Part of my mom’s family is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. Whenever I visited there I’ve loved the flavors of Cajun cooking. Especially the Cajun seasoning blend, which gives a special kick to the local Cajun food. I wanted to recreate recipes that use it at home, like Cajun chicken and red beans.
For years, I bought Cajun seasoning from the grocery store, but then realized it had MSG, anti-caking agents, and fillers in it (including gluten!). Since I already order most of our herbs and spices in bulk, I started mixing my own spice mix and kept it in a small mason jar in my cabinet. (Here are some of my other homemade spice blend recipes.)
Cajun Seasoning Recipe
Though the ingredients cost slightly more on the front end since I order them in bulk, they’re less expensive in the long run. I’m able to make about 4-5 times the amount of seasoning mix, and I also still had the individual spices on hand for other dishes.
These are the seasonings traditionally in Cajun seasoning, as far as I can tell:
- Smoked paprika
- Himalayan salt or sea salt
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper or white pepper
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper (optional, but it won’t be spicy without this)
- Oregano
- Dried thyme
Some recipes also call for cumin, celery seed, or red pepper in their Cajun spice seasoning. Want some extra fun/challenge? Make your own garlic powder or onion powder using this recipe. (You can make chili powder from peppers too!)
Many of these herbs have antimicrobial benefits to help the immune system fight off invaders. They’re also considered warming herbs that stimulate and aid digestion. And sea salt offers trace minerals our cells need. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Here’s how to make your own Cajun spice blend.
Homemade Ragin’ Cajun Seasoning Recipe
Servings
Ingredients
- ½ cup paprika
- ⅓ cup Himalayan salt (or sea salt)
- ¼ cup garlic powder
- 2 TBSP black pepper
- 2 TBSP onion powder
- 1 TBSP cayenne pepper (optional, but won't be spicy without this)
- 2 TBSP oregano
- 1 TBSP thyme
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a jar and shake to mix.
- Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition
Notes
- Good on stir-fry, eggs, casseroles, and poultry.
- Add more or less cayenne pepper to get to your preferred level of spiciness.
Like this recipe? Check out my new cookbook, or get all my recipes (over 500!) in a personalized weekly meal planner here!
How to Use Cajun Seasoning
Cajun cuisine is known for its bold, spicy flavors. Many times these dishes are served over rice (a southern staple) to help mellow the Cajun flavor. You can add a side of rice to your meal or cornbread (if you eat grains), or just pile on the veggies! I’ve found these recipes are so much better than the pre-made store-bought options. Nothing beats simple ingredients and real flavor.
Here are some of the recipes we love to use Cajun seasoning in:
- Cajun Gumbolaya Recipe – Yep, you read that right! This combination gumbo/jambalaya recipe is full of veggies like bell peppers and mild enough for kids to enjoy. (My kids think so, anyway.)
- Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry – Replace the basil with 2 tsp Cajun seasoning in this extremely delicious shrimp stir-fry to make a soul food variation.
- Bayou Dirty Rice – I love this recipe my friend Heather created. Fair warning: She includes the addition of chicken livers which really boosts the nutrition of this dish. I promise… it’s delicious and really good for you!
- Blackened Shrimp and Scallop Fondue – If you do dairy, this recipe is out of this world. I serve it over zoodles (spiralized zucchini noodles) or occasionally gluten-free pasta.
- Chicken Vegetable Stir Fry – Spice up this simple chicken stir fry with some Cajun seasoning.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy Cajun seasoning? Leave a comment and let us know!
Leave a Reply