Cajun Seasoning Recipe

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Last Updated on November 7, 2023 by Toya

Do you want to learn how to make a simple, homemade cajun seasoning recipe? My recipe is exactly what you need!

It’s made with the easiest ingredients and makes the most amazing cajun recipes, including cajun seafood boils, cajun butter sauce, cajun dips, cajun potatoes, and so much more!

And the best part is that this recipe has no preservatives or additives.

Cajun seasoning is a flavorful spice blend that originates from Louisiana, particularly the Cajun culture. It is known for its bold and zesty flavor, which typically includes a combination of various spices and herbs like paprika, garlic powder, oregano and thyme. The flavor of Cajun seasoning is characterized by a few key elements:

1. Spiciness: Cajun seasoning can be moderately to fairly spicy, depending on the recipe or brand. It often contains cayenne pepper, paprika, and sometimes crushed red pepper flakes, which contribute to the heat.
2. Savory and Umami: Cajun seasoning is rich in savory and umami flavors, thanks to ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs like thyme and oregano.
3. Herbaceous: The blend may include herbs such as thyme, oregano, and basil, which lend an herbaceous and aromatic quality to the seasoning.
4. Smokiness: Some variations of Cajun seasoning incorporate smoked paprika, which adds a smoky undertone to the flavor.
5. Saltiness: Salt is a common component in Cajun seasoning, which provides balance and enhances the overall taste of the spice blend.

The combination of these elements results in a complex and well-balanced flavor profile that’s perfect for adding a spicy and savory kick to a wide range of dishes, including jambalaya, gumbo, blackened fish or chicken, and many other Southern and Creole-inspired recipes.

Cajun seasoning is versatile and can be adjusted to suit personal preferences, with varying levels of heat and flavor intensity.

Let’s make my simple cajun seasoning recipe below:

Ingredients

• 1 ½ tbsp. paprika
• 1 tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 tbsp. onion powder
• 1 tbsp. salt
• ½ tbsp. white pepper
• ½ tbsp. black pepper
• ½ tbsp. oregano
• ½ tbsp. thyme
• ¼ tbsp. cayenne pepper (adjust to your liking)

How to make cajun seasoning

1. In a bowl, combine the paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and white pepper (if using).
2. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined. Make sure there are no clumps, and the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Taste a small amount of the Cajun seasoning to check the spiciness. If you prefer it spicier, you can add more cayenne pepper. Adjust to your heat preference.
4. Transfer the Cajun seasoning to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a spice container with a tight-sealing lid.
5. Label the container with the contents and date to keep track of its freshness.

How to use homemade cajun seasoning

1. Blackened Fish or Chicken: Cajun seasoning is commonly used to create blackened fish or chicken by coating the protein with the seasoning and then pan-searing it in a hot skillet.
2. Gumbo: Cajun gumbo, a rich and hearty stew, often includes Cajun seasoning to give it a spicy and savory flavor. It’s a key ingredient in this classic Creole dish.
3. Jambalaya: Cajun seasoning is a must in jambalaya, a one-pot rice dish that typically includes a mix of meats, vegetables, and rice. The seasoning adds depth and spice to the dish.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over roasted vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts to give them a flavorful and spicy twist.
5. Grilled Shrimp: Cajun seasoning is perfect for marinating shrimp before grilling. It imparts a smoky and spicy flavor that pairs well with seafood.
6. Fried Chicken: Add Cajun seasoning to your breading mix for fried chicken to give it a Southern-style kick.
7. Cajun Fries: Season French fries or sweet potato fries with Cajun seasoning for a spicy and savory side dish.
8. Pasta Dishes: Cajun seasoning can be added to pasta dishes, such as Cajun chicken pasta, to provide a spicy and flavorful sauce.
9. Seasoning for Rice and Grains: Mix Cajun seasoning into rice or grains like quinoa for a quick and flavorful side dish.
10. Salad Dressing: Create a Cajun-inspired salad dressing by blending Cajun seasoning with oil, vinegar, and other seasonings for a spicy and tangy vinaigrette.
11. Popcorn: Sprinkle a small amount of Cajun seasoning on popcorn for a spicy and savory snack.
12. Grilled Meats: Use Cajun seasoning as a dry rub for grilled meats, such as steaks, pork chops, or ribs.
13. Soup and Stews: Add a pinch of Cajun seasoning to soups and stews to enhance their flavor. It works well in dishes like chili and bean soups.
14. Dips: Mix Cajun seasoning into sour cream or Greek yogurt to create a spicy dip for vegetables or chips.
15. Tacos and Fajitas: Use Cajun seasoning to season your taco or fajita fillings for a spicy and Cajun-inspired twist on these popular dishes.

Cajun seasoning is a fantastic way to add a bold and spicy flavor to your cooking, and it’s highly adaptable to a variety of dishes. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste preferences, and enjoy the robust flavors of Cajun seasoning in many of your favorite recipes!