Cajun Seasoning - The Nessy Kitchen (2024)

Learn to make your own Cajun seasoning blend with common pantry spices. Use this recipe as a replacement in any recipe that calls for Cajun seasoning or try adding to roasted vegetables, fish, chicken and more.

I'm a big fan of making homemade seasoning mixes.

For starters, it can helpful in case you forgot to pick some up at the store (like not buyingtaco seasoningto make some ground beef tacos).

Plus, you are fully in control of the simple ingredients you use.

Which can be really helpful when you are making something with Cajun seasoning as it tends to be on the spicy side.

While there are a multitude of different versions of Cajun spice, it is typically a blend of peppers (think paprika, cayenne, black and white) along with earthy herbs (such as oregano).

My version is made without white pepper as I don't usually have that in my pantry and it is definitely a bit spicy. So feel free to play around with the ratios in order to achieve your perfect blend.

The Ingredients

• Paprika- This spice comes from sweet bell peppers and is one of the base flavors of the blend. If needed, substitute with smoked paprika.
• Fine Sea Salt- Table salt or kosher salt can be used instead.
• Black Pepper- While a lot of Cajun spice recipe calls for both white pepper and black pepper, my version uses extra black pepper in place of white to make the ingredients easier to find.
• Garlic Powder- Granulated garlic or dried garlic flakes can be used if needed.
• Onion Powder- Dried minced onion will work but is less concentrated so add an extra teaspoon.
• Dried Oregano- Marjoram could be used if needed though its flavor is slightly different.
• Ground Cayenne Pepper- Feel free to add a bit more or less depending on your spice tolerance.
• Dried Thyme- If you don't have any on hand, you can try using dried rosemary instead.

The Method

1. Mix. Add the ground spices to a medium bowl and mix until well combined.

Leftovers and Storage

To Store: Store Cajun seasoning in an airtight container or small mason jar at room temperature in a dry place for up to 1 year.

It will keep longer, but the spices will get less potent and you may need to use more than is called for in a recipe.

Make it Your Own

Reduce the Salt: I include salt in my mix so that I can use it as an all purpose seasoning without having to add salt. However, you can reduce the salt or leave it out completely in order to give you the ability to control the salt added to the dishes that you are making.

Adjust the Spice: As written, this blend is definitely on the spicy side. If you are sensitive to spice, you can use half of the amount of cayenne pepper called for or even leave it out.

Ways to Use Cajun Seasoning

Use this spice blend directly in recipes that call for Cajun seasoning. I also like to use it in some recipes that call for seafood seasoning such as Old Bay.

It is also great used as a general seasoning on:

• Meat such as pork or chicken
• Fish such as salmon, cod or shrimp
• Vegetables such as carrots, or peppers
• Pasta or Potatoes

Here are all of my recipes that use Cajun seasoning:

• Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet
• Cajun Roasted Chickpeas
• Honey Cajun Butter
• Cajun Spaghetti Sauce
• Cajun Corn
• Baked Cajun Salmon
• Cajun Chicken Sheet Pan
• Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Fajita Vegetables

Tips and Notes

• For optimal results, use fresh spices as spices tend to lose their potency over time. If using older spices, you may need to use extra seasoning when cooking with this Cajun spice blend.

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And if you liked this recipe...

...you might also like:

• Taco Seasoning
• Mediterranean Salad Dressing
• Homemade Croutons