Simple Seasoning Blends

• As the saying goes, sometimes less is more. Seafood often has delicate flavors that can get lost amid heavy seasonings. For times when you'd rather let the seafood flavors really shine, use simple seasoning blends, such as a mixture of salt, black pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Citrus flavors like lemon pair well with seafood to add clean, simple flavor. Make your own citrus seasoning by combining dried lemon, lime and orange peel with black pepper and salt. If you'd like to change it up a bit, swap white pepper for the black pepper and mix in basic seasonings such as dill, celery seed and garlic powder. You can use fresh citrus zest, but you should store the mixture in the refrigerator and use it within two weeks.

Herbaceous Seasonings

• Pair herbs with seafood to enhance and complement the flavor. Season mild, white-fleshed fish with soft-leaved herbs such as cilantro or basil. Use bolder-flavored herbs such as sage and rosemary to season richly flavored fish such as tuna. Make your own all-purpose, versatile herbaceous seasoning blend by combining a blend of dried herbs. Additional herbs for seafood include parsley, thyme, dill, chives, tarragon, coriander, fennel, mint and sweet marjoram. Add floral notes by combining dried flowers such as lavender or rose petals into the mix. Experiment with the ratios to find the balance of flavors that you enjoy best. Keep in mind that herbs such as rosemary and garlic pack a stronger flavor punch than parsley or thyme.

Seafood Boil Seasonings

• The same seasoning blend that's typically used for steaming shellfish can be used to add zesty flavor to any type of seafood, regardless of the cooking method you use. To make the seasoning, combine equal parts of cayenne and black pepper with celery seed or celery salt, mustard, dill seed, paprika and salt to taste. For extra earthiness, add in some bay leaf. Balance the savory flavors by adding a pinch of spices traditionally used for sweet dishes such as cloves, allspice, anise and nutmeg. For even fresher flavor, grind whole seasonings in a spice grinder and combine them in a bowl for using in small batches or storing in an airtight container.

Blackening Seasonings

• Blackening seafood spices and seasonings add complex flavor, heat and deep color to the fish whether you bake it, grill it or cook in in a cast iron skillet. You can make the seasoning with or without salt. Keep your blackening seasonings simple by combining equal parts of garlic and cayenne pepper with seasonings such as paprika, onion powder, white pepper, black pepper and salt to taste. To increase the nuances in the flavor profile and add depth in addition to heat, use a blend of several types of chilies to replace or in addition to cayenne pepper. Some examples include chipotle for subtle smokiness or ancho chili to add a fruity flavor and moderate heat.