Cajun Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!) - Wholesome Yum (2024)

Cajun Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!) - Wholesome Yum (1)

Free: Healthy 5-Ingredient Meals Ebook

Get It Now

In This Post

  • What Is Cajun Seasoning?
  • Why This Is The Best Cajun Seasoning Recipe
  • What Is In Cajun Seasoning?
  • How To Make Cajun Seasoning
  • Storage Instructions
  • Ways To Use Cajun Seasoning
  • More Homemade Seasoning Recipes
  • Cajun Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!)Recipe card
  • Recipe Reviews

I’ve been making variations of this homemade Cajun seasoning recipe for a few years now, starting with the Cajun keto onion rings I used it for first. But when I made low carb jambalaya recently, I thought it would be helpful to share how to make cajun seasoning mix for it as well, in its own post.

This blend can be used in so many different ways in your cooking (sharing plenty of ideas below, from main dishes andmeats to sides and pasta), and adds a balanced bit of savory and spice flavor to just about anything. From my experience, it has authentic flavor without being too complicated — that makes it the best Cajun seasoning in my book!

What Is Cajun Seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices and dried herbs, originating in Louisiana. Cajun cuisine often includes bell peppers, onions, and celery as well. You can buy the spice mix, but it’s super easy to make at home.

Cajun seasoning is similar to Creole seasoning (a mix with oregano, basil, bay leaves, garlic powder and paprika as main ingredients), but with more spice.

Why This Is The Best Cajun Seasoning Recipe

  • Spicy, bold taste
  • 8 simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry
  • Takes just 5 minutes
  • Easy to store for a long time
  • Perfect as a dry rub or seasoning for so many dishes
Cajun Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!) - Wholesome Yum (2)

What Is In Cajun Seasoning?

This section explains how to choose the best cajun seasoning ingredients, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.

  • Paprika – You could also use smoked paprika if you prefer.
  • Garlic Powder – So important in any Cajun spice blend.
  • Sea Salt – Most Cajun seasoning recipes contain salt already added, so this one does as well. Since the salt makes up 1/8 of the recipe, you may need to reduce the amount used if you omit the salt, if you want the same flavor intensity.The difference is slight (technically you’d use 7/8 teaspoon of salt-free cajun seasoning for each full teaspoon of salted), so the simpler way is to use ascantteaspoon measuring spoon instead. Alternatively, you can use the same amount of kosher salt or a salt substituteinstead of sea salt.
  • Herbs – You will need dried oregano and dried thyme leaves, or just use one or the other.
  • Onion Powder – Onion powder adds a complex yet mild flavor, but you can substitute more garlic powder or chives for a similar taste.
  • Cayenne Pepper – Red pepper flakes, hot paprika, or chili powder will also work in place of cayenne pepper.
  • Red Pepper Flakes – You can substitute other spices such as black pepper, paprika or chili powder for similar heat and flavor.

Cajun Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!) - Wholesome Yum (3)

Is Cajun seasoning spicy?

Yes, Cajun seasoning is somewhat spicy. It has a bold and unique flavor that will add a kick to any dish.

Cajun Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!) - Wholesome Yum (4)

How To Make Cajun Seasoning

Mix Cajun seasoning ingredients in a bowl. Place the mixture in a sealed container or jar.

If you want a powdery texture, you can grind the spices in a coffee grinder, food processor or blender. Alternatively, use a mortar and pestle to mash the spices.

Cajun Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!) - Wholesome Yum (5)

Storage Instructions

Thishomemade Cajun seasoning recipe will last for 2-3 years in the pantry, but is best within 1 year. Make a large batch and store in an airtight container, such as spice jars with lids, smallmulti purpose jars, orspice organizers.

Ways To Use Cajun Seasoning

You can use this perfect blend in so many different ways:

  • Cajun Classics – Jambalaya and gumbo are some of the most iconic ways to use homemade Cajun seasoning mix! Try my healthy jambalaya recipe or keto gumbo for a lighter twist on these classic Louisina dishes.
  • Chicken – Obviously, you’ll need it for Cajun chicken. But, you can swap out the seasonings in baked chicken breast, easy Instant Pot shredded chicken, or my chicken drumsticks recipe to make a spicy chicken dish. You can also season baked chicken wings (or baked whole chicken wings) with it for a spicy appetizer.
  • Seafood – Try adding it to air fryer shrimp or simple baked salmon, or use it for Cajun grilled cod.
  • Fries – Sprinkle the seasoning mix over potato fries, rutabaga fries, or zucchini fries. SO good!
  • Noodles – Toss it with your favorite pasta recipe. I usually choosezucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
  • Rice & Potatoes – Season your favorite rice (mine is cauliflower rice!) or sprinkle over golden roasted potatoes or roasted rutabaga.
  • Beef – Use this blend in my juicy burger recipe, or as a dry rub for sirloin steak, or even mixed into a chili recipe.

More Homemade Seasoning Recipes

Making your own seasoning mixes delivers fresh flavor with easy ingredients! Here are some more homemade seasonings to explore:

Taco Seasoning

Fajita Seasoning

Jerk Seasoning

Blackened Seasoning

RECIPE SAVED! The recipe was sent to your email. I also sent you your free login info. You can use that to access your saved recipes at My Favorites.

Recipe Card

Cajun Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!) - Wholesome Yum (11)

5 from 17 votes☝️ Click stars to rate or click here to leave a review!

Cajun Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!)

Learn how to make Cajun seasoning mix in just 5 minutes! This simple homemade Cajun seasoning recipe uses spices you probably already have.

Cook: 5 minutes

Total: 5 minutes

Author: Maya Krampf from WholesomeYum.com

Servings: 24 (adjust to scale recipe)

Un-save RecipeSave Recipe Remove Ads

Recipe Video

Like this video? Subscribe to my YouTube cooking channel for healthy recipes!

ReviewPrint

US CustomaryMetric

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them.

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.

  1. Stir all ingredients together. Store in a small airtight jar.

Did You Like It?

Leave a rating to help other readers (this also helps me continue to provide free recipes on my site), or get the recipe sent to your inbox.

Rate recipe

Save Recipe

Related Easy Recipes

  • Italian Seasoning Recipe

  • Caesar Dressing Recipe

  • Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

  • Fried Cabbage

Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 tsp

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving. Serving size in recipe notes above.

Calories6.3

Fat0.1g

Protein0.3g

Total Carbs1.3g

Net Carbs0.8g

Fiber0.5g

Sugar0.1g

Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.

Course:Condiment

Cuisine:American

Keywords:best cajun seasoning, cajun seasoning mix, cajun seasoning recipe, homemade cajun seasoning, how to make cajun seasoning

Calories: 6.3 kcal

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. 🙂

Cajun Seasoning Recipe

Pin It For Later!

Cajun Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!) - Wholesome Yum (19)
Cajun Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!) - Wholesome Yum (2024)

FAQs

What is cajun seasoning made of? ›

What Is In Cajun Spice Mix? Typical Cajun seasonings (including store-bought like Slap Ya Mama and Tony Chachere's) are made with black pepper, white pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. For different flavors, some Cajun spice mixes include salt, mustard powder, chile peppers, or cumin.

What is the closest seasoning to cajun seasoning? ›

Other alternatives to Cajun seasoning
  • Creole Seasoning. Creole seasoning is often interchanged with Cajun seasoning since the flavor profiles are so similar. ...
  • Old Bay Seasoning. ...
  • Adobo Seasoning. ...
  • Chili powder + dried thyme + cayenne pepper.
Mar 23, 2022

What is the difference between Cajun spice and cajun seasoning? ›

Cajun seasoning, also known as Cajun spice or spice mix, is a fragrant blend of dried herbs and ground spices originating from Louisiana, home of Cajun cuisine. The spice blend is typically made of spices that are common to Cajun cuisine, such as paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne.

Why does cajun seasoning taste so good? ›

Since—as mentioned above—Cajun seasoning is basically just a blend of cayenne pepper and garlic, Cajun flavor is most often described as equal parts bold and spicy (from the pepper) and earthy (from the garlic).

What are the three ingredients of Cajun? ›

The "holy trinity" in Cajun cuisine and Louisiana Creole cuisine is the base for several dishes in the regional cuisines of Louisiana and consists of onions, bell peppers and celery. The preparation of Cajun/Creole dishes such as crawfish étouffée, gumbo, and jambalaya all start from this base.

How to make your own seasoning? ›

Mediterranean Seasoning
  1. 2 tsp Greek Oregano.
  2. 2 tsp Grey Sea Salt.
  3. 1½ tsp Thyme.
  4. 1½ tsp Rubbed Sage.
  5. 1½ tsp Cracked Rosemary.
  6. 1 tsp Minced Lemon Peel.
  7. 1 tsp Minced Garlic.
  8. 1 tsp Minced Onion.

Can I use paprika instead of Cajun seasoning? ›

Can I Substitute Paprika for Cajun Seasoning? I like smoked paprika in my Cajun seasoning, but you can use unsmoked, or sweet if you prefer. If you only have a few ingredients 1 tablespoon Paprika, 1 teaspoon of mixed herbs, and a pinch of chilli flakes or powder and salt and pepper could work well.

Can you buy Cajun spice mix? ›

We recommend buying Cajun Spice Mix in our attractive Spice Tin. Not only is it recyclable and reusable (you can refill it with our Cajun spice pouch!) but most importantly, it's resealable. This ensures that your spice mix remains fresher and tastes better for far longer.

What can I use instead of cayenne pepper in Cajun seasoning? ›

Jalapeno powder

If you're looking for a mild spice to replace cayenne pepper, you can opt for jalapeno powder. This spice is on the sweeter side but very aromatic. Enjoy this seasoning in Cajun food for Mardi Gras, Mexican cuisine or any other favorite recipe.

Is Cajun hotter than paprika? ›

Cajun seasoning is primarily salt, cayenne (red pepper), and garlic powder. It is hot and salty. Paprika can be mild, hot, or smoked but is predominantly a mild red colored pepper in dried and powdered form. It contains no salt and has a very mild flavor (except for the hot variety).

Is cajun seasoning very hot? ›

Cajun Food can have a bit more heat, but again, it's more spicy, than hot, per se. Now, compared to cuisines from elsewhere in the USA (excluding the Southwest and Texas), it CAN seem hotter. Many mistake the spicy aspect for heat, which is usually rather different.

Why does cajun seasoning go hard? ›

Your spices may have clumped because they were exposed to moisture or heat over time; either way, their flavor is likely diminished. Buy small jars of dried herbs and spices, mark the label with the date, and keep them for 6 months. After that, the flavor and/or texture is likely to be affected.

Is Cayenne and Cajun the same? ›

Cayenne is hot chili pepper made from the Birdseye pepper usually, though others are often blended in. Cayenne pepper is normally rated at 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville units and considered a moderately hot pepper. Cajun seasoning is a spice blend of these primarily: paprika/or/smoked paprika.

Does cajun seasoning have any health benefits? ›

Many of its benefits come down to a compound called pipperine which helps absorb nutrients such as selenium, B vitamins and betacarotene (a precursor of vitamin A). Pipperine also helps the body burn energy and can support detoxification.

What is a main ingredient in Cajun cooking? ›

Crawfish, shrimp, fish, oysters, chicken, alligator and Andouille sausage are just a few of the delicious ingredients from both land and sea used in Creole and Cajun cooking alike.

Is Cajun Spice very hot? ›

Cajun Seasoning is a delicious spice blend made with common pantry spices that yo probably already have. It can be spicy or mild depending on much cayenne pepper you add. It's the same sort of spice blend that you se when you want something “blackened” such as Blackened Chicken or Blackened Salmon.

Can I use paprika instead of Cajun? ›

Can I Substitute Paprika for Cajun Seasoning? I like smoked paprika in my Cajun seasoning, but you can use unsmoked, or sweet if you prefer. If you only have a few ingredients 1 tablespoon Paprika, 1 teaspoon of mixed herbs, and a pinch of chilli flakes or powder and salt and pepper could work well.

Is paprika the same as Cajun seasoning? ›

Cajun seasoning has paprika in it, but it's got a whole bunch of other tasty stuff too like garlic, onion, thyme, and cayenne. It's got a nice flavor that's a bit more complicated than just paprika.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Carlyn Walter

Last Updated:

Views: 5455

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Carlyn Walter

Birthday: 1996-01-03

Address: Suite 452 40815 Denyse Extensions, Sengermouth, OR 42374

Phone: +8501809515404

Job: Manufacturing Technician

Hobby: Table tennis, Archery, Vacation, Metal detecting, Yo-yoing, Crocheting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Carlyn Walter, I am a lively, glamorous, healthy, clean, powerful, calm, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.