Cajun Seasoning
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Cajun seasoning is a tasty blend of zesty, savory flavors and is as spicy or mild as you’d like. It’s easily made from pantry-staple spices, keeps well for months, and is delicious on everything from meats, pasta, potatoes, or veggies.
Cajun seasoning is my go-to spice blend for just about everything. It’s incredibly versatile and adds big flavor to meats, seafood, vegetables, soups, stir-fries, and even dips. If I had to choose just one seasoning to keep in my kitchen, this would be it.
The flavor is bold without being overpowering, and it always seems to be the right choice. It’s made with eight simple spices (including salt and pepper!) that you likely already have in your pantry. Take five minutes to mix up a big batch now, and future-you will be very grateful.
For some more fun in the kitchen, try my other homemade spice blends. Another spicy blend you might enjoy is my jerk seasoning.
What is Cajun seasoning?
This highly versatile spice mix hails from Louisiana. It’s a blend of spices, heavy on paprika, garlic, oregano, and pepper.
Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
It can be! But it doesn’t have to be. That’s the beauty of making your spice mix; it can be whatever you want. If you like it spicy, add cayenne. If you prefer it mild, leave out the cayenne or add only a small pinch.
What’s in Cajun seasoning
Cajun spices can vary a little but generally consists of lots of paprika and garlic and some oregano and pepper. Other spices are added to the mix to make it even more flavorful. The combination I like best is:
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cayenne (if you like it spicy)
How to use cajun spice
Cajun spice is very versatile. Not only can you use it in any recipe that calls for Cajun seasoning (like my easy Cajun salmon), but you can also use it as an all-purpose spice mix. Try it in these recipes, swapping this for the listed spices:
This spice mix is also tasty added to chili, mixed with mayo to make a dip, or sprinkled on fries or popcorn.
Cajun Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons EACH: onion powder and garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon EACH: thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne (see notes)
Instructions
- Mix the spices together in a medium-sized bowl.3 tablespoons paprika, 2 tablespoons EACH: onion powder and garlic powder, 1 tablespoon EACH: thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne (see notes)
- Transfer the spice mix to a jar and store in your pantry for up to 1 year.
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
Cajun rub so good my rockfish tacos had an accent!
Haha that’s hilarious! So happy they were a hit!
This looks amazing! Also, I LOVE the white bowl you used in the top photos. Where did you find it?
That came from a little kitchen store in Vancouver called Ming Wo. It’s a low sided fluted ramekin. 🙂
This sounds yummy! I’m dying to know where you found that beautiful thick-rimmed white bowl? It’s gorgeous!
That bowl used to be my cat’s food bowl lol. I’ve always loved it, too! It’s quite short with ribs around the sides. I honestly can’t remember where I got it but I think it was at one of the many trinket stores in Vancouver’s Chinatown.