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    🏠Home » Recipes » Sauces, Rubs, and Seasonings Recipes

    All Purpose Seasoning - 7:2:1 and 7:2:2

    Apr 27, 2020 | Last Updated Jun 27, 2021 by Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

    Recipe Table of Contents    
    4.5 from 294 votes

    Make it yourself at home. This mixture of common spices is ideal for most meats and vegetables. Have it ready in a shaker to use without measuring it every time.

    image of ingredients for 7:2:1 seasoning

    Table of Contents
    • All Salt is Not Equal
    • Pepper
    • Garlic and Other Seasonings
    • 👨‍🍳Uses
    • ✔️Tips
    • 📖Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

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    Introduction

    For Father's Day, my wife gave me a gift certificate to the local cooking school Artisan Cooking School in Grand Haven. I don't think she was trying to give me a hint, just that she thought we could enjoy it together. She was right.

    I opted for the grilling class (big surprise there).  Howard Norris is the chef/owner and was an excellent host and very educational. Multiple grilled types of meat and sided dishes were prepared quickly and efficiently with lots of discussion and pointers. Plus we got to eat it all — a wonderful evening.

    One of the common themes with meat preparation was a common and very simple mix of spices. Nothing fancy. A 7:2:1 ratio of kosher salt:pepper:granular garlic. It worked great on everything that night.

    I have used it several times since then with similarly great results. Retrospective, the ratio is very similar to many of my and other recipes.

    My Rating

    My rating system. Great 5 out of 5

    Excellent, wonderful, and other adjectives. This is one for the lazy in me and the need to simplify things.

    All Salt is Not Equal

    Salt is salt is salt... but it is not. All salt is NaCl, AKA sodium chloride,  but granules of various salts are different in size. So they pack together in different density.

    The rough equivalent is 1 teaspoon table salt = 1 ¼ teaspoon Morton kosher salt = 2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt.

    I use Diamond Crystal and find I can get more pepper and garlic taste without overdoing the salt. If using Morton salt, there is a lot more sodium.

    If you are using Morton salt or another coarse salt like sea salt, use 4 tablespoons - not 7.

    This recipe and others on this site that calls for kosher or coarse salt will be referring to Diamond Crystal unless otherwise stated. You can adjust from there for what you have.

    Also, things like sea salt, etc. usually are in the Morton salt range. They differ in the "trace minerals" they are "contaminated" with. Use them if you wish.

    BUT since salt is mostly to taste, use what you want. If you are salt sensitive or restricting salt, try cutting the salt in half.

    Pepper

    Again, like salt, pepper can be different in many ways. This recipe is based on restaurant grind black pepper which is a rougher grind.

    There are different pepper versions not only in grind but in berries used to make the pepper. Use what you like.

    You are right when you feel fresh ground pepper has more taste. Due to being freshly ground, the surface has not been exposed to air for a long period that leads to oxidation which will decrease taste.

    Garlic and Other Seasonings

    Try to use "granular" garlic and not powder. Its texture will mix a lot better with the salt and pepper.

    Modification for the Garlic-asaurus. I live with a garlic-loving wife along with the rest of my family when they are here. For them, I use 7:2:2

    One of the most common suggestions is onion powder but add what you commonly use. Remember, it is easy to use your custom seasoning and another one for a specific recipe. But you can't take the cayenne pepper out if you don't want it when cooking for the kids.

    👨‍🍳Uses

    Use this almost anywhere you use salt and pepper. Mostly that is meats and vegetables.

    The amount of garlic is the main variable. We are a "garlic family" so we use 7:2:2 instead of 7:2:1.

    graphic with foods using everyday seasoning

    ✔️Tips

    I use a shaker that can be sealed. I buy them at Penzy's for a dollar. Or recycle another container but be sure it seals tight. A container can be refilled for many years to come.

    I wrote the recipe using tablespoons, but obviously, it could be teaspoons, cups, ounces or whatever.

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    📖Recipe

    ingredients for 7:2:1 homemade seasoning

    All Purpose Seasoning - 7:2:1 and 7:2:2

    From Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan
    Make it yourself at home. This mixture of common spices is ideal for most meats and vegetables. Have it ready in a shaker to use without measuring every time.
    Tap to leave a Rating
    4.5 from 294 votes
    Print Email CollectionCollected
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Total Time: 2 minutes
    Servings #/Adjust if desired 60 ½ teaspoon

    Ingredients

    US Customary - Convert to Metric
    • 7 tablespoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt - Only 4 tablespoons of Morton Kosher salt. Adjust to your taste.
    • 2 tablespoons black pepper - course grind
    • 1-2 tablespoon Granular garlic - 2 for 7:2:2
    • other things to your taste

    Instructions

    • Mix well. If using Morton then use 4 tablespoons of salt. ADJUST THE SALT TO YOUR TASTE.
    • This is written with tablespoons, but you could use teaspoons, cups. or any other measurement. It is all about the ratio of ingredients. This is not a "by weight" recipe.
    • Store in an airtight container.
    See the step-by-step photos in the post. Some recipes have an option to display the photos here with a switch above these instructions but the photos DO NOT print.

    My Private Notes

    Click here to save your own private notes only you will see. These will print and be saved for your next visit.
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    Recipe Notes

    Pro Tips:

    1. This is a bit heavy in salt for some. Cut it down for your taste. If you are salt sensitive or need low sodium, try half the salt initially.
    2. This is based on Diamond Crystal Kosher salt. Conversion for various salts: 1 teaspoon table salt = 1 ¼ teaspoon Morton kosher salt = 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt.
    3. If you are using Morton salt or another coarse salt like sea salt, use 4 tablespoons.
    4. Use granular garlic powder, not regular garlic powder.
    5. We always use two parts garlic powder due to our love of garlic.
    6. Use other spices if you want.
    7. Use a shaker with large holes and a top that seals. I get mine at Penzy's
    8. This is written with tablespoons, but you could use teaspoons, cups, or any other measurement. It is all about the ratio of ingredients.

    To adjust the recipe size:

    You may adjust the number of servings in this recipe card under servings. This does the math for the ingredients for you. BUT it does NOT adjust the text of the instructions. So you need to do that yourself.

    Nutrition Estimate

    Calories : 1 kcal | Carbohydrates : 1 g | Protein : 1 g (2%) | Fat : 1 g (2%) | Saturated Fat : 1 g (5%) | Sodium : 392 mg (16%) | Potassium : 3 mg | Fiber : 1 g (4%) | Sugar : 1 g (1%) | Vitamin A : 1 IU | Calcium : 1 mg | Iron : 1 mg (6%)
    Serving size is my estimate of a normal size unless stated otherwise. The number of servings per recipe is stated above. This is home cooking, and there are many variables. All nutritional information are estimates and may vary from your actual results. To taste ingredients such as salt will be my estimate of the average used.
    Course : Rubs and Sauces
    Cuisine : American

    © 101 Cooking for Two, LLC. All content and photographs are copyright protected by us or our vendors. While we appreciate your sharing our recipes, please realize copying, pasting, or duplicating full recipes to any social media, website, or electronic/printed media is strictly prohibited and a violation of our copyrights.

    Originally Published August 26, 2011. Updated with expanded options, refreshed photos, and a table of contents to help navigation.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ben

      May 22, 2021 at 9:44 pm

      5 stars
      Good stuff!

      I make an Asian spice rub using less salt but add a bit of Chinese 5 spice powder which packs a lot of flavor. Sometimes I add a pinch of Chinese white pepper as well for extra zing.

      Reply
    2. Danna Gillerist

      April 01, 2021 at 10:17 am

      Up up up, good

      Reply
    3. Jereme David

      February 12, 2021 at 12:03 am

      This mix is ungodly salty. I love salt but the amount in this mix results in something nearly inedible. A 1:2:2 SPG is more appropriate.

      I know that recipes and food are highly subjective, but the salt here is just off the charts.

      Reply
      • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

        February 12, 2021 at 12:09 am

        Hi Jereme,

        Welcome to the blog.

        Sorry you didn't find this to your liking.

        Be sure to adjust the kosher salt to the type you have. This is made for Diamond Crystal kosher salt. Morton is almost twice as much salt per teaspoon.

        But as you say, it is totally a matter of taste and make a solution that works in your kitchen.

        Thanks for the comment and I hope it reminds the readers to make this to their taste.

        Dan

    4. Joyce Kunzman

      August 13, 2020 at 6:19 pm

      I have been off "salt" for years. I used to use McCormick "It's a Dilly" until it was discontinued; unable to find a satisfactory substitute, I mix dill weed, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in equal portions for my everyday seasoning. For special seasoning, I add whatever may be needed, or use Trader Joe's "21 Seasoning Salute". Lately I use Indian seasonings a lot, also.

      Reply
    5. hannah

      July 02, 2020 at 6:05 am

      can i use sodium benzoate to make its shelve life longer

      Reply
      • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

        July 02, 2020 at 7:59 am

        Hi Hannah,

        Welcome to the blog.

        The answer is yes I believe, but I don't see why.

        The shelflife is that of the shortest component. At least 6 months but well stored airtight and out of light, at least 1 year and some would say 2 years.

        Also, sodium benzoate inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, and other microbes but nothing is growing in this mix. There is no water to speak of and way too high osmolality with the salt. The "spoiling" will be the garlic powder and pepper breaking down and losing oils from age.

        So yes but don't waste your time.

        Dan

    6. Greg

      March 31, 2020 at 3:18 pm

      This seems insanely salty to me, but I don't see anyone else complaining about it. When I make home seasoning blends I use as much salt as the entire amount of the other combined ingredients. So if I had two tablespoons of ground pepper and one tablespoon of garlic powder I would add three tablespoons of salt. This way has always tasted plenty salty to me for every application I use it on.

      Reply
      • Devin

        May 08, 2020 at 1:20 pm

        I agree 7:2:2 seems like too much salt, maybe in a restaurant that may be the norm?
        I use 2:2:1 SPG for almost everything, competitions included.
        Sometimes add a lil cayenne, chili powder, lil onion powder too, but then that starts getting away from simple SPG and becomes house seasoning in a sense.

        Just my opinion
        Devin Thomas
        Mutts & Butts BBQ, Prosper Texas

    7. Judy Pasqualone

      October 17, 2019 at 5:16 pm

      I had this recipe before but can’t find. It said to make it for rotisserie chicken add paprika. How much paprika for the amts in this recipe please?

      Reply
      • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

        October 17, 2019 at 6:30 pm

        Hi Judy,
        Welcome to the blog.
        I think this is the recipe you were looking at. https://www.101cookingfortwo.com/crispy-spiced-up-oven-roasted-chicken/ You can skip the cayenne if you don't want spicy.
        Dan

    8. Allison T MacKay

      June 23, 2019 at 4:32 pm

      4 stars
      I'd like to try this. Would Maldon sea salt flakes be too coarse? I have some and am out of Morton's Coarse KOSHER salt (other than Morton's fine sea salt)
      Wish I could still find Morton's fine KOSHER salt in my area. I use Morton's Nature Salt Blend though.

      Reply
      • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

        June 23, 2019 at 6:13 pm

        Hi Allison,
        Welcome to the blog.
        Any courser salt should be fine. I like to use Diamond but again, not available currently. As I get older, I seem to want a bit less salt so I have been sneaking that down a bit. The beauty of homemade. Do what you like.
        Thanks for the note and rating.
        Dan

    9. Maria crusan

      March 17, 2019 at 3:22 pm

      When I first started using this recipe you included a remark in the blog to add cayanne pepper to the mix to spice it up. How much was that? I keep guessing and sometimes get it right but not always.

      Reply
      • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

        March 17, 2019 at 3:37 pm

        Hi Maria,

        Good question.

        I mention it in all the chicken recipes (Chicken for a Hundred, Grill and Oven Baked Drumsticks and Thighs). I believe all I ever said is "a pinch". To the above recipe, which would make 10 tablespoons of mix, I would suggest 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a starting point for that "touch". It is always easier to add some then take it out. I doubt you want more than a full teaspoon.
        Thanks for the questions and the note.
        Dan

      • Marlie

        May 10, 2019 at 7:45 pm

        Dr. Dan what would you recommend for a low-sodium/sodium-free alternative to your all purpose seasoning for those of us with hypertension? I don't want to lose out on flavour! Thanks for the great content.

      • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

        May 10, 2019 at 7:54 pm

        Hi Marlie,
        Welcome to the blog.
        To decrease to sodium, I would just cut the salt in half. Also, Diamond Crystal Kosher salt has less sodium per teaspoon and to me about the same taste. But, I now have to buy 3 pound boxes. The salt substitutes are another possibility but I have never done that.

        As always, the amount of sodium restriction you need is between you and your doctor. Also, I always found registered dietitians very helpful.

        Hope that helps.

        Dan

    10. Thaddeus Kaminski

      October 14, 2018 at 5:51 pm

      Nice to have a simple ratio for regular and added garlic and then a comment on added onion which I also like. Would help if the picture of the three ingredients were in the order of the 7-2-2. A mental pic helps me a lot. Trying it tonight.

      Reply
    11. Heartlover

      September 30, 2018 at 6:25 pm

      I finally made a version of this, using Mrs. Dash® Onion & Herb Seasoning Blend in place of the granular garlic. The blend has (according to their website) [onion, garlic, spices (black pepper, sweet chili pepper, parsley, celery seed, basil, bay, marjoram, oregano, savory, thyme, cayenne pepper, coriander, cumin, mustard, rosemary), orange peel, natural flavor].

      Wonderful on my roast chicken!

      Reply
    12. Dan R Cassidy

      August 08, 2018 at 4:01 pm

      just found your site-great info on grilling porterhouse steak-will come back when I have more time-I'm a Dan fro Montague-my friends back in the day called me "DOC"-bite the bullet and get my spices at Penzys [road trip]-go to Jacks generally on Saturday will gladly by you a beer

      Reply
      • Dan R Cassidy

        August 09, 2018 at 5:46 pm

        P.S.-also have Goldens-have one now we rescued from West Olive

      • DrDan

        August 09, 2018 at 8:00 pm

        Ours are from Bennington Hills Kennel just south of Flint. We always say Martha Stewart paid for them. We just got my first big paycheck for blogging for a Martha Stewart ad network.
        Dan

    13. Frank Guarino

      August 02, 2018 at 2:05 pm

      Great at 7:2:2 for garlic lovers!

      Reply
    14. Kempshark

      October 17, 2017 at 2:01 pm

      Was wondering if you had tried something like a 7:2:1:1 mix by also adding onion powder?...I like the idea of the added onion flavor. I was wondering about using the fine onion powder though and thought it may settle like table salt or garlic powder.

      Reply
      • DrDan

        October 17, 2017 at 3:14 pm

        The fine powder would just not distribute well and settle. I did try it once on a small batch. I used it but never did it again. There are onion granules and flakes but they have a minimal taste so I consider them a waste of money.

        If you're big into onions, you could do onion salt which is 3 parts regular salt and 1 part onion powder. Maybe add a teaspoon of pepper and 1/2 teaspoon granular garlic to 4 teaspoons of onion salt. I have never done it but years ago I used onion salt some. I haven't had any for years. I assume they still make it. If you try this, let me know.

        Dan

    15. Jason Harley

      May 27, 2017 at 5:21 pm

      How do you make sure all the three spices are mixed thoroughly. It seems that the pepper or garlic powder might fall to the bottom leaving me with too much salt. Should I run it through a spice grinder?

      Reply
      • DrDan

        May 27, 2017 at 5:29 pm

        Use granular garlic powder, not the fine stuff and a course ground pepper. It holds the mix will but you can always give it a shake before using. I wouldn't use a grinder, it will crush up the salt.

    16. Niki

      May 14, 2017 at 7:03 am

      Simple and yet great !
      Followed exactly as recipe indicates :-).... except Kosher salt as I had natural coarse sea salt hand picked.

      7:2:1 was unexpectedly balanced concerning garlic, since my husband is not a fan.

      Regards from Greece
      Niki

      Reply
      • DrDan

        May 14, 2017 at 1:48 pm

        Thanks Niki,

        The sea salt is approximately equal to kosher in sodium content. There can be a few trace minerals in the sea salt accounting for the difference in taste sometimes. The garlic amount in 7:2:1 is perfect for most people except for the garlic fiend that I live with.

        Have a great day in Greece.

        Dan

    17. Jessica Smith

      March 27, 2017 at 4:38 pm

      Why let the kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder sit for six months?

      Reply
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