This Cajun seasoning has just the right blend of herbs and spices for a delicious and rustic flavor that everyone will love! It adds heartiness and great taste to beef, pork, chicken, seafood, pasta, and more!
Homemade Cajun Seasoning Mix
Cajun seasoning is a must-have in Louisiana cuisine, and it's clear why! The bold mix of spicy and savory flavors brings a distinct and lively twist to every dish!
Although the 'authentic' Cajun seasoning can vary, the core ingredients remain consistent. The final product is a delightful fusion of spices and herbs that enhance the taste of any meal!
Where Does Cajun Seasoning Come From?
Cajun seasoning originates from the vibrant culinary culture of Louisiana, particularly from the Cajun people who settled in the region. This flavorful blend of spices and herbs is a hallmark of Cajun cuisine, adding a distinctive and zesty taste to various dishes.
✅ Cajun Seasoning Recipe Ingredients
- Paprika ( 2 tablespoons): You can use regular paprika or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Cayenne Powder ( 1 tablespoon) : Adjust the amount of cayenne to your taste. Use less if you prefer milder heat.
- Garlic Powder ( ½ tablespoon): Adds a savory and aromatic garlic flavor to the Cajun seasoning blend. It's a convenient alternative to using fresh garlic and ensures even distribution of flavor.
- Onion Powder ( ½ tablespoon): Brings a subtle and sweet onion flavor.
- Dried Oregano ( ½ tablespoon): Imparts earthy and herbal notes.
- Dried Thyme ( 1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle earthy and slightly minty flavor.
- Ground Black Pepper ( ½ tablespoon): Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference.
- Cumin ( ⅓ teaspoon): Cumin adds depth, but you can omit it if you don't have it.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes ( ¼ teaspoon): Add for extra heat, or omit if you prefer less spiciness.
- Salt ( optional): You can omit salt if you want to control the sodium content in your dishes or add it to taste when using the seasoning.
Feel free to experiment and adjust the ingredients to your taste and dietary preferences.
❗ Don't forget to check out the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, precise measurements, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips!
🔪 How to Make Cajun Seasoning
The key to crafting your perfect Cajun seasoning lies in tasting, experimenting, and personalizing it to your liking!
This recipe makes around ⅓ cup of seasoning, providing you with plenty for both now and later!
Get everything ready. Gather all the ingredients and measure them into a small bowl (2 tablespoons of paprika, 1 tablespoon of cayenne powder, ½ tablespoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ tablespoon ground black pepper, and ⅓ teaspoon of cumin powder and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes). Mix it well. Combine the spices thoroughly until they're evenly blended.
Ready to use or save. Store any unused portion in an airtight container for future use.
Add this spice mix to your favorite Cajun recipes! Give Cajun Honey Butter Salmon a shot for something new and tasty!
👨🍳Recipe Tips
- Before using the spice mix, give it a good shake, stir, or mix. Sometimes the ingredients settle, so a quick shake ensures even distribution throughout the blend.
- Feel free to adjust the flavors to your liking. If you enjoy spiciness, add more red pepper flakes and cayenne. Prefer a smoky taste? Opt for smoked paprika.
- For those who like extra heat, you can experiment with hotter peppers like 7-pot chili powder, ghost peppers, or Carolina reapers.
- You can skip the salt in the mix and add it directly to your dish. Omitting salt from the blend gives you better control over the saltiness in future dishes, especially when working with ingredients that are already salty.
🗄️ STORING
After making your Cajun spice blend, put it into a glass spice jar or a container that closes tightly.
Store your seasoning in a cool, dark spot, and it's best to use it within 6 months. Even though spices can last a really long time, they start to lose their strong flavor over time.
How To Use Homemade Cajun Seasoning Blend
This homemade Cajun Seasoning recipe is the perfect blend of zesty, spicy, savory flavors that are sure to elevate the taste of any dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Sprinkle it on meats like chicken, beef, or pork before grilling, roasting, or sautéing. It's also fantastic on seafood such as shrimp, fish, or crab. Mix it into sauces, soups, or stews for a spicy and savory boost. You can even season vegetables, like Popeyes Cajun Fries or corn on the cob, before baking or grilling. Experiment with it in pasta dishes or sprinkle it over popcorn for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless – just use your imagination and enjoy the rich, bold flavors of Cajun cuisine!
❓ FAQ
No, Creole and Cajun seasoning are not the same. Creole seasoning uses more herbs like basil and thyme, influenced by French cooking. Cajun seasoning is spicier with peppers like cayenne and bell peppers. They have different flavors and are used in different Louisiana cuisines.
Cajun seasoning is often associated with spiciness, but it doesn't have to be excessively hot. While many Cajun blends include spicy elements like cayenne pepper and black pepper, the level of heat can be adjusted based on personal preference. Homemade Cajun seasoning recipes can vary in spiciness, allowing you to control the amount of heat you add to your dishes.
Cajun seasoning is typically hotter than Creole seasoning. Cajun blends often include spicier peppers like cayenne and black pepper, giving it a more intense heat. Creole seasoning focuses more on a balanced mix of herbs and spices, resulting in a milder flavor profile compared to Cajun seasoning.
More Seasoning Recipes
How to Make Lemon Pepper Seasoning
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Cajun Seasoning
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: ⅓ cup 1x
Description
Elevate your dishes with the zesty kick of homemade Cajun Seasoning. A perfect blend of bold, spicy, and savory flavors!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons paprika (or smoked paprika)
- 1 tablespoon cayenne powder
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ tablespoon ground black pepper
- ⅓ teaspoon cumin powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 teaspoons sea salt, optional
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients in a small mixing bowl, mix well, and either use immediately or store for later.
- Keep any remaining Cajun seasoning in an airtight spice jar or container. Remember to give it a good shake before using.
Notes
Before using, make sure to give the spice blend a good shake, stir, or mix. Sometimes the ingredients settle during storage, so shaking it up ensures that all the spices are evenly spread throughout the mix.
Feel free to adjust the flavors according to your taste. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes and cayenne powder. If you want a smoky taste, use smoked paprika. Try experimenting with hotter peppers if you're feeling adventurous. Consider using 7-pot chili powder, ghost peppers, or the super-hot Carolina reapers.
You can use any type of salt for this recipe. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can skip adding salt to the blend. Not adding salt in the blend gives you more control over the overall saltiness of your future dishes, which is especially useful when working with ingredients that are already salty!
- Prep Time: 2 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Seasoning Recipes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 13 kcal
- Sodium: 3 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Keywords: cajun seasoning, homemade cajun seasoning,
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