Cajun Seasoning
17 Comments
Updated Aug 21, 2023
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This homemade cajun seasoning is the ultimate spice blend that adds an earthy, bold, and southern spice kick to any dish!
You can say I’m a huge fan of Cajun seasoning. Whether I use it for classic dishes like jambalaya or my own creations like creamy Cajun chicken or Cajun shrimp, this seasoning always brings me back to my New Orleans adventures and the heart and soul of Louisiana comfort food.
And while many assume that cajun food is super spicy (which some dishes are, trust me!), store-bought cajun seasoning is a blend of moderately spicy, earthy, and bold flavors. My homemade cajun seasoning resembles the latter, making it easy to experience delicious cajun flavors and recipes right at home!
Cajun Seasoning Ingredients
This seasoning can most likely be made with spices and herbs you already have. Here is what you will need.
- Paprika & Cayenne Pepper: Most cajun seasonings go heavy on paprika for that spicy kick. And the cayenne pepper just accentuates that.
- Garlic & Onion Powder: The power duo for any seasoning base. But I’m leaning more toward garlic powder for this one.
- Dried Herbs: Oregano and thyme will give that herbal depth of flavor and a nod to Creole cooking.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How To Make Cajun Seasoning
Making your own spice blend is as easy as stirring everything together and storing it in my favorite glass spice jars. These jars are perfect for doubling or even quadrupling this recipe — which is honestly the best when you need to amp up a simple chicken or veggie dinner.
How long will this seasoning last? Well, if you use fresh spices and dried herbs, it can last for up to one year!
Ways To Use Cajun Seasoning
Having a bottle of homemade cajun seasoning might be one of the most versatile spice blends to have. Especially if you love deep, spicy food. Here are a few ways to use it!
- Coat it on meats and seafood. With all cajun food, this seasoning is perfect for adding to all sorts of fish (especially shrimp), chicken, or steaks that are pan seared or grilled.
- Toss with vegetables. This gives roasted vegetables some spicy love. Specifically roasted potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, and squashes.
- Stir into soups. When you want to add a spiced kick to a simple soup, like my cabbage soup, just add in about one tablespoon.
- Don’t forget about seafood boils! This southern dish is a Louisiana classic, and it’s not a seafood boil without loads of cajun seasoning (or cajun sauce).
More Homemade Seasonings
If you want to experience Mexican or Texas flavors — give these other spice blends a try!
If you make this cajun seasoning, let me know how you like it and what you used it for in the comment box below!
Cajun Seasoning
Description
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoons black pepper
Instructions
- Mix all the spices together in a bowl. Use immediately or store in an airtight container.
Nutrition
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Hi Lisa,
I’ve been trying various Cajun/Creole recipes. I’ve visited New Orleans and LOVE that cuisine!! However, my wife cannot handle hot spices. Very mild or none is about as much as she can handle. This spice blend recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper. Recipes using that proportion in a spice blend would be way too spicy for her. One alternative is to cut way back on the cayenne, e.g. 1/2 tsp. (which is 1/6 of the amount). Are there other kinds of pepper that would substitute? For example, how about Ancho chile pepper? I would like to reduce the heat while keeping the essence of Cajun/Creole flavor, if that’s possible!. Any suggestions?
PS. I like your website!! Cooking is one of my main retirement activities. I’ve tried several recipes with great success.
Hi Steve – I’m so happy you’re enjoying my recipes. Cooking sounds like the best retirement activity to me! ;) As for the Cajun seasoning, you could definitely cut back on the cayenne pepper. Alternatively, I’d say just use less of the complete seasoning in recipes. So if something calls for a tablespoon, just use a teaspoon of it (which is about 1/3 the amount).
Delicious and not too spicy.
I made this when I was making Lisa’s Creamy Cajun Chicken. The flavor is amazing and I love having a jar of already prepared seasoning that I can use quickly anytime.
So smart to keep a jar on hand!
Insanely easy, yet insanely flavorful and delicious! 😍 Served it over rice with a fresh salad. 10/10!!! My family said, “Mom, you have to review this.” 😊
Haha, I agree with your family! ;) Thanks so much, Teresa!
So much better than anything I’ve bought at the grocery store!
Hi Amanda – Homemade seasonings are always the way to go!
Enjoying your recipes and how they are presented. I have own restaurants and cooking has been my passion. Continue the good work.
Hi Reed – Thanks so much for your feedback!
What type of paprika do you use! PS love your cookbook!
I use Simply Organic paprika in this recipe. And thank you! I’m happy you love it. :)
Is the 13,000 mg of sodium accurate in the Cajun seasoning? Also, when does the chicken and sausage sage go back into the dish after you remove it?
Hi Vincent – that nutrition info is for the entire batch of seasoning. And that’s for the catch on the jambalaya! I just tweaked the recipe card. :)
❤️ all your spice blends.
Happy to hear it!