Learn how to make Homemade Cajun seasoning recipe with a few basic herbs and spices. Cajun spice mix is easy to make, adds flavor to any dish, and is so much better than storebought!
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What is Cajun Seasoning?
Cajun seasoning or Cajun Spice Mix is a blend of herbs and spices originating from Louisiana. The spice blend is very versatile and includes paprika, cayenne, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs like oregano and/or thyme.
What Does Cajun Seasoning Taste Like?
Cajun Seasoning has a bold, spicy flavor (from the peppers) and subtle earthiness (from herbs, onion, and garlic powder). It adds a ton of flavor when you sprinkle it on roasted vegetables, fries, pasta, and more.
Spices for Homemade Cajun Seasoning
- Paprika: I prefer to use smoked paprika, which adds intense, woodsy smoke flavors. But you can also use regular or sweet paprika if you prefer.
- Garlic powder: enhances the flavor, and fresh garlic does not work here.
- Cayenne pepper: This brings some added heat.
- Onion powder: adds subtle flavor to the spice mix.
- Oregano: has an earthy and sweet flavor. Choose the dried leaves, not the ground oregano spice powder.
- Thyme: Choose the dried leaves, not the ground thyme spice powder.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper always tastes best.
- Salt: I used fine kosher salt. You may also use regular table salt or sea salt.
How to Make Cajun Seasoning at Home
Combine the ingredients: Mix all the ingredients on a plate until evenly combined.
Store: Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months. After that, it will begin to lose its strength and aroma.
Variations
- Add less salt or make salt-free cajun seasoning based on your dietary needs.
- To make a mild cajun seasoning, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper.
- To make it spicy, increase the cayenne or add some red chili flakes.
How to use Cajun Spice Mix
Cajun Spice Mix is so versatile and can be used in so many different ways.
- Sprinkle over Roasted potatoes, veggies, or stir-fries.
- Proteins like paneer and tofu.
- Homemade Fries.
- Add it to the cream-based pasta sauces.
- Stir in the dips like sour cream, hummus, guacamole, or queso.
- Soups, Rice, Beans.
- Sprinkle over freshly popped popcorn.
How to store cajun spice mix?
Always store the seasoning mix in a cool, dry place in an airtight container like a mason or spice jar.
How long does cajun seasoning last?
Homemade cajun seasoning will last up to 6 months. After that, it will begin to lose its strength, color, and aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions
The spice similar to Cajun seasoning is Creole seasoning. Creole spice mix is very similar to Cajun but with the addition of herbs like basil, rosemary, and bay leaf.
Both the spice blends hail from Louisianna and have similarities, including paprika, oregano, garlic, and onion.
The significant difference between Cajun and Creole spice blends is that Creole generally does not include the heat of cayenne pepper and has a milder, earthy flavor due to the addition of herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, bay leaves, and thyme.
Yes, traditional Cajun seasoning is spicy. You can make your DIY spice blend at home and control the heat.
If you like it extra spicy, use more cayenne. If you like it milder, increase the amount of paprika.
Other Spice Mixes to Try
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Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt optional
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients. Mix all the ingredients on a plate until evenly combined.
- Store. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months. After that, it will begin to lose its strength.
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