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Cajun Seasoning Recipe
Bright, zesty, and ready in minutes, this homemade Cajun seasoning recipe brings a punch of Southern flair to everything from weeknight chicken to popcorn.
I still remember the first time I wandered into a tiny Cajun kitchen on a Louisiana backroad, breathing in a swirl of paprika, garlic, and cayenne. That memory sparked my own DIY Cajun seasoning recipe—a pantry staple that costs about 60% less per ounce than store-bought blends and skips all the additives. Honestly, you’ll love how this gluten-free, vegan spice mix livens up veggies, proteins, even snacks. Let me explain: with just eight simple spices and under 10 minutes, you’ll have a versatile, customizable spice blend that sings of bayous and backyard barbecues.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Seasoning Recipe
- Pantry-friendly: uses spices you likely already have on hand.
- Zero additives: no fillers, no anti-caking agents—just pure flavor.
- Customizable heat: dial cayenne up or down to suit every palate.
- Versatile: fantastic on chicken, fish, roasted veggies, eggs, popcorn… you name it.
- Budget-wise: homemade costs under $0.03 per teaspoon versus $0.08+ store-bought.
- Quick mix: ready in under 10 minutes, perfect for last-minute flavor boosts.
- Long-lasting: keeps its punch for up to six months when sealed tightly.
- Giftable: double the batch and jar it for food-loving friends.
Cajun Seasoning Recipe Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika (about 12g)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder (or 2 teaspoons granulated garlic)
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (use high-quality Mediterranean oregano if you can)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste—see Notes)
- ½ teaspoon celery salt (optional, for that authentic Creole edge)
Tip: Measure each spice level in a metal or glass spoon, then scrape across for consistency. If your pantry runs low on oregano, dried marjoram makes a fine substitute.
Cajun Seasoning Recipe Directions
-
Combine the spices in a small mixing bowl or a wide-mouth jar.
Feel the bright red of the paprika and breathe in that earthy aroma—this is where the magic starts. -
Whisk or shake vigorously until the powders look uniform.
Pro tip: use a mini whisk or jar with a tight lid to break up any clumps. -
Taste-test a pinch on your fingertip (gently!).
If it’s too mild, add ⅛–¼ teaspoon more cayenne; too fiery? Stir in a pinch more paprika. -
Transfer the blend to an airtight spice jar.
Label with the date—freshness really makes a difference. -
Let the seasoning rest for at least 10 minutes before first use.
During that time, the flavors meld and mellow, giving you a rounded profile. -
Shake well before each use, then sprinkle generously on proteins or veggies.
Try it on grilled shrimp for a taste of home-style Creole cooking.
Servings & Timing
- Yield: about ½ cup (8 tablespoons), enough for 8–10 uses
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Rest Time: 10 minutes (optional but recommended)
- Total Time: 5–15 minutes
That’s it—no simmering, no straining, just mix and go. Perfect for weeknights when you need flavor in a flash.
Variations
- Smoked Twist: swap sweet paprika for smoked paprika for a campfire note.
- Citrus Zing: mix in 1 teaspoon dried lemon or orange zest for brightness.
- Sweet-Heat Rub: stir in 1 teaspoon brown sugar for a BBQ-style glaze.
- Low-Sodium: halve the salt and add ¼ teaspoon celery seed.
- Chipotle Kick: replace cayenne with chipotle powder for smoky heat.
- Herb Boost: toss in ½ teaspoon dried basil or rosemary for a garden aroma.
Storage & Reheating
Store your Cajun seasoning in a cool, dark pantry in an airtight jar or tin. It stays lively for up to six months—after that, the aroma softens. No reheating needed; this is a dry mix. For make-ahead gifting, layer colors in a mason jar and tie with twine, adding a gift tag with suggested uses like my Blackened Chicken Recipe.
Notes
- Resting Matters: I learned the hard way that skipping the ten-minute rest dulls the blend. Give it a breather.
- Lumps Happen: if your mix clumps (humidity, sigh), pop it into a spice grinder or blender for a few seconds.
- Spice Quality: fresher spices pack more punch—rotate your stash every 6–12 months.
- Testing Tip: toast a pinch on a hot skillet and sniff—it’ll tell you if your ratios need tweaking.
- Salt Swap: if you prefer iodized table salt, use ¾ teaspoon instead of a full teaspoon of kosher salt.
FAQs
Q: How spicy is this seasoning?
A: With ½ teaspoon cayenne, it’s medium heat—warm but not tongue-tingling. Adjust the cayenne to zero for a milder blend.
Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
A: Fresh herbs add moisture and may clump. If you must, use double the amount and store in the fridge.
Q: Is this gluten-free and vegan?
A: Absolutely—no hidden gluten or dairy here, just pure spices.
Q: How long will it last?
A: Sealed in a cool pantry, expect vibrant flavor for up to six months; beyond that it’s still safe but less aromatic.
Q: Can I double or triple the recipe?
A: Yes—just maintain the same ratios and mix in a larger bowl or container.
Q: What’s the difference between Cajun and Creole seasoning?
A: Creole blends often include mustard powder, sugar, and sometimes herbs like parsley—Cajun sticks closer to earthy spices and heat.
Q: Can I add sugar?
A: Sure! A teaspoon of brown or coconut sugar turns this into a sweet-spicy rub, perfect for ribs or pork chops.
Q: How do I use this seasoning?
A: Sprinkle on proteins before cooking, mix into soups, stir into mayo for a zesty dip, or dust over fries and popcorn.
Conclusion
This Cajun seasoning recipe is a simple way to bring big, bold flavors into your kitchen—no mystery ingredients, just pantry spices you trust. Give it a whirl on your next meal, then pop back here and let me know how it went (or share your twist!). If you loved this blend, you might also enjoy my Homemade Creole Seasoning or my Quick Shrimp Boil Recipe. Happy seasoning!
Cajun Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
Instructions
- Combine all the spices in a small mixing bowl or a wide-mouth jar.
- Whisk or shake vigorously until the powders look uniform.
- Taste-test a pinch to adjust cayenne or paprika as needed.
- Transfer the blend to an airtight spice jar. Label with the date.
- Let the seasoning rest for 10 minutes before use.
- Shake well before each use and sprinkle generously on proteins or veggies.
