorns add a slight kick of heat that helps to balance out the sweetness of the lemon.
Finally, this combination is much lower in sodium than traditional lemon pepper, making it a healthier option.
When using this substitute, be sure to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly.
Lemon Verbena And Black Peppercorns
There are many substitutes for lemon pepper, but lemon verbena and black peppercorns are one of the most delicious and versatile.
This combination can be used to replace lemon pepper in any recipe, from chicken to fish to vegetables.
The benefits of using verbena and black peppercorns as a substitute for lemon pepper include a more complex flavor profile and a more subtle heat.
These substitutes are also suitable for use in recipes that call for other citrus fruits, such as oranges or grapefruits.
When substituting verbena and black peppercorns for lemon pepper, it is important to adjust the amount of each ingredient to taste.
Too much verbena can result in a soapy flavor, while too much black pepper can make the dish overly spicy.
However, when used in the proper proportions, verbena and black peppercorns make an excellent substitute for lemon pepper.
Lemongrass And Black Peppercorns
Lemongrass and black peppercorns can be used as a substitute for lemon pepper.
This is a good replacement for those who do not like the strong flavor of lemon pepper.
The benefits of using this substitute are that it is not as strong as lemon pepper and it is still full of flavor.
This substitute is suitable to be used in many recipes including chicken, fish, and vegetables.
It compares favorably to other substitutes because it does not have the harshness of lemon pepper.
The changes that this substitute may make in a recipe are that the dish will be less tangy and have a more subtle flavor.
Lemon Balm And Black Peppercorns
Lemon balm and black peppercorn mixture is one substitute for lemon pepper.
This combination can be used in several recipes where lemon pepper would typically be used, such as grilled chicken or fish, roasted vegetables, or even as a seasoning for popcorn.
The benefits of using this combination as a substitute are twofold.
First, lemon balm is a milder herb than lemon, so it will not overpower the other flavors in the dish.
Second, black peppercorns add a bit of heat and depth of flavor that regular lemon pepper does not have.
Lemon Extract And Black Peppercorns
Lemon extract and black peppercorns can be used as a substitute for lemon pepper.
This combination can be used in place of lemon pepper to season chicken, fish, veggies, and more.
The benefits of using this substitute include the fact that it is lower in sodium than traditional lemon pepper seasoning.
Additionally, this combination provides a bright flavor with a bit of heat from the black peppercorns.
Lemon Curry Powder
Curry powder is a blend of spices that originates from India. It typically includes cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili pepper, and can be mild or hot, depending on the blend.
Lemon curry powder is a variation that also includes lemon peel and lemongrass.
While it can be used as a rub for chicken or fish, it also makes an excellent substitute for lemon pepper.
Here are some cases where you can use lemon curry powder as a replacement:
When you want a more complex flavor: Lemon curry powder has a deeper, more complex flavor than lemon pepper.
It can add an exotic note to simple dishes like grilled chicken or fish.
When you want a little heat: Many commercial blends of lemon pepper are quite mild. If you want a little more heat, substitute lemon curry powder.
Just be aware that the heat level will vary depending on the brand of curry powder you use.
Shichimi Togarashi
Shichimi togarashi, also known as Japanese seven-spice, is a popular seasoning that can be used as a substitute for lemon pepper.
This spice blend typically includes chili peppers, orange peel, ginger, sansho (Japanese mountain pepper), seaweed, and sesame seeds.
It has a complex flavor that is both spicy and slightly sweet, with a hint of citrus.
While it may not be an exact replacement for lemon pepper, it can be used in many recipes where lemon pepper would normally be used.
For example, it can be used to season grilled chicken or fish, roasted vegetables, or even salads.
When substituting shichimi togarashi for lemon pepper, you may want to start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
Additionally, this spice blend can also be used as a garnish for soups or noodle dishes.
Lemon, Thyme, And Black Peppercorns
A blend of lemon, thyme, and black peppercorns makes for a delicious and versatile substitute for lemon pepper.
This combination can be used to season chicken, fish, vegetables, rice, pasta-the possibilities are endless!
Plus, it’s easy to make your blend at home with fresh ingredients.
FAQ
What can I use if I don’t have lemon pepper?
There are many different spices and seasoning blends that can be used as a lemon pepper substitute.
Some of the most common substitutes include homemade lemon pepper, lemon verbena with black peppercorns, lemon curry powder, and shichimi togarashi.
What can I use if I don’t have lemon pepper seasoning?
If you don’t have lemon pepper seasoning, you can make your own by mixing lemon zest, black pepper, and other spices.
You can also use a lemon pepper substitute such as lemon verbena and black peppercorns, lemon curry powder, or shichimi togarashi.
What is the best lemon pepper substitute?
The best lemon pepper substitute will depend on your personal preferences. Some of the most popular substitutes include lemon verbena and black peppercorns, lemon curry powder, and shichimi togarashi.