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

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

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Table Of Contents hide

  • 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!)

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

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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)

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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.

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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. 🙂

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FAQs

What is the difference between Creole seasoning and Cajun seasoning? ›

While very similar, the primary difference between Cajun and Creole seasonings is this: Cajun seasoning contains a combination of ground peppers—cayenne, black, white, etc. —while Creole seasoning is heavy on the herbs—paprika, oregano, thyme, etc.

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's the closest thing to Cajun seasoning? ›

Chili powder + dried thyme + cayenne pepper

If you really don't have many ingredients in your pantry, you can pull together a basic substitute for Cajun seasoning using 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

Is there sugar in Cajun seasoning? ›

Ingredients. Salt, Chilli (14%), Sugar, Garlic (7%), Onion (6%), Thyme (6%), Paprika (6%), Celery Seed, Cumin, Oregano, Black Pepper, Vegetable Oil.

Which is hotter, Cajun or Creole? ›

So What Makes Them Different? The main difference between Cajun and Creole cuisine is that Cajun cuisine is typically spicier than Creole cuisine. This is because Cajun cuisine uses more spices, such as cayenne pepper and paprika. Creole cuisine, on the other hand, is typically milder.

Is Cajun seasoning the same as Old Bay? ›

In a word: No. While Cajun seasoning comes in many varieties, Old Bay is a specific brand, though you can make our Old Bay copycat recipe at home.

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.

Is Cajun seasoning African? ›

The origin of the Cajun blend or blend. The Cajun mixture or Cajun assembly is a spice composition that comes from Acadian cuisine (French from Louisiana in the USA). It is an assembly of cultures where French aromatic herbs encountered the hot spices of Mexico and Caribbean.

How to use McCormick Cajun seasoning? ›

Usage Tips

Use 2 teaspoons of Cajun Seasoning on chicken, pork chops, or fish, to jazz up these dishes with New Orleans-style flavor. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons to 8 servings of jambalaya.

What compliments Cajun seasoning? ›

Seafood dishes with shrimp or fish. Fried chicken batter or breading. Sauces to serve over pasta or rice. Spicy barbecue sauces.

Can I use Old Bay instead of Creole seasoning? ›

Old Bay Seasoning can be used as a substitute for Creole seasoning in a pinch. However, it has a different flavor profile due to its higher concentration of celery salt and spices like allspice and cloves. To make it more similar to Creole seasoning, add some paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

Can you use jerk seasoning instead of Cajun? ›

Is jerk seasoning the same as Cajun? No, it isn't. Cajun seasoning is mainly herbs and hot pepper. Jerk seasoning enjoys spices such as allspice, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg that you won't find in Cajun mixes.

Is Cajun seasoning good for high blood pressure? ›

This allows individuals to enjoy flavorful meals while maintaining control over their sodium intake, a crucial consideration for those aiming to manage blood pressure and overall heart health. Furthermore, cajun seasoning is a treasure trove of antioxidant-rich ingredients.

What is Creole versus Cajun seasoning? ›

Popular Cajun seasonings like Tony Chachere's and Slap Ya Mama get heat from red pepper, with black pepper, salt, and garlic powder in the mix to enhance the flavor of food. Creole seasoning rounds out spicy red pepper with herbs like thyme, oregano, basil, and bay leaf.

Is Cajun seasoning anti-inflammatory? ›

In addition to its great taste, Beasley's Smokehouse Rub Country Cajun seasoning is also packed with health benefits. The spices used in the blend are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

Is gumbo a Creole or Cajun? ›

Gumbo is perhaps the signature dish of both cuisines. Creole gumbo has a tomato base and is more of a soup, while Cajun gumbo has a roux base and is more of a stew.

Is Jambalaya a Creole or Cajun? ›

Two main categories of jambalaya exist: Creole (or red) jambalaya, which is associated with the city of New Orleans and contains tomato, and Cajun (or brown) jambalaya, which contains no tomato and is more common in other parts of Louisiana.

What are 3 differences between Creole and Cajun cooking? ›

So, what's the difference between these two cuisines? While they are very similar, they do utilize different ingredients. Cajun food is typically spicier than Creole food, and it also contains more pork and crawfish. Creole food utilizes more ingredients like tomatoes, shrimp, oysters, and crab.

Are Cajun and Creole the same season? ›

Both go well on similar dishes, and contain similar flavor profiles in many ways. The main difference is the spice factor present in the Cajun seasoning, which makes Creole seasoning a great alternative for someone hoping to try their hand at shrimp étouffée, but can't handle the heat.

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