If you're ready to level up your spice game, you need to try making your own Cajun seasoning. It's got that classic zesty kick, a bit of heat, and a flavor bomb that makes everything taste amazing. Plus, it's super easy!
Ingredients You'll Need
Paprika. ⇢ The backbone of Cajun seasoning. Choose regular or smoked paprika for varying levels of smoky depth. It provides warmth, sweetness, and vibrant color.
Garlic Powder. ⇢ Adds an essential savory, pungent note. Garlic powder blends seamlessly for easy distribution throughout the seasoning.
Cayenne Pepper. ⇢ Controls the heat! Cayenne delivers a clean spiciness. Adjust the amount up or down depending on your desired heat level.
Dried Oregano. ⇢ Provides a subtle earthy, slightly minty flavor that complements the bolder spices.
Dried Thyme. ⇢ Adds a warm, lemony, woodsy aroma that enhances the complexity of the seasoning blend.
Onion Powder. ⇢ Offers a mellow sweetness and a savory depth that rounds out the spice blend.
Kosher Salt. ⇢ A must-have for any seasoning, salt enhances all the individual flavors and balances the final taste.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper. ⇢ Offers a warm, slightly biting spice with a touch of citrusy brightness. Freshly ground is vital for optimal flavor!
Step by Step Guide
Gather your ingredients!.
Toss all those tasty spices into a bowl or a cute little spice jar.
Give it a whirl.
Mix everything together until it looks nice and even. Get in there and give it a good stir!
Flavor time!
This is ready to rock your next dish. Or, pop it in an airtight container and save that amazing flavor for later (it'll keep for up to a year!).
Full Recipe
Cajun Seasoning Recipe
Pin RecipeIngredients:
- 2 tablespoon paprika
- 2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground )
Instructions:
- Gather your ingredients!.Toss all those tasty spices into a bowl or a cute little spice jar.
- Give it a whirl.Mix everything together until it looks nice and even. Get in there and give it a good stir!
- Flavor time!This is ready to rock your next dish. Or, pop it in an airtight container and save that amazing flavor for later (it'll keep for up to a year!).
Notes:
Let's make this YOUR perfect seasoning!
- Spice it up (or down!) Cayenne pepper is where the heat lives. Love a fiery kick? Add more! Prefer it milder? Use a little less. It's all about what makes your tastebuds happy.
- Dried vs. Ground: Got dried spices? That's perfect! This recipe is designed for that concentrated flavor. If all you have is ground, no worries! Just use a bit less oregano and thyme.
- Salt to taste: Feeling a touch too salty? No problem! Just dial it back a bit at a time until it's spot-on for you.
Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.
Where to Use Cajun Seasoning
Cajun seasoning is incredibly versatile! Here are some of the most popular uses:
- Proteins:
- Soups, Stews, and Sauces:
- Gumbo
- Jambalaya
- Red beans and rice
- Seafood bisque
- Cajun-inspired pasta sauces
- Shrimp Etouffee
- Vegetables:
- Roasted potatoes and sweet potatoes
- Corn on the cob or Elote (Mexican corn)
- Dips and spreads
- Other Delicious Ideas:
- Spice up fries, popcorn chicken, or roasted nuts
- Sprinkle on eggs
- Add to burgers, chicken sandwich or meatloaf
- Mix into breadcrumb coating for a flavorful crust or Furikake seasoning
- Mac and Cheese - stir in an extra tablespoon of Cajun seasoning
Recipes to Get You Started
- Classic Cajun dishes: Gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp etouffee
- Quick and easy meals: Cajun chicken pasta, sheet pan dinners with Cajun seasoning
- Vegetarian options: Cajun roasted vegetables, spiced tofu dishes
Tips
- Customize the heat: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking.
- Make your own: Experimenting with homemade blends lets you control flavor and ingredients.
- Store in an airtight container: This will preserve the seasoning's freshness.
Keep that Cajun Seasoning Flavor Poppin'!
Your Cajun seasoning will stay nice and flavorful for up to 6 months if you store it right. After that, it's still safe to use, but the spices might not be quite as punchy.
Here's the secret to max freshness:
- Seal it up tight. An airtight container is a must. This keeps out any flavor-dulling moisture.
- Bonus points: Got one of those little silica packets (the ones that come in shoes or vitamin bottles)? Toss it in! It'll soak up any extra moisture that tries to sneak in.
